Longhorns stay in the mix as 4-Star defensive back narrows down top schools

4-star DB Davon Benjamin is officially down to 5 schools, and Texas made the final cut along with Oregon, Michigan, Washington, and UNC.
Oaks Christian's Davon Benjamin leaps through an opening after making an interception of a St. Bonaventure pass during the third quarter of the Marmonte League title game on Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, at Oak Christian's Thorson Stadium. Oaks Christian won 13-10.
Oaks Christian's Davon Benjamin leaps through an opening after making an interception of a St. Bonaventure pass during the third quarter of the Marmonte League title game on Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, at Oak Christian's Thorson Stadium. Oaks Christian won 13-10. | JOE LUMAYA/SPECIAL TO THE STAR / USA TODAY NETWORK

Oaks Christian HS (Westlake Village, CA) 4-star defensive back Davon Benjamin has officially released his final list of top 5 schools in consideration, and Texas was included. He's currently ranked as the nation's No.5 safety according to 247sports, but he can also play cornerback at the next level.

Rivals actually has him slotted in as their No.1 CB in the 2026 cycle.

The dominant defender has been incredibly effective in man coverage, using his above-average agility and twitch to mirror opposing wide receivers throughout their routes. He's been one of the best coverage players in the West Coast summer 7v7 circuit, and has been called the best defensive back in the class by several well-known high school coaches.

Landing Benjamin would be huge for Pete Kwiatkowski and the Longhorns, as his type of talent doesn't come around often. When a player is elite at multiple spots in the secondary at the prep level, it obviously makes him a lot more valuable to an organization throughout the recruiting process.

In Texas' situation, three of their four starting defensive backs will most likely be gone following the 2025 season either to graduation or the NFL Draft. Benjamin undoubtedly has the ability and potential to come in and start as a true freshman at cornerback in 2026.

Texas defensive pass game coordinator Duane Akina and cornerbacks coach Mark Orphey are Benjamin's main point of contact right now, and they need to continue recruiting him at a high level leading up to his August 2nd commitment date.