Rivals continues to roll out its updated rankings for the 2021 class and our focus today moves to defensive backs. Most of the top players at this position are committed, but there are some big names still out there and storylines to follow.
2021 Rankings: Cornerback | Safety
RIVALS RANKINGS WEEK SCHEDULE:
Monday: Five-Star Countdown
Tuesday: New Rivals250 | Mind of Mike: Farrell's thoughts
Wednesday: Offensive position rankings released | Big movers | Hot teams
Thursday: Defensive position rankings released
Friday: State rankings released
CLASS OF 2021 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team
CLASS OF 2022 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
COVERAGE: Rivals Transfer Tracker | Rivals Camp Series
TEAMS WITH TOP COMMITS - Miami, Ohio State
The group of defensive backs is extremely strong at the top this cycle and the Ohio State and Miami have landed the cream of the crop.
When talking cornerbacks, the No. 1 player is Jakailin Johnson from St. Louis. He has length, athleticism, ball skills and could be in line to be the next star corner to play in the Horseshoe. At safety, James Williams from Miami heads the list. He has the size of a linebacker, maybe even an edge rusher, but the big safety can roam the secondary, fill the alley, play in the box and make plays on the back end. He is staying home with the Hurricanes.
TEAM TO WATCH - Florida
The Gators already have commitments from five defensive backs, so how could they be the school listed in this category? Because Rivals100 defensive back Terrion Arnold is still out there, and the Gators have been trending for the four-star out of Tallahassee. Florida would only take another defensive back if he was the right guy, and Arnold is a high priority. He is in constant communication with most of the Florida staff and the Gators are in the prime position for Arnold.
PLAYER TO WATCH - Damarius McGhee
The new four-star recently decommitted from Tennessee, but are the Vols truly out? He has kept Tennessee in his top three with LSU and Mississippi State. Ole Miss is trying to get in this. Miami and some others are as well. McGhee is still planning to sign this month and LSU has the buzz, but this could still go a couple of different ways. He is one to keep an eye on.
