The best defensive backs in Minnesota high school football in 2024

For the final edition of the top players in Minnesota high school football in 2024, High School on SI takes a look at the best defensive backs.

These athletes were included in our poll so you can vote on who you think is the best.

There are many worthy names on the list, so please read through the nominees and cast your vote. Voting closes on November 3rd at 11:59 p.m. The survey can be found at the bottom of the page.

Bo Bokman, Sr., Lakeville South

Bokman does everything for Lakeville South. On defense, he had 60 tackles and eight pass breakups in 2023. He can come down from his safety position and is not afraid of contact.

Dominic Morton, Sr., Minneapolis Washburn

Morton is Washburn’s leading receiver, but he also has 43 total tackles and two interceptions in 2024.

“Three athletes, incredible endurance,” Washburn head coach Ryan Galindo said. “He never leaves the field. He is a two-way starter and on all specials. He does everything for our program, extremely coachable; He’s a tough old football kid.”

Will Killeen, Sr., Wabasha-Kellogg

Killeen had 41 tackles in 2023 and is a hybrid linebacker-safety for Wabasha-Kellogg.

“He was voted defensive MVP as a sophomore and team MVP as a junior,” says Wabasha-Kellogg head coach said Tim Klingbeil. “Willie is all-conference and a great player. Willie will find a way onto your field and make your team better.”

Dylan Vokal, Sr., Maple Grove

Vokal is another two-way star on this list. He is a top wide receiver but also a top cornerback for the Crimson. According to MNfootballhub, he has six pass breakups and one interception in eight games.

Jonah Shine, Sr., Lakeville South

Stand out as an all-around athlete for Lakeville South. He is a full-time corner and wide receiver.

“He has elite coverage skills,” Lakeville South head coach Ben Burk said.

Damarius Russell, Sr., Waseca

Damarius is one of the best defensive backs in Minnesota. For safety, he quickly breaks out to make tackles near the line of scrimmage. He had two interceptions and over 20 tackles through the first four weeks of the season.

Deron Russell, Jr., Waseca

Another Russell, Deron, is also a lockdown corner for the BlueJays. He has offers from Northern Iowa and South Dakota State.

Josiah Young, Sr., Totino-Grace

Young is committed to Northern Iowa, and with his 6-foot-3 frame and athleticism, it’s easy to see why. As a cornerback, it can look like he’s running routes in front of the receivers.

Billion Sorrell, Sr., Edina

Sorrell is one of the best cornerbacks and wide receivers in the state. It seems like he plays with an extra pair of eyes in the backfield and can cover the ball quickly. He is committed to South Dakota State.

Brody Miller, Sr., Shakopee

Miller had a strong season for the Sabres. As a cornerback, he has 32 tackles and seven pass breakups. He is committed to South Dakota State.

Caisen Thome, Sr., Kasson-Mantorville

Thome is a security guard with great instincts. He had two pick-sixes in the win against Winona as a perfect example of his playing ability. He has an offer from St. Thomas.

Randy Kweyete, Sr., Park Center

Kweyete is a physical corner for the Pirates who is great in run defense. He has high closing speed and plays ball carrier in the open field.

Owen Thielges, Sr., Moorhead

The Spuds went 8-0 in the regular season, and Thielges helped a defense that held many opponents under 20 points. As a safety, he had five interceptions, five pass breakups and 47 tackles. Thielges is committed to North Dakota.

Evan Kludt, Sr., Alexandria

Kludt is a great wide receiver and defensive back. In 2023, Kludt had six interceptions and two returns for touchdowns. Kludt is fast and was part of an Alexandria 4×100-meter relay team that placed second at the MSHSL Class 2A track and field championships.

Grant Tylutki, Sr., Rocori

Tylutki is a physical defensive back who can force his way to the line of scrimmage and make a tackle. He is second on the team in 2024 with 69 tackles, including 18 total tackles. He is committed to Tylutki.

Brady Larson, Sr., Hutchinson

Larson is a ballhawk for the Tigers. He has six interceptions, which is second most in the state through seven games. He scored three goals in a win against Delano in September.

Brady Chimney, Sr., Champlin Park

Chimney is a tackle machine when it comes to safety. He had 81 tackles last season and this season in 2024 he has 84 tackles in five games. He also has an interception and a safety.

“He has a feel for the ball, is a great tackler and has led our team in tackles,” Champlin Park head coach Nick Keenan said. “He is a very tough boy. He’s also a very good baseball player.”

Editor’s note: Our dedicated poll is designed to be fun and we place no limits on how many times a fan can vote during the contest. This poll is specifically aimed at fans to vote on the nominated players. It does not in any way discredit other players who may not be mentioned in our survey.

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