As part of our high school football coverage to get you ready for the 2025 season, we are rolling out all-Bay Area News Group preseason recognition.
Today’s position:
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Sefanaia Alatini, St. Francis, 6-2, 185, senior
BYU commit racked up 72 tackles, 12 pass deflections and two interceptions in 2024. Three-star prospect has 19 offers, including from Cal, Arizona, Washington and Minnesota.
Jeremiah Arevalos, Wilcox, 5-10, 160, senior
Three-year starter was one of the best defensive backs in the Peninsula Athletic League Bay Division. Intercepted six passes and recorded 47 tackles.
Truly Bell, Pittsburg, 6-1, 170, senior
Oregon State commit was a shutdown corner in 2024, picking off three passes and deflecting eight others. Earned All-BANG second-team and Bay Valley Athletic League honorable mention recognition.
Marcel Brisco, Benicia, 6-2, 165, junior
Brisco, a 2024 all-BANG and Diablo Athletic League Foothill Division first-team honoree, had eight interceptions and 28 tackles as a sophomore. Also is a standout in basketball and baseball.
Erique Broussard Wilson, Hercules, 6-0, 175, senior
Reigning Tri-County Athletic League Stone Division defensive MVP led Hercules’ defense last season. Earned All-BANG honorable mention recognition.
Rahsjon Duncan, McClymonds, 6-1, 186, senior
Three-star University of Washington commit had three interceptions, five pass deflections and two forced fumbles last season. Earned All-Oakland Athletic League first-team and All-BANG honorable mention recognition.
Isaiah Glover, Sacred Heart Cathedral, 5-9, 140, sophomore
Started on varsity as a freshman and recorded 32 tackles and two pass defelections in nine games. Currently is fielding offers from Syracuse, Southern Mississippi, Sacramento State, Nevada, Delaware State and Campbell.
Jeovanni Henley, Serra, 6-0, 165, junior
Three-star recruit received all-WCAL honors in 2024. Holds offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Cal, Oregon State and San Jose State.
Tyran Hicks, St. Ignatius, 5-11, 165, senior
Idaho State commit is the reigning WCAL defensive back of the year. Earned all-BANG second team honors and had 13 pass deflections and one interception last season.
Robert Mitchell III, Fremont-Oakland, senior
Earned all-OAL first-team and all-BANG honorable mention recognition in 2024. Was also a weapon on special teams as a talented kick returner.
Jayden Nicholas, De La Salle, 6-0, 170, senior
University of Montana commit and all-BANG selection was a shutdown corner during De La Salle’s run to the Open Division state title game. A three-star recruit, Nicholas also had offers from Arizona, Washington State, San Jose State and UNLV.
Prince Staten, McClymonds, 6-3, 165, junior
Three-star prospect is a rangy and physical defensive back who was a standout on the camp circuit this summer. Holds offers from West Virginia, Washington State, San Jose State, Colorado State and UNLV.
Malakai Taufoou, Serra, 6-2, 175, junior
Three-star safety is a rising prospect with several Power 4 school interest. Currently holds 17 offers, including from Ohio State, Michigan, Washington, Tennessee, Utah, BYU and Cal.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE
Those eligible for all-BANG honors come from leagues based predominantly in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. The news organization’s high school sports staff chooses the players.