California 2007 Preseason Rankings: DBs

The usual suspects, Long Beach Poly, Fresno Edison and Oaks Christian are home to the top defensive backs in California in the class of 2007.

CORNERBACKS:

Six of the top 25 cornerbacks in the nation hail from the Golden State in the class of 2007. Warren is a five-star prospect who is the best in the West. Viney comes from “Cornerback High” at Edison. Williams is as dangerous returning punts and kicks as he is in the secondary. Ross has nice size and Baker is the best in the City. Christian and West are two of Oakland’s finest.

1. Donovan Warren, 6-1, 185, Long Beach (Calif.) Poly
A special talent, Warren is another in a long line of star Jackrabbit DBs.

2. Courtney Viney, 5-9, 165, Fresno (Calif.) Edison
Committed to: UCLA
Following former Edison star and current Bear Ricky Manning to Westwood.

3. Michael Williams, 5-10, 174, Ventura (Calif.) St. Bonaventure
SoCal kid is down to Notre Dame and Michigan.

4. David Ross, 6-1, 185, Compton (Calif.) Dominguez
The star of the Dons’ secondary.

5. Antwoine Baker, 6-0, 171, Los Angeles (Calif.) Jordan
Top defensive back in the City Section this class.

6. Omar Bolden, 5-10, 180, Ontario (Calif.) Colony
Ran a 4.31 forty at the Scout Combine and is a talented ball-carrier.

7. Andre Christian, 5-11, 180, Oakland (Calif.) Skyline
One of two cornerback stars from Oakland.

8. Anthony Gildon, 6-1, 185, Westlake Village (Calif.) Oaks Christian
Committed to: Oregon
Rarely tested by opponents since he became starter.

9. DeAndre West, 6-1, 195, Oakland (Calif.) Wilson Prep
Committed to: Nebraska
Can play just about any position, and play it well.

10. G Pittman, 5-9, 175, Rancho Cucamonga (Calif.)
With last year’s star Devin Ross gone, Pittman becomes RC’s key cover guy.

The Next 10:

11. Lonnie Wishom, 5-11, 180, Concord (Calif.) De La Salle
12. Romeo Pellum, 5-11, 165, Santa Fe Springs (Calif.)
13. Phillip Thomas, 6-1, 180, Bakersfield (Calif.)
14. Josh Harrison, 5-9, 185, Oxnard (Calif.) Rio Mesa
15. Mike Evans, 5-9, 180, Compton (Calif.)
16. Jeffery Maehl, 6-2, 165, Paradise (Calif.)
17. Gino Gordon, 5-11, 190, San Diego (Calif.) Francis Parker<
18. Johnny Fields, 5-10, 160, Fresno (Calif.)
19. Brannon Brooks, 5-10, 175, Elk Grove (Calif.)
20. Michael Grant, 5-11, 175, Elk Grove (Calif.) Laguna Creek

SAFETIES:

Jones is clearly the class of safeties in the West this year, and it’s not even close. Mitchell, Doxey and Collins are all solid receivers but safety is where there futures are at. Conte plays cornerback but projects to safety. Bland hit likes a linebacker while Thigpen is built like one.

1. Marshall Jones, 6-1, 190, Westlake Village (Calif.) Oaks Christian
Committed to: USC
Ridiculously talented safety prospect will fit in nicely with the Trojans.

2. Lance Mitchell, 6-1, 180, Pasadena (Calif.) Muir
May have the most upside of any California DB in this class.

3. Todd Doxey, 6-2, 180, San Diego (Calif.) Hoover
Former basketball star showing he’s just as talented on the gridiron

4. Anthony Wright, 6-1, 190, Compton (Calif.)
Big reason why Compton has high hopes for 2006 season.

5. Cameron Collins, 6-1.5, 195, Santa Monica (Calif.)
Excels on the field and in the classroom.

6. Brandon Thigpen, 6-4, 200, Moreno Valley (Calif.) Rancho Verde
Nebraska leads big for his services.

7. Chris Conte, 6-3, 180, Los Angeles (Calif.) Loyola
Committed to: California
Plays corner now but will likely play safety with the Bears.

8. Dion Bland, 6-1, 191, Merced (Calif.)
The top safety in Central California, Bland loves to lay people out.

9. Duke Ihenacho, 6-1, 200, Gardena (Calif.) Serra
Continues to improve as he enters only his second season of football.

10. Shane Horton, 6-2, 195, Sherman Oaks (Calif.) Notre Dame
Horton has been an anchor in the secondary for the Knights during their run.

The Next 10:

11. Maxwell Lacy, 6-3, 195, Los Angeles (Calif.) Verbum Dei
12. Edward Pleasant, 5-10, 205, La Palma (Calif.) Kennedy- Oregon
13. Marvin Walker, 6-1, 195, Chino (Calif.)
14. Terrance Dennis, 6-1, 180, Pomona (Calif.) Diamond Ranch
15. Hunter White, 5-11, 190, Huntington Beach (Calif.) Edison
16. Jonathan Brasfield, 5-11, 190, Venice (Calif.)
17. Ryan Johnson, Los Angeles (Calif.) Dorsey
18. Ronnie Goforth, 6-0.5, 170, Lakewood (Calif.) Mayfair
19. Steven Thomas, 5-11, 180, Chino Hills (Calif.) Ayala- BYU
20. Romeo Horn, 6-1, 180, Fresno (Calif.) Edison