News Summary
As the high school football season approaches, Orange County unveils its top ten defensive backs. Notable athletes include Jeron Jones, Khalil Terry, and Aaryn Washington, showcasing impressive stats and skills from the previous season. With training starting soon, these players are gearing up to make a significant impact on their teams. The rankings reflect a competitive spirit and the promise of an exhilarating season ahead for football fans in the area.
Orange County, CA is gearing up for an exciting 2025 high school football season with the unveiling of the top ten defensive backs in the area. The rankings highlight talented athletes from various schools, showcasing their skills and achievements from the previous season.
Leading the list is Jeron Jones, a senior from Mission Viejo, who is currently committed to the University of Washington. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 175 pounds, Jones returned to the field last season with impressive stats, including three interceptions and 51 tackles. Though he is recovering from a wrist injury that could slow him down at the start of the season, he is scheduled to have his cast removed by July 30, just in time for the upcoming training. His performance last year earned him first-team All-Alpha League recognition.
Following Jones is Khalil Terry, a junior from Tustin, who is highly regarded for his defensive capabilities. At 6 feet and 185 pounds, Terry claimed first-team All-County and All-Delta League honors after racking up four interceptions last season. His consistent play has made him a vital player for Tustin’s defense.
In third place is Aaryn Washington from Mater Dei. Also a junior, Washington, measuring 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 160 pounds, made an impressive debut as a sophomore, sharing the team lead with three interceptions, two of which he took back for touchdowns. He is recognized as the No. 2 overall prospect in California for the Class of 2026 by 247Sports and is currently recovering from an unspecified injury.
Logan Hirou from Santa Margarita, who is committed to UCLA, comes in at fourth place. He shares a similar height of 6 feet 1 inch and weighs 185 pounds. Last season, he demonstrated his prowess with three interceptions and an impressive total of 80 tackles, establishing himself as a dominant force in the defensive lineup.
At fifth place is CJ Lavender Jr., another senior from Mater Dei. Lavender, also committed to Washington, stands at 5 feet 11 inches and weighs 175 pounds. His achievements include being named to the first team All-Trinity League after a standout performance last season, which featured a forced fumble in a crucial victory against St. John Bosco.
Rounding out the top six is Jayden Crowder of Santa Margarita, a senior who has committed to the University of California. At 5 feet 11 inches and 170 pounds, he marked his territory last season by intercepting two passes, leading the Eagles in passes defended with eight and showcasing his ability with three blocked kicks.
Danny Lang from Mater Dei is the seventh-ranked defensive back. At 6 feet 1 inch and 170 pounds, Lang recorded two interceptions and caused three fumbles last season. His high-level instincts have made him an asset both at safety and cornerback.
At number eight is Evan Mack of Crean Lutheran. A junior at 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 165 pounds, Mack brings basketball agility to the cornerback position, excelling in coverage and run support last season.
Kaleb Aiava from Servite is ranked ninth. As a sophomore, he stands 6 feet tall and weighs 205 pounds. He finished third in team tackles with 60 in addition to sharing the team lead with three interceptions and causing two fumbles.
Lastly, sharing the tenth position is Ace Leutele from Mater Dei, who shone during the CIF State final with a remarkable one-handed interception and tied for the team lead in interceptions with three. Another notable mention in the tenth spot is Ca’ron Williams from Santa Margarita, who posted 45 tackles, one interception, and three passes defended as a freshman and has received multiple offseason offers, including one from USC.
As the season approaches, local teams are preparing for practices beginning on July 28, with week zero games scheduled between August 21 and 23. The official regular season will kick off on August 28 to 30, while the CIF playoffs are set to start on November 7, culminating with the finals on November 28 and 29, promising an exhilarating season for high school football fans in Orange County.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Orange County High School Football Prepares for Season
CIF Southern Section Unveils Preseason High School Football Rankings
Mater Dei and St. John Bosco Gear Up for New Football Season
Orange County Unveils Hot 150 High School Football Talent
Orange County Football Preview: Alpha League Competition
Mission Viejo Diablos Win South County Classic Tournament
2025 Orange County High School Football Schedule Announced
Mission Viejo High School Kicks Off Football Season
Mission Viejo High School Football Season Begins
Additional Resources
- Orange County Register: Foxtrot League Football Preview
- Wikipedia: High School Football
- SGV Tribune: SGV Football Preview
- Google Search: High School Football 2025
- OC Sports Zone: Key Dates for High School Football
- Google Scholar: High School Football Impact Players
- Orange County Register: Girls Flag Football Rankings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
- Orange County Register: Epsilon League Football Preview
- Google News: Orange County Football 2025
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
