NFL Draft Diamonds DB Retreat High School Standouts

Photo Cred: Greg Hammer (Hammer Media)

The DB Retreat has cemented itself as one of the premier off-season development camps for defensive backs and hybrid defenders. This week-long event offers far more than just drill work. It's an immersive experience focused on building every facet of a defensive back’s game.

From perfecting footwork and refining technique, to whiteboard breakdowns and film study, athletes receive high-level coaching and exposure to college professional style preparation.

The high school group featured a strong group of underclassmen and upperclassmen, many of whom are flying under the radar now but won’t stay that way for long. We spotlight several of the top performers who stood out  and should be names to know this fall.

Paxton Williams – DB – Denton Guyer (Class of 2027)

5’11, 175 lbs.

Williams already looks like one of the next in line from a powerhouse Denton Guyer program. He brings a long, athletic frame and a clean, polished skill set. Throughout camp, he showed excellent footwork, fluid hips, and an instinctive feel in coverage. On film, Williams is rangy with disciplined eyes and consistently takes good angles. He’s a physical tackler with a thud on contact, racking up 47 tackles and an interception during his sophomore campaign. With elite tools and strong tape, Williams has the makings of a college level DB with significant upside.

Jace Johnson – DB – Denton Guyer (Class of 2026)

5’9, 175 lbs.

Johnson is the definition of a technician. His footwork is crisp, his backpedal is smooth, and he was one of the more consistent performers during competitive drills. What he may lack in length, he makes up for in aggressiveness and sharp timing. Johnson is a feisty, physical corner with violent hands at the line and good burst when closing downhill. His junior-year film shows a playmaker who notched 34 tackles, a sack, and an interception returned for a touchdown. He earned All-District 5-6A honors and holds offers from Austin College, Hendrix College, and McPherson. Johnson is a gritty competitor who belongs on more recruiting boards.

Jayden Scurlock – LB – Arlington Sam Houston (Class of 2026)

6’0, 190 lbs.

One of the most active and physical defenders at the retreat, Scurlock brings sideline-to-sideline range and on film plays with purpose on every snap. He has great lateral movement, quickness in space, and the instincts to react without hesitation. On film, Scurlock is a tackling machine who plays with excellent pad level and leverage. He recorded over 100 tackles as a junior while showing the versatility to blitz, drop into coverage, or chase down plays from behind. With the speed and coverage ability of a nickel and the physicality of a true linebacker, Scurlock is a perfect fit for modern defenses. He’s a sleeper with high-level traits colleges need to get eyes on him immediately.

Robert Barclay – DB – South Grand Prairie (Class of 2026)

Barclay may not be a household name yet, but he quietly put together one of the more technically sound performances of the camp. He showcased excellent footwork, fluid transitions, and strong knee bend throughout drills. Barclay responded well to coaching and consistently maintained his leverage in one-on-ones. His discipline and smooth movement stood out, and he looks poised for a breakout season at South Grand Prairie.

Riley Lewis – DB – Seguin HS (Class of 2029)

5’9, 150 lbs.

Lewis came into camp as one of the youngest participants, but you wouldn’t know it based on his polish and confidence. He’s already technically advanced for his age, with excellent footwork, oily hips, and natural fluidity in man coverage. Lewis plays press-man like a seasoned vet, with the ability to shift weight and mirror routes effortlessly. Remarkably, he already holds offers from Stephen F. Austin, Texas Tech, UTSA, Texas State, and Austin Peay. As he matures physically, his game is only going to elevate. He’s one of the most exciting long-term prospects in the class of 2029.

Taylor Hunley – ATH – Forney HS (Class of 2028)

5'9 160 lbs.

Hunley is a dynamic two-way player with the ability to shine on either side of the ball. He carries a compact, powerful build with fluid hips and quick feet, tools that translate whether he’s covering a receiver or carrying the ball. While he showed well in DB drills, it’s his freshman year film at running back that really turns head. He registered 16 total touchdowns, displaying elite short-area quickness, great vision, and the ability to shed tackles and take it the distance. He runs with a natural forward lean and low center of gravity. Hunley already holds an offer from SMU, and he has the makeup of a true breakout star in the 2028 class.

Trasean Lockhart – DB/WR – Denton Braswell (Class of 2026)

Lockhart stood out with a long, lean frame and great movement skills. His footwork and hips were fluid throughout DB drills, and his experience as a two-way player gives him added value. As a wide receiver, he brings good speed and while on defense, his instincts and coverage skills stood out. With continued growth and polish, Lockhart has the athletic traits to play at the next level.