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Texas high school football is only weeks away from fall practice, and excitement grows as fans, players and coaches with high aspirations anticipate the return of Friday night lights in West Texas.
Despite the turnover from departing senior classes, many of the nearly 40 teams in the Standard-Times coverage area retained plenty of young talent, as well as bringing in some new faces, looking to make their mark on the 2024 season.
Before the season begins, the Standard-Times will highlight the top local players in seven position groups — quarterbacks, wide receivers, running backs, offensive linemen, defensive backs, defensive linemen, and linebackers.
Today, we spotlight the top returning defensive backs to watch in West Texas.
Hagyn Barbee, sr., Wall
For the past two seasons, Wall set the tone of its program on defense. Last season, Barbee was a huge factor in the defensive backfield generating four interceptions, 48 tackles, two tackles for a loss and three passes defended during the Hawks' trip to the Region I final. At the end of the season, he was named to the District 2-3A Division II first-team defense.
Ethan Busch, sr., Christoval
Busch played a crucial role for the Cougars as a utility player on both sides. However, his time in the defensive backfield was where he shined brightest, collecting 49 tackles, three forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, eight passes defensed and five interceptions. He was awarded a spot on the first-team all-district team and All-West Texas first-team defense.
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Cooper Ellison, sr., Miles
Ellison was a force for the Bulldogs on offense and defense last season, helping them win their first playoff game in years against Sterling City. Defensively, he racked up 20 tackles, three tackles for a loss and two sacks. In coverage, he was a lockdown defender with five passes defended and four interceptions. He finished the season as a first-team all-district and All-West Texas second-team defensive selection.
Dylan Ford, sr., Sonora
Ford was a ball-hawking defensive back for the 2023 Broncos on their way to the third round of the playoffs. He had 37 tackles, five interceptions and four forced fumbles during his junior year, and was named to the all-district and All-West Texas first-team defense. Ford was also named to the Dave Campbell’s Texas Football’s Class 2A preseason All-State team.
Briggs Jones, sr., Wall
Jones was paired with Barbee in a smothering defensive backfield for the Hawks that gave up nine points per game in 2023. He finished the season with 24 tackles, one tackle for a loss, six passes defended and three interceptions, earning himself a spot on the all-district first-team defense and All-West Texas second-team defense.
Andre Rushin, jr., Coahoma
As a sophomore, Rushin was a standout player in the Bulldogs defensive backfield and is one of five returning starters in 2024. Last year, he finished the season with 26 tackles, eight passes defended and two interceptions, and looks to be a focal point this year.
Luke Sanderson, sr., Goldthwaite
Sanderson was a District 5-2A Division I and All-West Texas first-team defense selection in 2023. He racked up 97 tackles, six forced fumbles, five passes defended, four tackles for a loss, two interceptions, two defensive touchdowns and a sack.
Brenner Sherwood, jr., Robert Lee
Sherwood was an impact player on both sides of the ball for the Steers in 2023. However, his defensive prowess earned him a spot on the all-district and All-West Texas six-man team after recording 75 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, eight passes defended, two interceptions and a forced fumble. Sherwood was also named the District 13-A Division I Newcomer of the Year.
Mason Vansickle, jr., Central
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Despite playing outside linebacker for the majority of last season, Vansickle projects to be a defensive back in 2024. He racked up 101 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles and two interceptions last season, earning a spot on the all-district and All-West Texas second teams.
Michael Daniels, sr., Ozona
Daniels was a rising star throughout the season for the Lions. As a defensive back, he finished the season with 85 tackles, four tackles for a loss, two interceptions and a fumble recovery, earning a spot on the All-West Texas second team.
Honorable Mention
Tevin Meade, sr., Miles; Brylan White, jr., Lake View.
Paul Witwer covers high school sports and Angelo State University sports for The San Angelo Standard-Times. Reach him at sports@gosanangelo.com. Follow him on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, @Paul_Witwer
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