It’s that time of year again. Time to re-rank the top defensive backs in the state of Texas for the class of 2023. There have been a lot of changes in the past few months, so let’s take a look at where things stand now.
As always, Texas is loaded with talent at the defensive back position. There are a few new names in the mix this year, but the top of the list looks very similar to last year’s rankings.
Here are our updated Top 20 defensive backs in the state of Texas for the class of 2023:
#20.Lamodrick Spencer (23) | 6’1 160 | S | Duncanville
With a devastating hit, a forced fumble, or an interception, which makes it all appear simple, Spencer has the ability to change the momentum of a game with his big-play potential and can score points on both sides of the ball. Dangerous with the football in his hands and can put up points on defense.
Previous Rank: #19
#19.Abdul Muhammad (23) | 5’9 190 | CB | South Oak Cliff
Abdul is a big, physical corner who can drive in front of passes and has the speed to take them all the way into the end zone. He has that big-play ability and can put out opponents on his way. Has 10 Division I scholarships on the table.
Previous Rank: #14
#18.Bruce Mitchell (23)| 6’1 180 | S | Lone Star
Bruce has a passion for the game and can come up with some interceptions that will have you wondering, “where did he come from?” He’s really crafty at setting things up in his favor, tempting quarterbacks to throw his way. With his long arms, and huge frame, Bruce is capable of keeping stride for stride with receivers and using his lengthy arms
Previous Rank: #18
#17.Brenden Jordan (23) | 6’0 185 | S | Mansfield
When he comes downhill and receivers go up for the catch, he is able to lay the wood on them and jars the ball loose, and has the speed to close the gap fast. This guy’s got some bulk to him; he’s got a nice lean build. Has 11 Division I scholarships currently on the table.
Previous Rank: $16
#16.Vernon Glover Jr. | 5’11 170 | CB | Dickinson
Vernon is excellent at jamming up receivers, flipping their hips, and getting his head around to make a play on the ball. He’s also a superb special-teamer.
Previous Rank: #12
#15.Jaden Milliner-Jones (23) | 5’11 175 | S | DeSoto
Jaden is a tackling machine who can be dependable on the defensive side of the ball. Can function as a hybrid defender, coming down in the box, blitzing the passer, or making a TFL and/or dropping back in coverage to make plays. FBS level athlete with 15 Division I offers from schools including UConn, Mississippi State as well as others.
Previous Rank: #20
#14.Caimon Mathis (23) | 5’11 155 | CB | DeSoto
The DeSoto defense faces tough competition every week. Whether it’s coming up with an interception and returning it for six points or knocking the ball out of the opponent’s hands, Mathis demonstrates a high level of attention in making big-time plays look routine. Mathis has it all under control. An outstanding FBS athlete who might make good early impacts
Previous Rank: #15
#13.Deldrick Madison (23) 5’11 175 | CB | Duncanville
With his long arms and strong hands, Madison has the potential to be one of the best defensive players in this year’s class. He jabs receivers at the line of scrimmage, throws them off target, tracks the ball, and attacks it with his long arms and powerful hands. 24 different division I colleges have shown interest in him.
Previous Rank: #7
#12.Daniel Demery (23) | 6’1 190 | DB | Parish Episcopal
With a lean muscular build, Daniel has the size to play down in the box against the run or in the passing game. Because of his speed, he can be used as a returner on special teams and become a danger to deliver a home visit anytime he handles the ball because of his athleticism.
Previous Rank: #8
#11.Ryan Yaites (23) | 6’2 185| DB | Denton Guyer
Yates is a cover corner with a long, athletic-looking frame who has an excellent bend, motion, and smoothness in his backpedal and can pick off passes or come up with the interception. He holds 21 division I scholarship offers and committed to LSU in April of this year.
