Defensive Backs Galore In SC Getting Looks From Colleges All The Nation
Defensive Backs Galore In SC Getting Looks From Colleges All The Nation.
By Thomas Grant Jr.
Special Contributor
Columbia-- Athletic, versatile, and impacting is the best way to describe the High School Sports Report’s Classes of 2027 and 2028 defensive backs.
This group makes up 18 players in both classes. They include state champions who have already made their college choices and All-State and All-Region players.
CLASS OF 2027
DB Kaiden Watkins ROCK HILL (5-9, 180 lbs.) James Madison
The 16th ranked HSSR Top Prospect for the Class of 2027. A 2-sport athlete who won a state title at South Pointe last season, he played cornerback and wide receiver.
Before verbally committing to James Madison, Watkins received 19 Division I scholarship offers.
“Kaiden is a four-year varsity starter and one of the most experienced defensive backs in our program,” head coach Leon Boulware said. “He has the ability to play multiple positions in the secondary and gives us the flexibility to match him up against an opponent’s top offensive weapon. He is physical in the run game, has excellent coverage ability, and plays football extremely well in the air.
“What separates Kaiden is his competitiveness and confidence. He wants the difficult assignment. When the game is on the line, he wants to be matched up with the other team’s best player. He brings toughness, instincts, athleticism, and a high football IQ to our defense.”
Tajeh Watson-Martin WESTSIDE (5-10, 170 lbs.) Committed to Virginia
Ranked 22nd overall by HSSR, he transferred from Belton-Honea Path for his senior season. Last season, he had 27 tackles, four interceptions, three pass breakups and a sack on defense. He led the Bears on offense with 58 catches for 1,101 yards and 11 touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns.
Christian Chancellor DANIEL (5-9, 162 lbs.) Committed to Clemson
Ranked 23rd overall by HSSR, Chancellor had 30 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, five pass deflections, an interception and touchdown on defense last season. He also caught eight receptions for 195 yards and three touchdowns.
“He is a lockdown corner and team captain,” head coach Chris Stone said. “We insert him on offense when we need a spark, and he almost always provides that spark. He is one of the best leaders I have ever had.”
Jamar Grissett IRMO (6-3, 195 lbs.) Committed to Appalachian State
Ranked 35th overall by HSSR, the junior has been a focal point of the Yellow Jackets’ two straight Lower State champions and state runner-up teams. He had 66 tackles, seven interceptions, five pass breakups and two blocked field goals.
“He is remarkable with great ball skills,” head coach Aaron Brand said. “The sky is the limit. A remarkable human.”
James Smith DUTCH FORK (6-1, 180 lbs.) Liberty
Ranked 39th overall by HSSR.
Oliver Coleman LUGOFF-ELGIN (6-2, 175 lbs.) Committed to Coastal Carolina
Ranked 42nd overall by HSSR, Coleman had 38 tackles, 15 pass breakups, two interceptions and two tackles for losses as a junior.
“Oliver is an exceptional athlete with outstanding physical tools,” head coach Jarvis Littlejohn said. “He possesses excellent ball skills, outstanding body control, and the ability to change direction effortlessly. As a former All-Region basketball player, he has transferred those athletic traits seamlessly to the football field, making him a dynamic and versatile playmaker.
“What excites me most about Oliver is that he is still developing. He has only begun to tap into his tremendous potential, and I believe his best football is still ahead of him. I look forward to watching him excel during his senior season and continue his academic and athletic career at Coastal Carolina University. I have no doubt he will make a positive impact at the next level.
Jaylon Richardson NORTHWESTERN (5-11, 165 lbs.) Committed to Charleston Southern
As a junior for the Class 5A Division II champion Trojans, Richardson had 24 tackles, nine pass deflections and four interceptions. He’s ranked 50th overall by HSSR.
Jaylon has committed to play football at Charleston Southern University,” head coach Page Wofford said. “They are getting a steal. He is a solid player who loves football. Jaylon is a high character guy who will only get better.”
Michael Strickler OCEANSIDE COLLEGIATE ACADEMY (6-1, 210 lbs.)
Ranked 54th overall by HSSR, Strickler tallied 81 tackles and two interceptions for the Class 3A champions.
John Campbell ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC (5-9, 181 lbs.)
Ranked 70th overall by HSSR, Campbell had 57 tackles and a sack for the Knights. In the season-opener against Blue Ridge, he had 11 tackles and 75 total yards on offense.
“John is a great player for us in all 3 phases of the game,” head coach Eric Nash said. “John missed is entire junior season with a knee injury and we are super excited to have him back this year! He was an All-Region Safety as a sophomore and has had a great start to this season.”
