High school football: Devin Sanchez, D.J. Pickett headline top 10 defensive backs heading into 2024 season

Ohio State loading up on elite DBs.

Thumbnail image of this articles writer: Zack Poff
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Aug 2, 2024, 9:30am
We have already zoned in on the quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, defensive linemen and linebackers. Last on the list of the position-by-position breakdown heading into the 2024 high school football season are the defensive backs. 

Devin Sanchez of North Shore (Houston) headlines the list. The five-star cornerback is the fifth-rated prospect in the Class of 2025 according to 247Sports. He has landed over 30 FBS offers and committed to Ohio State in January.

Sanchez is one of three defensive backs featured committed to the Buckeyes. Naeem Offord of Parker (Birmingham, Ala.) and Faheem Delane of Good Counsel (Olney, Md.) check in at No. 3 and No. 8.

Justice Fitzpatrick of St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) is the only non-senior included. Expect the five-star cornerback to play a huge role for the 11th-ranked team in the MaxPreps Top 25. He is the younger brother of four-time Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.

D.J. Pickett of Zephyrhills (Fla.) joins Fitzpatrick as one of two defensive backs featured from Florida. The recent LSU pledge checks in at No. 2.

Alabama and California were the only other states to have multiple selections. Anquon Fegans of Thompson (Alabaster, Ala.) joins Offord from the Yellowhammer State, while Dijon Lee of Mission Viejo (Calif.) and Daryus Dixson of Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) both hail from the Golden State.

Indiana, Maryland, Ohio and Texas all had one selection each.
1. Devin Sanchez, North Shore (Houston)
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 170
Status: Committed to Ohio State | Class: Senior (2025)
Top-rated cornerback was a first team selection on the 2023 MaxPreps Junior All-America team and 2022 Sophomore All-America team.

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 180
Status: Committed to LSU | Class: Senior (2025)
Five-star defensive back finished junior season with 31 tackles and one interception to go with 52 receptions for 1,033 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Height: 6-1 | Weight: 185
Status: Committed to Ohio State | Class: Senior (2025)
Two-way standout intercepted five passes and accounted for over 500 total yards and 11 touchdowns on offense.

Height: 6-1 | Weight: 180
Status: Committed to Auburn | Class: Senior (2025)
Has been playing at a high level since his freshman year and has 18 career interceptions.

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 190
Status: Committed to Alabama | Class: Senior (2025)
Five-star cornerback helped Diablos win first state title since 2015, accounting for 55 tackles and two interceptions.

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 180
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2025)
Five-star safety is announcing his college choice Saturday and is deciding between Florida, Ohio State, Oregon, Texas A&M and USC.

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 185
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2026)
Top-rated corner from Class of 2026 according to 247Sports has landed 30 FBS offers.

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 195
Status: Committed to Ohio State | Class: Senior (2025)
Third Buckeye commit featured helped Falcons win first WCAC title since 2019.

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 180
Status: Committed to Penn State | Class: Senior (2025)
Physical cornerback racked up 56 tackles, five tackles for loss and three interceptions for CIF Open Division state champs.

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 165
Status: Committed to Notre Dame | Class: Senior (2025)
Two-way standout led Giants to 6A state title, finishing the season with four interceptions to go with 53 receptions for 823 yards and eight scores on offense.

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