Ranking Oklahoma high school football's best defensive backs in 2024 season

The players on this list can quickly shift the momentum in Oklahoma high school football games.

From safeties to corners, these guys know how to cover a team’s best offensive stars, create disruptive defense and energize crowds with game-changing takeaways.

Here's The Oklahoman 's ranking of the state's best running backs, from 10 to 1:

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10. Mykel Ford, Sr., Putnam City

Ford moved from Putnam West for his senior year to Putnam City. He's a dynamic two-way weapon joining an already loaded secondary. A year ago, the Nevada commit led Putnam West in pass breakups and defensive touchdowns along with 47 tackles at safety.

9. Elijah Thomas, Sr., Checotah

Thomas was ranked No. 3 on The Oklahoman's Super 30 list following an electric season at wide receiver. The two-way OU commit recorded 50 tackles, a sack and an interception while playing safety.

8. AJ Vaughn, Sr., Lawton MacArthur

Coaches and teammates expected a breakout season from Vaughn a year ago, and he delivered. Alongside Adam Auston, Vaughn recorded 40 tackles, nine pass breakups and three interceptions.

7. Ryan Grayson, Sr., Beggs

Grayson prepares to enter his senior year as one of the top recruits in Oklahoma. Also a star receiver for Beggs, he also was dominant at cornerback, intercepting six passes and deflecting nine passes. Grayson holds offers from Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Kansas State and UNLV.

6. Ashton Cunningham, Sr., Tulsa Union

Cunningham had a stellar season for the Redhawks to lead them to the Class 6A-I state semifinals a year ago. The Boston College commit recorded 23 tackles, an interception, six pass breakups and a punt block as one of the key.

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5. Trynae Washington, Sr., Carl Albert

Washington made a mark at receiver and punter for the Titans, but also shined at safety, where he will most likely play at the next level. The OU commit recorded 52 tackles and five interceptions while adding three fumble recoveries.

4. Deante Lindsay, Sr., Ada

Lindsay is a three-sport athlete at Ada who helped the Cougars reach the Class 4A state semifinals last season. The Texas Tech commit recorded 51 tackles and five interceptions. Lindsay also was a force at receiver producing 859 yards and 13 touchdowns.

3. Eric Harris, Sr., Owasso

Harris is one of the fastest players in Oklahoma, topping out at 21 mph unofficially and running a 22.88-second 200-meter dash in track. He currently holds scholarship offers from Air Force, Iowa State, Lindenwood, North Texas and Oklahoma State.

2. Adam Auston, Jr., Lawton MacArthur

After just two seasons, Auston quickly cemented himself as one of the state's top defensive talents. The three-star prospect, according to 247Sports, emerged in 2023, totaling 92 tackles, two interceptions returned for touchdowns, five pass breakups and a forced fumble. Auston has collected offers from the likes of Arkansas, Baylor, Kansas State, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech.

1. Trystan Haynes, Sr., Carl Albert

The OU commit was ranked No. 1 on The Oklahoman’s Super 30 list after his breakout junior season helped Carl Albert claim its second straight Class 5A championship. Haynes is a key player for the Titans as a receiver, defensive back and returner, but will play cornerback at the next level. On defense last season, Haynes recorded 51 tackles, four tackles for loss, three interceptions and three forced fumbles.

Jordan Davis covers high school sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Jordan? He can be reached at jdavis@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @jdavis34_ . Sign up for The Varsity Club newsletter to access more high school coverage. Support Jordan’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Ranking Oklahoma high school football's best defensive backs in 2024 season