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Ranking the top 10 defensive backs in Orange County going into the high school football season:
TOP 10 DEFENSIVE BACKS
1. Jeron Jones, Mission Viejo, Sr.
The Diablos’ tradition of outstanding cornerbacks continues. Following the graduation of Dijon Lee Jr. (Alabama), Jones rises to the No. 1 spot. Committed to Washington, Jones (6-0, 175) has honed his instincts to complement his all-around game. He excels in press coverage or playing off, and breaks quickly on the ball. Last season, Jones recorded three interceptions and 51 tackles to nab first-team All-Alpha League status. He could be slowed early this fall by a wrist injury but was scheduled to have a cast removed on July 30, Mission Viejo coach Chad Johnson said.
2. Khalil Terry, Tustin, Jr.
Terry (6-0, 185) earned first-team All-County and All-Delta League honors after a well-rounded sophomore campaign. He played a hard-hitting safety and showcased his cover skills with four interceptions. In many ways, Terry plays a hybrid safety because of his versatility in coverage and run support.
3. Aaryn Washington, Mater Dei, Jr.
It’s early but 2026 looks like the year of the defensive back in Southern California. One of the reasons is Washington (6-1, 160), an active cornerback who burst onto the scene as a sophomore. Washington shared the team lead with three interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns. He is the No. 2 overall prospect in California for the Class of 2026, according to 247Sports. Serra cornerback Duvay Williams is No. 1.
Washington was slowed by injury in the summer but his recovery was almost complete at the Long Beach Poly tournament, Monarchs coach Raul Lara said.
4. Logan Hirou, Santa Margarita, Sr.
The UCLA-committed safety is a defensive back who has steadily improved. He grabbed three interceptions in ’24 and added 80 tackles. Hirou (6-1, 185) also has become a more physical defender against the run.
5. CJ Lavender Jr., Mater Dei, Sr.
The Washington-committed safety brings veteran leadership to the Monarchs’ secondary but he doesn’t stop there. The first-team All-Trinity League selection is a tone-setter for the defense. Lavender (5-11, 175) forced an early fumble against St. John Bosco last season in league that help spark a 59-14 win. He also is versatile to play different spots in the secondary.
6. Jayden Crowder, Santa Margarita, Sr.
Crowder’s ascent as a cover cornerback continued last fall. He made first-team All-Trinity League and committed to Cal shortly after the season. Crowder (5-11, 170) finished with two interceptions and led the Eagles in passes defensed (eight) and blocked kicks (three).
7. Danny Lang, Mater Dei, Jr.
The Monarchs have another one to watch in Lang. The 6-foot-1 and 170-pound defensive back had a strong sophomore season with two interceptions and three caused fumbles for a share of the team lead. He showed high-level instincts as a safety and cornerback. Lang continued his climb with a stellar summer.
8. Evan Mack, Crean Lutheran, Jr.
The Long Beach Wilson transfer brings athleticism from basketball to the cornerback position. At 6-foot-3 and 165 pounds, Mack flourishes in jump ball situations but there are layers to his game. He is a willing defender in run support and strong in coverage.
9. Kaleb Aiava, Servite, So.
Two freshmen made first-team All-Trinity League defense last season, and Aiava was one. The 6-foot, 205-pound safety helped solidify a solid defense by finishing third in tackles (60) and sharing the team lead in interceptions (three) and caused fumbles (two).
10T. Ace Leutele, Mater Dei, So.
Leutele delivered one of the top plays of ’24 with a leaping, one-handed interception in the end zone against De La Salle in the CIF State final. The highlight offered a snapshot into the potential Leutele showed throughout his freshman season. The safety tied for the team lead with three interceptions. If his play this summer is an indication, Leutele is developing a confident presence.
10T. Ca’ron Williams, Santa Margarita, So.
Williams (6-0, 170) joined Aiava as a freshman who displayed poise and aggressive play as a rookie in the Trinity League. The cornerback used his physicality to post 45 tackles to go along with an interception and three passes defensed. Williams received several offers in the offseason, including one from USC.
