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The Lone Star State has solidified itself as one of the premier football hotbeds in the country. Nowadays it is impossible to talk high school football without mentioning prospects from Texas in the conversation. In a state where sports are considered a way of life, Texas takes High School Football to another level. Here are a few underrated defensive backs from the Dallas-Fort Worth area to watch during the 2018 season.
2019 CB Devyn Butler (Allen) – Devyn Butler hails from Class 6A Division I State Champion, Allen High School where the talent pool is plentiful. Butler is a technically sound player at corner and is also a big time contributor on special teams. He’s one of the next Division 1 football prospects in line at Allen. He currently holds a recent offer from the University of Arizona.
2019 CB Xavier Gipson (Wilson) – Xavier Gipson can quickly change the complexion of a game by forcing a turnover on defense, then flipping the field with a punt return. His playmaking ability, speed, and knack for scoring non-offensive touchdowns should catapult his underrated status to the top of the state’s 2019 recruiting boards.
2019 S Darius Houston (Lake Ridge) – Darius Houston is the enforcer you want patrolling the second level of your defense. His 180-pound frame allows him to also walk down into the box as a linebacker. He is a highly instinctive football player that makes a lot of plays all over the field. Keep your eyes open for this emerging prospect in the fall because Houston is on pace for a breakout season.
2020 S Plae Wyatt (McKinney Boyd) – There is one word to describe Plae Wyatt and it is playmaker. He is a true quarterback on the defensive side of the ball. Wyatt plays the safety position well beyond his classification showing the leadership and football savvy of an upperclassman. He dissects things quickly, often putting him in position to make plays on the football. Wyatt holds one offer from SMU, but that will soon change.
2020 CB Jalen Kimber (Mansfield Timberview) – Fresh off a recent offer from UH, Jalen Kimber has increased his stock this offseason. He’s an athletic cornerback who plays every aspect of the position well. Former NFL All Pro Ray Mickens speaks highly of Kimber who plays on Mickens’ 7on7 team, Texas Swoosh. Expect the offers to pile up for Kimber after the fall season.
2020 CB Chance Mapps (Melissa) – Chance Mapps is an under the radar corner from the Class of 2020. He’s an active defender in both coverage and in run support. Quarterbacks throwing his way need to be aware because Mapps looks to score after picking off passes.
2020 CB Avery Gibson (Midlothian) – Avery Gibson plays with the swagger and confidence needed to be a difference maker on the backend. Not only does Gibson show up on defense, he also makes plays on special teams. He plays the ball in the air well and does not give up much when in coverage.
2021 CB Riley Angel (Midlothian) – Riley Angel joins Avery Gibson on Midlothian Island as an up and coming young gunner who is comfortable lining up in man coverage against wideouts. That fearlessness as a freshman earns him a spot on the list. Watch out for this tandem to heat up in 2018.
2021 S JD Coffey III (Kennedale) – Only special athletes see playing time at the Varsity level as a freshman, and JD Coffey is one of those special players. Not only was he on the roster, but he actually contributed tremendously in game action. Coffey will be a Top 5 player at his position when it’s all said and done.
2021 CB Jimmy Wyrick (South Oak Cliff) – Jimmy Wyrick picked up his first offer in May from Utah State. He is the son of a former NFL DB who seemed to inherit his excellent cover skills from his father. He’s another DFW prospect that will become a big recruiting target in the state of Texas over the next few years. Remember the name because sky’s the limit for this young, talented DB.
Join Football Hotbed at the Big Texas Exposure Showcase on June 2, 2018 in Carrollton, TX. Click here for more info.