DB Dejay Leak BOILING SPRINGS (5-9, 176 lbs.)
Ranked 103rd overall by HSSR, Leak had 32 tackles, five pass breakups and an interception as a junior.
He has an offer from Miami (Ohio).
“Djay Leak is a great player for us on both sides of the football,” head coach Matthew Reel said. “He played multiple positions last year on defense and will play wide receiver for us this fall as well.
“He is also a weapon in special teams....he is our punt returner and one of our kickoff returners as well. Big time play making ability with the ball in his hands.”
Gavin Elliott GILBERT (6-0, 185 lbs.) Committed to U.S. Army
As a junior, Elliott had 95 tackles, two interceptions, two sacks, two pass breakups and a blocked field goal. He’s ranked 116th overall by HSSR.
Gavin is the leader of our team,” head coach Oz Exume said. “He has started on varsity since he was a sophomore.
“He has an intense motor and attacks practice the same way he attacks games. He is physical in the run game and is a great tackler in the open field. He can play multiple positions on defense and is a game changing player.
“He pushes everyone at practice and plays the game the right way. He is a great ambassador for Gilbert High School and Gilbert Football.”
Christian McDowell EASTSIDE (5-9, 155 lbs.)
As a junior for the Eagles, McDowell had 13 Tackles, four pass breakups and returned two of his three interceptions for touchdowns. He also rushed for 64 yards and a touchdown and had 16 receptions for 275 yards and two scores in receiving All-Region honors.
He’s ranked 139th overall by HSSR.
“You can't teach someone to be a dog, I'm happy we have one in Christian,” head coach Andre Woolcock said.
CLASS OF 2028
Zion Dawkins GAFFNEY (5-11, 181 lbs.)
The number-one top prospect for the HSSR Class of 2028. As a sophomore, Dawkins had 29 tackles, two interceptions, three fumble recoveries and 13 pass breakups.
He has received offers from 13 schools (Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Georgia Tech, Boston College, Syracuse, Duke, USF, App State, Florida Atlantic, Howard, Coastal Carolina, ECU, UNC Charlotte)
“Zion began his career with us at cornerback before making the transition to free safety during his 10th-grade season,” head coach Donnie Littlejohn said. “He has a natural ability to find the football and understand what is happening around him. In my opinion, when Zion is in the middle of the field, there are not many receivers who are going to be open for long.
“What separates Zion is that he does not shy away from contact. He plays with an almost linebacker mentality when it comes to being physical and making tackles. His intelligence is another major asset. He takes the same academic approach he uses in the classroom and applies it to football, studying opponents, understanding tendencies, and looking for every possible advantage he can find.
“Last season, Zion had more than six touchdowns negated on punt returns or interceptions because of penalties. Those plays are a reminder of the impact he can have when he gets the opportunity to make plays in space.
Desiray Christian - EMERALD (6-0, 190 lbs.)
Christian is a transfer from Greenwood, and he had an impact Emeralds win over Crescent to start the season. Christian is ranked 14th overall in the HSSR Class of 2028.
D.J. Johnson - NORTH AUGUSTA (6-2, 180 lbs.)
As a sophomore, Johnson had 36 tackles, 10 pass breakups and returned an interception for a touchdown. He’s ranked 21st in the HSSR Class of 2028.
“D.J. is a long and athletic cornerback who can cover man to man and will come up and make tackles at the line of scrimmage,” head coach Richard Bush said. “He has had a really good offseason and continues to make great strides as a football player. He does a great job on special teams and will play wide receiver also this coming year.
Jordan Logan ORANGEBURG - WILKINSON (6-1, 195 lbs.)
As a sophomore, Logan tallied 71 tackles and two interceptions for the Bruins.
He’s ranked 31st by HSSR and Newberry and Erskine have given him offers.
“A very physical guy who tackles well and is an excellent student who works hard,” head coach Chris Carter said. “He’s a guy who can benefit any program who signs him. He doesn’t shy away from anything and he’s a hard-nosed kid.”
DB Malachi Thompson - WOODRUFF (5-10, 170 lbs.)
As a sophomore, Thompson had 40 tackles, 10 pass breakups and a sack. He has started the past two seasons at cornerback. He’s ranked 37th in the HSSR Class of 2028.
“Malachi is a very experienced player,” head coach Brett Sloan said. “He has started at corner for us as a freshman. He is very good in coverage. He really breaks the ball well and he is super physical in run support. His physicality and explosiveness are going to give him an opportunity to be a very good player at the next level.
Tyler Murray - KINGSTREE (6-1, 185 lbs.)
Ranked 28th by HSSR, Murray has transferred from South Florence where he played mostly as a wide receiver.
