We've reached the downhill portion of the offseason. After a long slog, the finish line is now in sight. Week 1 is less than two months away.
As we look toward those season openers, a number of players at all different positions could be the difference between a decent season and a deep playoff run.
At defensive back, the area is deep with talent, but the five listed below are stepping into an increased level of attention this year. These aren't necessarily the top defensive backs or the highest-rated recruits, but five who are in the most interesting situations heading into this fall.
Atanza Vongor, South Grand Prairie, Sr.
Vongor combined with Jeff Okudah (now at Ohio State) to form probably the best defensive back duo in the state last year. This year he'll lead the defensive backfield himself on what might be a better overall team than a year ago. Like Okudah last year, Vongor will also have to deal with the pressure of being one of the top recruits in the area this season. He has already pledged to TCU.
Jalen Catalon, Mansfield Legacy, Jr.
Catalon was SportsDayHS' newcomer of the year and the APSE 5A defensive player of the year after recording 196 tackles, nine inteceptions and seven tackles for loss as a sophomore in 2016. Now, with a large group of senior leaders gone, Catalon will need to have and an encore performance and become a leader if Legacy is to exceed its run to the state quarterfinals last year.
Verone McKinley, Hebron, Sr.
McKinley started getting attention his freshman year, and has mostly lived up to the hype, but this year will be different. Hebron's offense has FBS recruits all over the field. If Hebron's defense can keep up the quality, a deep run could be in order. McKinley, a second-team All-Area selection last year, will be a big reason why the defense succeeds or it doesn't.
Cam'ron Jones, Mansfield, Sr.
Jones spent most of his high school career at Euless Trinity, where he turned into one of the hardest-hitting and top safeties in the state. A family move this offseason landed him at Mansfield. There he'll join another talented team that is a year removed from advancing to the state semifinals. The UCLA pledge will be a huge addition to a defense that already returns eight starters.
Isaiah Humphries, Sachse, Sr.
Sachse has long been the offensive powerhouse that finds itself in the 51-40 shootouts. That changed last year. The defense held its opponents to 14 points or fewer in seven games. Now, with eight starters returning on defense and six on offense, the expectations couldn't be higher. But at some point this season the defensive questions will arise. Humphries must lead the way if the unit is to answer them. The Penn State pledge is far from the only talented player on the defense, but he might be the biggest play maker after recording five interceptions last year.
Other defensive backs to watch
Gemon Green/German Green/B.J. Hanspard, DeSoto
Tanner McCalister, Rockwall-Heath
Brian Williams, Bishop Dunne
Dayven Coleman, West Mesquite
Jordon Austin, Lancaster
Jeremiah Lewis, Prestonwood
Kanion Williams/Phillip Dixon, South Oak Cliff