Fort Worth high school football: Top 10 area defensive backs to watch
The Star-Telegram is releasing its list of Fort Worth-area players to watch by position groups. Check back for more players to watch as the high school football season approaches.
Introducing the top 10 defensive backs to watch.
1. John Meredith III, Junior, Euless Trinity
Meredith isn’t just the top defensive back in the Fort Worth-area but one of the premier backs in the nation. He is 247Sports’ No. 2-ranked class of 2027 recruit in Texas.
With a four-star rating, he holds offers from Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, TCU, SMU, Texas Tech, Texas A&M and more. As Trinity looks to take the next step, look out for Meredith to lead the defense.
2. Jerry Outhouse Jr., Junior, North Crowley
The talent within North Crowley’s program runs deep. The Panthers added Jerry Outhouse Jr., a transfer from Brewer High School with an 6-foot, 175-pound frame.
Outhouse is an elite class of 2027 recruit with a four-star rating and offers from Georgia, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, SMU, TCU and more. 247Sports rates him as the No. 9 junior recruit in Texas and the No. 9 junior cornerback nationwide. Keep an eye on him as the Panthers aim to repeat as champions.
3. Aaron Bradshaw, Senior, North Crowley
It’s safe to say offenses will have a tough time trying to pick apart North Crowley’s defense. Bradshaw, a Texas Tech pledge, played a key role in North Crowley run to a Class 6A Division I state championship. He thrived as the playoffs continued, even intercepting five-star Duncanville quarterback Keelon Russell and notching a game-saving pass breakup.
Now, he’ll be a top returner for the Panthers and their area-leading defense. He is 247Sports’ No. 138 class of 2026 recruit in Texas.
4. Chance Collins, Senior, Mansfield Timberview
Collins, a Texas A&M pledge, was a ballhawk for the Wolves, tallying six interceptions. He is a versatille two-way player that tallied over 500 all-purpose yards last season.
Keep an eye on him as the Wolves start their new chapter with head coach Jacody Coleman. Collins is 247Sports’ No. 55-ranked senior recruit in Texas.
5. Jayden Flournoy, Senior, Burleson
Flournoy, a Boise State pledge, runs a 4.4-second 40-yard dash with a 6-foot, 180-pound frame. The Elks struggled last season with a 4-6 overall record, but Flournoy, 247Sports’ No. 236-ranked senior recruit in Texas, could be a driving force in a turnaround. In 2024, he had five interceptions.
6. Brandon Ford, Senior, Crowley
Ford is a key player within a Crowley program that has improved every year under coach Carlos Lynn. He was originally committed to Kansas State and is now committed to Oklahoma State. He is 247Sports No. 214 recruit in the senior class.
7. Antonio Johnson, Senior, Arlington heights
Johnson, a BYU commit, commands respect as 247Sports’ No. 155 class of 2026 recruit in Texas. As Heights looks to compete for district title, he’ll be a key two-way player to watch. Johnson has a lengthy 6-foot-4 frame and also competes in basketball and track and field.
8. Mahamadou Siby, Senior, Byron Nelson
Siby, a three-star Wake Forest pledge, is 247Sports’ No. 216-ranked senior recruit in the Lone Star State. In 2024, he earned District 4-6A First Team All-District honors. Siby has a 4.5-second 40-yard dash and can squat 375 pounds.
9. Hayden West, Senior, Colleyville Heritage
West was a ballhawk for the Panthers, intercepting six passes and also making 34 tackles. He is a three-star recruit with offers from Texas State, UTEP, Lamar, SFA and more.
10. Caleb Adom, Senior, Euless Trinity
Adom won the high jump state championship, so it’s safe to say he is an elite athlete. Dave Campbell’s Texas Football named him District 4-6A’s preseason most valuable player. He has a 6-foot frame and also plays varsity basketball.
More positions (Check back for updates)
Top 10 Offensive Linemen to watch
This story was originally published July 29, 2025 at 8:53 AM.
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