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Dan Albano ranks the Top 10 defensive backs in Orange County going into the 2024 high school football season:
TOP 10 DEFENSIVE BACKS
Mission Viejo cornerback Dijon Lee Jr., left, battles De La Salle’s Jaden Jefferson for a pass during the CIF Division 1-AA state football championship in Mission Viejo on Friday, December 8, 2023. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
1. Dijon Lee Jr., Mission Viejo: The 6-foot-3 cornerback earned second-team All-County honors last season and appeared to have added a new dimension to his game during the summer. Lee, a senior, improved his consistency, and it’s that element that has the Alabama commit soaring toward the season. “He’s next level,” Mission Viejo coach Chad Johnson said of Lee, who recorded 13 passes defensed last season. “He’s finally matured to a leader and doing everything right.” Look for Lee’s dominance to extend to his wide receiver duties as well.
Mater Dei cornerback Daryus Dixson, right, breaks up a pass intended for Sierra Canyon wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer, left, in the CIF-SS Division 1 semifinal football playoff in Santa Ana on Friday, November 17, 2023. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
2. Daryus Dixson, Mater Dei: The Penn State commit is a returning first-team All-County cornerback with the well-rounded skills to rival Mission Viejo’s Dijon Lee. Dixson’s cover skills produced three interceptions and 14 passes defensed last season. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound senior also showed his physicality while supporting the run.
Mater Dei football player Chuck McDonald III in Santa Ana on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
3. Chuck McDonald III, Mater Dei: Some believe the Alabama commit could emerge as the county’s top cornerback this fall. The senior (6-1,195) displays outstanding technique and aptitude in pass coverage. McDonald, a third-team All-County pick last season, often strikes the balance between being physical but not overly aggressive to the point of drawing penalties. He recorded seven passes defensed last season.
Orange Lutheran defensive back Ben Alefaio, left, steps in front of Mater Dei tight end Mark Bowman, center, to pick off a pass in a Trinity League game in Costa Mesa on Thursday, October 19, 2023. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
4. Benjamin Alefaio, Orange Lutheran: There are plenty of defensive backs to watch in the Trinity League but don’t forget about Alefaio. The Arizona State commit held down the Lancers’ No. 1 cornerback spot last season. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound senior delivered plenty of tight coverage and run support en route to All-Trinity League honors.
Chaminade’s Jaelon Barbarin is tackled by JSerra’s Logan Christensen (2), Friday, Aug. 26, 2022 at Chaminade. (Photo by Michael Owen Baker, contributing photographer)
5. Logan Christensen, JSerra: It’s not easy excelling as a two-way player in the Trinity League but the UNLV-committed senior does just that as a speedy wide receiver and safety. On defense, Christensen (6-0, 185) relies on strong instincts and quick breaks on the ball.
Jeron Jones (24) of Mission Viejo raises one finger as he runs for a touchdown after intercepting a pass in a game against Oaks Christian in the quarterfinals of the CIF-SS Division 2 playoffs at Mission Viejo High School in Mission Viejo on Friday, November 10, 2023. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
6. Jeron Jones, Mission Viejo: The junior emerged late last season by recording four of his six interceptions during the Diablos’ playoff run to section and state titles. Jones (6-0, 165) now takes over the cornerback spot opposite Dijon Lee. Jones exhibited improved cover skills in summer passing competition. Look for his growth to continue at a fast pace this fall.
Christopher Williams had two interceptions for San Juan Hills in its 37-18 win over St. Francis in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 3 playoffs. (Photo by Michael Huntley)
7. Christopher Williams, San Juan Hills: The 6-foot, 175-poud senior has developed into one of the county’s best cornerbacks. Williams displayed plenty of savvy last season while recording 10 pass breakups and two interceptions. And like JSerra’s Logan Christensen and Mission Viejo’s Dijon Lee, he’s also an outstanding wide receiver. He tallied 32 receptions for 360 yards last season and earned first-team All-Sea View League honors on offense.
8. Ben Byszewski, Crean Lutheran: The 5-foot-11, 175-pound senior led Orange County in interceptions last season with eight. The first-team All-Empire selection showed a knack for breaking on passes from his safety spot to collect interceptions. As a wide receiver, he produced 50 catches for 531 yards.
San Clemente High School defensive back Max Kotiranta. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)
9. Max Kotiranta, San Clemente: The Tritons’ secondary was among the best in the county last season, and Kotiranta’s play at safety proved instrumental. The 5-foot-11, 174-pound senior tied for fourth in tackles (56) and added two interceptions. This fall, look for Kotiranta to team in the secondary with returning all-league selections Max Bollard and Riley Kelly among others. Bollard and Kelly combined for eight interceptions last season.
Los Alamitos’ Isaiah Rubin (#5) tries to break up a pass to Edison’s Jake Minter in Long Beach, CA, on Friday, October 27, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
10. Jake Minter, Edison: The senior made significant progress over the summer following a first-team All-Sunset League campaign. His play at safety helped the Chargers reach the semifinals at their Battle at the Beach passing tournament. Last season, Minter (6-1, 190) finished as the Chargers’ second-leading tackler with 77. He’s also a strong receiver and kick returner. In the secondary, look for Minter to team with cornerback Jacob Martin, who also earned first-team all-league honors in 2023.
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