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One vs. One: Comparing top DBs from 2017, 2018 classes

Mark Pszonak contributed to this report.

With National Signing Day in the rearview mirror and our national rankings shut down, we thought it would be fun to compare the top players at their position in 2017 with the top players at their position in 2018. We call it One versus One and today we look at the defensive backs.

MORE ONE VS. ONE: LB | DL | OLs| QBs | RBs | WRs/TEs

CLASS OF '18 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | State | Position | JUCO

CORNERBACK - LAMONT WADE VS. PATRICK SURTAIN

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The skinny: Wade committed to Penn State over Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Tennessee and UCLA in December. After enrolling for the spring semester, he became an immediate contributor for the Nittany Lions in 2017 with 31 tackles and one forced fumble. Wade will likely make the move from cornerback to safety for the 2018 season.

Surtain was long thought to be an LSU lean, but surprised some by committing to Alabama during the February signing day. Clemson and Miami were also in the picture at the end.

Farrell’s take: Wade isn’t tall or long, but he was very instinctual and physical while Surtain is long, athletic and more of what you look for in a cornerback when it comes to size. Based on the size difference, I’ll go with Surtain even though I liked Wade a ton.

Farrell’s verdict: Surtain

SAFETY - JEFFREY OKUDAH VS. TYREKE JOHNSON

The skinny: Okudah trimmed his list to Ohio State, Florida State and Oklahoma before committing to the Buckeyes during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. After totaling 17 tackles and one fumble recovery in 2017, expectations are already very high in Columbus for a breakout 2018 season for Okudah.

Johnson committed to Ohio State over Clemson, Florida State and UCLA in early December. As an early enrollee, Johnson is expected to make an immediate impact in Columbus.

Farrell’s take: Two Ohio State signees, so the Buckeyes can’t lose here. Okudah could play corner or safety and the same can be said for Johnson. Johnson is the more physical of the two, but Okudah has the better natural coverage skills at the same stage. I’ll go with Okudah in a tight battle because he takes fewer risks and can cover better.

Farrell’s verdict: Okudah

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