As far back as most can remember, South Florida has long been a hotbed when producing athletes who had the ability to play at a high level in college in the defensive secondary, and make it to the National Football League as well.

Between Miami-Dade and Broward counties, there were 31 defensive backs playing at the Division 1A level last year. Add in an amazing 55 that were on opening-day rosters in the NFL and you are talking about the elite of the elite.

At a time when running backs and receivers are the most recognized positions that colleges flock to this region for, defensive backs will take a backseat no nobody -- at any level.

When summer practice began Monday, there were no less than 40 defensive backs who were either offered or will be offered a D1 scholarship in the Class of 2010. Elite Miami-Dade prospects such as cornerbacks Virginia commit Pablo Alvarez (Belen Jesuit), Demetrius Pittway (Homestead), Richard Leonard and Eric Brown of Killian.

There are also safeties like Willis Wright of Miami Springs, who is a major college prospect at receiver as well, and University of Florida commit Gideon Ajagbe (Ransom Everglades), who played running back and projects as a linebacker in Gainesville for the Gators.

In Broward County, the numbers are staggering as well with St. Thomas Aquinas leading the way with Lamarcus Joyner, Keion Payne and Cody Riggs. There is also Tony Grimes of Hollywood Hills, University of Cincinnati commit Demitri Beal (Chaminade-Madonna) and University of Mississipp commitment Cliff Colemen of Boyd Anderson.

There are also some quality safety prospects who have been receiving plenty of attention as well. Florida commit Demar Dorsey of Boyd Anderson has been turning heads for two years now. Brian Robinson of St. Thomas is easily one of the best in the state.

While many have received the attention during the spring and summer, there are those who have truly escaped the spotlight. Here are 15 defensive backs who will turn heads this fall as well.

TOP DEFENSIVE BACKS

Khari Burke, 5-11, 165, South Plantation: Has emerged as one of the top cover corners in south Florida. A very athletic football player who will stick with you.

Steven Clark, 5-11, 180, Boyd Anderson: A spring/summer find who showed impressive ball skills and the ability to make plays all over the field.

Corey Davis, 6-1, 180, Cooper City: After a solid junior season and a very good summer, here is yet another football player that slid under the radar. A safety who can cover and run like a cornerback, but has the instincts to stop the run as well as the pass. Colleges already know exactly what he can do.

Devin Drane, 5-11, 175, Plantation: While many never jumped on him over the past two years, his ability to play anywhere in the defensive secondary attracted plenty of attention.

Dion Hanks, 5-11, 175, Edison: Another top-flight player who many took for granted. A quality cover corner who will hit you -- hard.

Korey Jackson, 6-1, 170, South Dade: While he might not be the fastest player on the field, his skill level is among the best in south Florida.

Sean Jenkins, 5-10, 185, Miami Westminster Christian: At Coral Reef during the spring, he picked off two balls against Booker T. Washington in a scrimmage, and continues to emerge as a quality safety who catches the ball.

Darren Kitchens, 6-2, 200, Homestead: When the season comes to an end, you might not find a more talented football player who has become one of the leaders of the Broncos' defense.

Join the discussion

The Miami Herald is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information, experiences and observations about what's in the news. Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper. We encourage lively, open debate on the issues of the day, and ask that you refrain from profanity, hate speech, personal comments and remarks that are off point. In order to post comments, you must be a registered user of MiamiHerald.com. Your username will show along with the comments you post. Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts.

     Showing: Oldest first Newest first Most-recommended first Least-recommended first

@Nyx.AuthorDisplayName@ wrote on @Nyx.PostedAtTime@:

@Nyx.repliedToText@

@Nyx.replyAnswerText@

Reply to this Comment @Nyx.Recommender@ @Nyx.AbuseReporter@