Arizona’s top high school football players: Meet the state’s best defensive backs
We’re taking a position-by-position look at some of the top players in Arizona high school football. This list focuses on the defensive backs.
There are hundreds of standout football players in Arizona and these lists are not intended to be comprehensive! Let us know about any other defensive backs you think should be added.
Note: All statistics and information through Oct. 4
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Donovan Aidoo, sr., Higley
Aidoo is a ballhawk who has picked off seven passes during his Higley career. The three-star prospect holds double-digit Division I offers, including Arizona and Arizona State.
Jackson Barton, sr., O’Connor
Barton is a prototypical cover corner at 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds. A three-star recruit, Barton committed to Nevada in June.
Jamar Beal-Goines, jr., Desert Edge
Beal-Goines uses his 10.6 speed in the 100 meters to shadow opposing wide receivers in coverage. The three-star recruit’s numerous Division I offers include Arizona State and Washington.
Jaci Dickerson, sr., Saguaro
Dickerson is a factor in all three phases for Saguaro who sees time at defensive back, running back and wide receiver. He is a three-star prospect with multiple Power 5 offers.
Rylon Dillard-Allen, jr., Mountain Pointe
Dillard-Allen transferred from Desert Vista to Mountain Pointe following his sophomore season. A three-star junior, Dillard-Allen’s offers include Arizona, Arizona State and Washington.
Nijrell Eason II, sr., Higley
Eason II has eight career interceptions and 30 pass breakups during his four years at Higley. The three-star UNLV commit stars next to Donovan Aidoo.
Billy Eastep, sr., Brophy College Prep
A leader at the back end of Brophy College Prep’s defense, Eastep is equally adept at playing the run and pass. He is a three-star prospect who committed to Yale in July.
Sammie Hunter, sr., Chandler
One of the best cover corners in Arizona, Hunter also competes in track and field for Chandler as a sprinter and jumper. The three-star prospect will play college football for Utah.
Samuel Johns, sr., Desert Ridge
A four-year varsity player, Johns has broken up 27 passes during his Desert Ridge career with five interceptions. The senior is averaging 5.3 tackles per game and has 199 in 33 games for the Jaguars.
Jaylen Jones, sr., Hamilton
Jones is a hard-hitting senior safety who is averaging nearly 11 tackles per game this season. A three-star recruit, Jones committed to Army in July.
Nate LaDuke, sr., American Leadership Queen Creek
A free safety who is a sure tackler with ball skills, LaDuke has five career interceptions and 185 total tackles (averaging 8.8 per game). The senior holds an offer from Arizona State.
Chase Laux, sr., Canyon del Oro
The reigning Class 4A Kino Region defensive player of the year, Laux’s instincts are off the charts. The senior has five interceptions this season and is averaging nearly five tackles per game.
Miles Lockhart, sr., Basha
The No. 1 defensive back prospect in Arizona, Lockhart is a four-star recruit who committed to Ohio State over the summer. He is a lockdown cover corner with seven career interceptions.
Marcus Logan, sr., Centennial
Logan has a nose for the ball from the cornerback position. The senior has averaged 46.7 yards per return on his three interceptions this season, including a 90-yard return for a touchdown against Corona del Sol.
Thomas Prassas, sr., Basha
Miles Lockhart gets more publicity, but Prassas is also a difference-maker in Basha’s secondary. A three-star recruit, Lockhart is headed to BYU for college. He has five career interceptions.
Trey Smith, sr., Apollo
Smith picked off six passes as a junior and has four more this season for Apollo. He is also a factor on special teams, averaging 24 yards per punt return and 41.3 yards per kick return.
Cree Thomas, jr., Brophy College Prep
Thomas teams with Billy Eastep to create one of the best secondaries in Arizona. He is a three-star recruit with double-digit Division I offers, including Arizona, Arizona State and Oregon. Thomas has picked off three passes this season.
Keyvon Thomas, sr., Corona del Sol
Thomas is one of the best cover corners in the state at 6-foot-1 and 170 pounds. The three-star prospect holds a Division I offer from Nevada.
Kennedy Urlacher, sr., Chandler
The son of Pro Football Hall of Fame member Brian Urlacher, Kennedy Urlacher is capable of playing anywhere in the secondary for Chandler’s stacked defensive backs room. The Notre Dame commit is a three-star prospect.
Santana Wilson, sr., Desert Mountain
Another player with NFL bloodlines, Wilson is the son of former Arizona Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson. The 247Sports composite four-star Texas commit is a strong tackler who is comfortable in coverage. He has seven career interceptions.
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-- Bob Lundeberg | @sblivesports
