2024 Top 10 East Texas Preseason Defensive Backs

With the emergence of the pass game in East Texas, defensive backs have become that much more important. East Texas has a tradition of great DBs, and these 10 are the next guys up for 2024.

10. Jr. Brayson Woods - Gladewater

Woods wears number 0, and you gotta be a dude to wear that number. Last season as a sophomore Woods graded out as a 87 last season as primairly an offensive weapon late in the season. He played receiver and wildcat QB, and was just a guy who get the job done for the Bears. As a defender, Woods had 31 tackles and 2 interceptions from the nickel position. He would run to the ball and bring hat. He can set the edge and knock blockers backwards. I expect him to take big steps forward in 24, and might even crack the list.

9. Sr. Sye Stroman - Atlanta

As a junior Sye Stroman had teams spooked to throw his way. At 6' 170 Stroman made interceptions early on in the season, but what's most impressive was his ability to come up and tackle people. Stroman was a physical force throughout the year. Tackling isn't high on the priority list for most defensive backs, but Stroman showed the ability to be willing to make hits. He's a receiver on offense as well, and if he can make more plays he might find his self in the Top 100.

8. Sr. Spencer Barnett - Rusk

Spencer Barnett is a fast cornerback and running back for the Rusk Eagles. He competes for the ball when it's in the air, and if he catches it he's a threat to score it every time. He shined in man to man coverage on his highlight tape, catching 4 interceptions. As a senior, if he improves his tackling and his offensive input, Barnett will make the jump from an 88 score to possibly the Top 100.

7. Sr. Tim Johnson - Center

Tim Johnson is a fast flying safety for Center. Johnson's not only a ball hawking safety but an outstanding receiver as well. He anticipates and drives to the ball when he sees it, and after he catches it, it's up. He breaks up a lot of passes and is willing to come up and tackle. With Cash Cross gone, I'm not sure what level of production Johnson will have as a receiver, but as a DB he'll be needed to cash in on interceptions and give the Roughriders a chance. 

6. Jr. Judson Dotson - West Rusk

Boy is Dotson fun to watch. Graded out as a 92, Dotson just barely missed the list. He's listed as a QB on hudl, so maybe a position change is amongst us, but last season he was a Swiss army knife. He lined up everywhere and made plays all over the field for the Raiders. Dotson high points the ball extremely well, and has the athleticism to stink to defenders like glue. He was a star in the return game last year, played WR and started at Cornerback. It'll be fun to keep up with Dotson this year. 

5. Sr. Micah Strickland - Brownsboro

At 6' 175 Micah Strickland has the size to get it done. He's offered up and considered a 4 start prospect by 247. Stickland has great speed and anticipation and is well coached and savvy. He disguises his coverages well and can fool undisciplined quarterbacks. In man coverage he stick to receivers like glue, and drives on the football either for an interception or a pass defense. He's an intriguing prospect that graded out as a 91 for me last season, putting him 111 last year. I'm expecting to see him in the Top 100 this year. 

4. Jr. Decorian Thompson - Mount Pleasant

Brother to Utah signee, LaTristian Thompson, Decorian has size and pedigree on his side already. As a sophomore he graded out as a 91 as a cornerback, just on the cusp of making the Top 100. He's about 5'11 175, and is aggressive. He is physical, can get in your face and press you and cover you all the way down the field. You can tell he is locked in and bought in to the cornerback position, and I expect him to take more steps forward and make the Top 100 like his brother this year. 

3. Sr. Jayden Doss - Mount Vernon

There's a sense of swag at Mount Vernon and Jayden Doss is kind of the embodiment of it. He's a dude. If you throw him a gift he will gladly accept it. He had 8 interceptions last season, and maybe with added muscle and more impact in the run game, Doss will crack the top 100 after scoring an 87 overall last season.

2. Sr. Javon Towns - Kilgore

Towns and Sanders are the only 2 returning defensive backs who made the Top 100 last season. Towns finished 33rd on the list after an incredible 94 tackle, 8 interception performance last season. Talk about a guy that plays bigger than his size, at just 5'6 165 pounds, Towns can tackle anybody in East Texas. He's as smart as they come, relies on his instincts and make some incredible plays on the football. He's bound to score if he touches it, scoring on defense, offense and returning kicks for touchdowns last year. There ain't too many like #1 in Kilgore.

1. Jr. Jayden Sanders - Kilgore

Jayden Sanders is the preseason number 1 defensive back, and trust me, teams do not fw him while on the field. If he gets an opportunity at corner, he's picking it. And he probably won't see the ball on defense again for the next 2 weeks. At 6'2 190 pounds, Sanders is as imposing as they come at defensive back. He can cover, he can tackle, and he can hit. There's a difference. On offense, Sanders shines as a WR, and too can return kicks to the house. Kilgore will be strong again, and Sanders will be the best Bulldog.