Previous Rank: #6
#10.Jacoby Davis (23) | 5’11 170 | CB | North Shore
Davis is on the rise and has seen a rise in his recruiting stock picking up offers from schools like Georgia, and Colorado recently this year. Jacoby is one of the most physical on the list, his motor is always high; he can jam up receivers at the LOS and knock them off their routes.
Previous Rank: #13
#9.Jaylon Braxton (23) | 5’11, 160 | DB | Lone Star
A two-sport athlete who plays both football and track. He has the type of closing speed that will blow defenders away and get people on their feet. He shows a great understanding of the game, reads plays well, breaks on the ball, and takes picks all the way back for six points.
Previous Rank: #13
#8.Micah Bell (23) | 5’11 160 | CB | The Kinkaid School
Whether he’s rushing the quarterback on special teams or out of the backfield, Bell has a high motor and plays with an aggressive mentality. He can be physical within a route, his physical style translates to tackling, and he always looks to knock or jar the ball free. He should make an immediate impact at the next level.
Previous Rank: #11
#7.Jayvon Thomas (23) | 5’11 170 | DB, RB | South Oak Cliff
Jayvon is a versatile defender who can play cornerback, running back, and on special teams. He has great closing speed, can cover receivers effectively, and can turn his head to track the ball. In April of this year, he accepted 34 Division I scholarship offers and committed to the Texas A&M Aggies.
Previous Rank: #10
#6.Jamel Johnson (23) |6’0 170 | DB, ATH | Seguin
On the defensive side of the ball, Jamel is one of the best in the nation. He has great backpedal skills, trailing receivers, driving on the football, and ball skills, among other things. Texas longhorns commit who held 34 DIs scholarship offers before our last rankings and have since added another six to his list.
Previous Rank: #4
Biggest Riser & Top 5
#5.Calvin Simpson-Hunt (23) | 6’0 175 | CB | Waxahachie
Calvin is our “Biggest riser” has seen his recruitment heat up and take off this year. Interest from some top programs around the country like USC, Alabama, Ohio State, and Texas offering last month alone. Calvin has Olympic track sprinter speed, he can come up with some tackles for losses in the opponent’s backfield. The consensus among analysts and fans is that he will be one of the most intriguing players to follow this season. He has a high level of physicality and can fly down the field to make spectacular plays. Committed to the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
Previous Rank: #17
#4.Braxton Myers (23) | 6’1 185 | S | Coppell
Myers is a ball hawk with an exceptional ability to trail receivers and make interceptions. He appears to be light on his feet, has closing speed, and can melt defenders the way the sky lights up runners on the fourth of July. Holds 32 Division I scholarships from schools such as Auburn, Clemson, Texas, and USC to name a few.
Previous Rank: #5
#3.Peyton Bowen (23)| 6’0 185 | S | Denton Guyer
Peyton Bowen is one of the greatest safety prospects in any class. He flies all over the field, delivering powerful blows to receivers, and makes spectacular plays appear routine. He has the ability to build long-term success at the next level and is anticipated to be a Sunday player.
Previous Rank: #3
#2.Javien Toviano (23)|6’0 185 | CB | Martin
Toviano is a next-level-ready athlete who can play on both sides of the ball at receiver, running back, defensive back, and special teams. He can jam up receivers at the line of scrimmage and swat down passes thrown his way. He’s got 33 Division I offers to put a seatbelt on the finest of them.
Previous Rank: #2
#1.Malik Muhammad (23)| 6’0 170 | CB | South Oak Cliff
Malik is a versatile athlete with great speed and skill on both sides of the ball who can be utilized at various defensive backfield positions. Malik makes plays on passes directed his way, displaying that he can trail receivers and track the football with his leg arms, strength, and closing speed. He’s got a high football IQ and always seems to be in the right place at the right time, which is why he’s our top-ranked defensive back. Who experts think is close to a commitment to Texas A&M and considering others.
Previous Rank: #1
As you can see, there are a lot of talented defensive backs in the 2023 class. It will be exciting to see them all performing for their respective teams this season.
