Defensive backs are literally the last line of defense and must play nearly perfect football. The keyword is ‘almost,’ as they must overcome many variables. First, they never know which routes the wide receivers will run. Next, when the ball is in the air, the secondary must make a play without much contact, since offenses can easily draw pass interference penalties.
10) JeRico Washington, Kennesaw State
PFSN College DB Impact Score: 84.1 (B)
Despite his size (5’10”, 175 pounds), Washington is a vicious hitter, forcing five fumbles. However, he needs to improve his tackling if he wants to play at a Power Four school. Acting as a missile does not work well against much larger receivers. He may also see time as a safety slot.
9) Qua Moss, Kansas State
PFSN College DB Impact Score: 84.7 (B)
At his next school, Moss will serve as a jack-of-all-trades. In Manhattan, he played the STAR position, which combines the qualities of a corner, a safety, and even a linebacker who must blitz. Moss will stay on the field in all situations, as he can cover running backs, receivers, and tight ends equally well. While the portal teems with talent, diversified talents will prove helpful.
8) Mister Clark, Florida International
PFSN College DB Impact Score: 84.7 (B)
Aggressive cover corner with superior ball skills (three interceptions) and 13 pass breakups, which led Conference USA. He has a solid build and vertical ability, could add strength, but already competes well on contested catches.
7) Christian Harrison, Cincinnati
PFSN College DB Impact Score: 84.9 (B)
A late bloomer who benefited from a change of scenery at Cincinnati, he plays with physicality and has solid shadowing technique, following wideouts at all three levels. He has proven he can handle Power Four receivers, setting him up to continue progressing.
6) Justin Eaglin, James Madison
PFSN College Impact Score: 85 (B)
Eaglin is a productive corner who excelled in the Dukes’ 4-2-5 scheme. He could be the latest JMU player to leave campus, jump into the portal, and succeed at a bigger program. His ball skills and timing will translate.
5) Jontez Williams, Iowa State
PFSN College DB Impact Score: 85 (B)
A stocky corner who can also play free safety, Williams doesn’t rely on just his eyes. Instead, his instincts and ability to read the route break put him in a prime position to make plays.
4) Ja’Son Prevard, Virginia
PFSN College DB Impact Score: 85.7 (B)
Prevard fits best in a Cover 3 or press man system. With long arms, he maintains inside contact on receivers, avoiding pass interference calls other defenders might draw. However, quick, twitchy receivers could give him trouble.
3) DJ Barksdale, James Madison
PFSN College DB Impact Score: 86.3 (B)
Nickelbacks are rarely targeted, yet Barksdale regularly faced teams who moved their No. 1 wideout into the slot against him. His lack of height (5’9″) could limit him outside, but with the popularity of spread formations, he’ll always be battling inside. One of the toughest players in the portal.
2) Kalen Carroll, Central Michigan
PFSN College DB Impact Score: 87 (B)
Carroll’s transition to upper-echelon football was difficult at first, but after a year in Mount Pleasant, he established himself as a lead corner capable of shutting down receivers. He also surprises with his reliability as a tackler.
1) Tyler Brown, James Madison
PFSN College DB Impact Score: 87.7 (B+)
With 27 games played in his first two years, Brown has experience against various teams at different levels. For example, his last game was against Oregon. That experience may give him greater confidence when facing strong offenses. Brown ranked No. 21 in PFSN’s Safety Impact metric.
