By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)

There are many talented defensive backs across our coverage area that features more than 60 teams. Below are some of the top defensive backs to watch this season. This list is in alphabetical order.

NOTE: Some worthy players may appear on one of our other SEVEN football watch lists. In an effort to highlight as many players as possible, A PLAYER CAN ONLY APPEAR ON ONE LIST.

The football watch lists we will be releasing are: Quaterbacks, Running Backs, Receivers, Offensive Linemen, Defensive Linemen, Linebackers, Defensive Backs and Breakout Players.

QUARTERBACKS TO WATCH – CLICK HERE
RUNNING BACKS TO WATCH – CLICK HERE
RECEIVERS TO WATCH – CLICK HERE
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN TO WATCH – CLICK HERE
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN TO WATCH – CLICK HERE
LINEBACKERS TO WATCH – CLICK HERE
BREAKOUT PLAYERS TO WATCH – CLICK HERE

JAMBOREE PHOTOS – CLICK HERE
ALL FALL SPORTS PREVIEWS – CLICK HERE

Austin Wilkerson, Lamar Senior

Wilkerson is another four-year starter that has seemingly been playing at Lamar for a decade. His list of accomplishments is nothing short of impressive, as he took home everything including Class 2 and Big 8 Defensive POY honors behind 111 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, five interceptions and four PBUs. Oh, he also turned 70 touches from scrimmage into 1,018 yards and 15 touchdowns. He’s without question one of the best pure football players in the Ozarks.

Samias Pickett, Kickapoo Senior

His tools are absolutely undeniable, which make him every defensive coordinator’s dream at corner. He has great feet, speed to run with anyone and he’s impressively physical. He led Kickapoo in interceptions last year (3) and earned All-State honors. The offers are already rolling in and he was extremely impressive at several major camps this summer. His numbers at running back on offense will just be the cherry on top.

Davion King, Carthage Senior

Also a stud wrestler, King and classmate Clay Kinder are one of the best safety duos in Missouri. King was an All-COC selection last year and returns for his third season starting at safety for Carthage. Jon Guidie loves his IQ and leadership.

Kaylor Darnell, Webb City Senior

His dad grew up playing hockey, so Darnell had no choice but to be tough and that’s how he plays the game. Darnell hunted down 115 tackles last year. While he’s known more for his talents on the diamond, Darnell excelled at getting downhill and making plays against the run, earning All-COC honors.

Garrett Ballard, Ozark Senior

In a loaded COC, Ballard is among the league’s top safeties, proving the ability to make plays against the run and the pass. He is Ozark’s returning leader in tackles (65) and interceptions (5), earning All-COC honors. He even housed one of those interceptions. He has a natural instinct to find his way to the ball.

Jaden Parkman, Camdenton Senior

He’s not the biggest guy in the world, but his 4.4 speed and heart more than make up for things. Parkman is an all-state safety that loves to roam all over the field and just make plays. You see him around the line of scrimmage nearly as much as he’s chasing receivers in coverage but he’s equally effective in doing both.

Taigen Green, West Plains Junior

On a team full of superstars, Green was one of the most consistent pieces on a defense that allowed 12.9 points per game and held six opponents to one score or less. Green finished the season with eight PBUs and a pick-6 with that production coming in just eight games. He has two really good seasons ahead of him.

Drelando Wells, Central 

Wells exploded on the scene last year as an absolute ball hawk, coming up with 11 takeaways and a pair of defensive touchdowns to go along with 85 tackles. His four interceptions and seven fumble recoveries prove his nose for the ball. He’s a big play waiting to happen on the defensive side of the ball.

Blane Young, Marionville

Also an All-State baseball player, Young is a big, athletic defensive back (6-foot-1, 190 pounds) that covers a ton of ground on the back end for Marionville. Last year, he led the Comets with four interceptions, earning All-SWC honors. He is also Marionville’s leading returning receiver from his tight end spot.

Cameron Wray, Logan-Rogersville Junior

Wray is another defensive back that just has a nose for getting the ball back. As a sophomore, he was an All-Big 8 selection behind six interceptions and five PBUs. It’s one thing to be in the right spot defensively, it’s another to be able to go up and make a play on the ball and Wray does that as well as anyone in the Ozarks.

OTHERS TO WATCH

Garrett Ballard, Ozark Junior
Drew Beachler, Nevada Senior
Cross Dowd, McDonald County Senior
Eli Kerr, Lockwood Senior
Clay Kinder, Carthage Senior
Broc Lyle, Rolla Senior
Connor Lynde, Lincoln Senior
Jake Miller, Nixa Senior
Wyatt Woods, Republic Junior