By Tony Thomas
The defensive backs that have entered the portal since December showed elite skills in pass coverage. It was where passes thrown by opposing quarterbacks went to die. Here we present the top defensive back commitments that have enriched teams in this portal cycle.
S Caleb Downs
Ohio State Buckeyes (from Alabama)
6’0”, 203 lbs.
Caleb Downs was a true freshman last season and led Alabama with 107 tackles. In addition, Downs also picked off two passes, batted away four passes, and made 3.5 tackles.
🏈 Major College Football Transfer Moves
"Caleb Downs' transfer from Alabama to Ohio State stands out among 2024's significant college football portal movements." – ESPN (@espn).
The college football transfer portal witnessed over 2,000 players in December, including… pic.twitter.com/5Tt6PEBFXy
— College Venue (@CollegeVenue) February 3, 2024
Three times last season, Downs recorded double-digit tackles. Downs racked up 13 tackles and intercepted a pass in the Mississippi State game. For his efforts, Downs was named the following: 2nd Team AP All-American, National Freshman of the Year, the SEC Freshman of the Year, and 1st Team All-SEC.
CB Jabbar Muhammad
Oregon Ducks (from Washington)
5’10”, 183 lbs.
In 2023, any area within an arm’s reach of Jabbar Muhammad became the Bermuda Triangle for flying footballs. Muhammad broke up an impressive 16 passes last season, which placed him in a tie for 2nd in the FBS.
Nice defense by #Washington #Huskies CB Jabbar Muhammad (@jabbar7_) vs #Michigan #NationalChampionship pic.twitter.com/cqSRQnzz5o
— Sleeper Athletes (@SleeperAth1etes) January 9, 2024
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Against Oregon State, Muhammad recorded a season-high four pass breakups. In the win over Texas in the national semifinal game, Muhammad batted away three passes. In addition, Muhammad made 46 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, and three INTs on his way to earning 2nd Team All-PAC 12 honors.
S Andrew Mukuba
Texas Longhorns (from Clemson)
6’0”, 195 lbs.
Andrew Mukuba entertained offers from Ole Miss, Oklahoma, Oregon, and USC, but chose to come home to Austin and play for the Longhorns. In 2023, Mukuba picked off two passes, made 42 tackles and batted away six passes, and he has 143 tackles and 16 pass breakups in his collegiate career.
Last season, Clemson’s defense ranked in the Top 30 in the FBS in scoring defense, pass defense, rush defense, and total defense, of which Mukuba was a key contributor.
CB Kameryn Alexander
Oregon Ducks (from UTSA)
5’11”, 175 lbs.
A 1st Team All-AAC selection in 2023, Kameryn Alexander tied for 5th in the FBS with 15 pass breakups. In addition, Alexander picked off two passes, recorded 34 tackles and two tackles for loss. Against Tennessee, Alexander broke up a season-high three passes. In the Frisco Bowl vs Marshall, Alexander was named the game’s Defensive MVP.
#UTSA DB Kam Alexander in 2023:
– 83.1 Coverage grade
– 2 Interceptions
– 14 Pass break ups
– 8 games allowing 20 or less receiving yards
– AAC all-conference first team
– Frisco Bowl defensive MVPSuch a huge impact in just one year, wishing you nothing but the best!… pic.twitter.com/e5sEMjnwu9
— Paisano Sports (@paisano_sports) December 29, 2023
CB Dezz Ricks
Texas A&M Aggies (from Alabama)
6’1”, 182 lbs.
A former 5-star prospect, Dezz Ricks was rated the #2 cornerback nationally and a Top 25 player after reclassifying to the Class of 2023. Seeing limited action, if any, as a freshman for the Crimson Tide last season, Ricks played behind fellow freshman Caleb Downs, sophomore Terrion Arnold, and Kool-Aid McKinstry.
Ricks has elite pass coverage skills, can track the ball well, and possesses 4.5 speed in the forty-yard dash and a 39-inch vertical leap.
Alabama transfer DB Dezz Ricks committed to Texas A&M @mfarrellsports https://t.co/p2ZoKHeLo5
— FarrellPortal (@farrellportal) January 17, 2024
