The Big Sky Conference is loaded this year, not only with talent but with FCS playoff-caliber teams. A younger league last season, most of the top playmakers are back.
As the season nears, we’ll rank the top five returners at each position group. Today, we give you the defensive backs.
NOTE: Idaho, who is moving back to the FCS and Big Sky, is eligible for these lists. North Dakota, who plays a Big Sky schedule but is an independent while transitioning to the MVFC, is not.
[divider]
More FCS Countdown Content
The Best Player in FCS Who Wears Each Number, 1-99
Team-by-team previews
[divider]
MORE TOP 5: QB | WR | TE | RB | OL | LB | DB | DL
[divider]
5. Khalil Dorsey, Northern Arizona
A two-sport athlete for the Lumberjacks in football and track & field, Dorsey has already started 19 games in an NAU helmet. He was named the team’s Newcomer of the Year as a freshman in 2016 and was an All-Big Sky Honorable Mention.
The cornerback upped his game last year and was named on the All-Conference Second Team. Dorsey had 49 tackles, three tackles for loss, three interceptions and six pass breakups. The NAU secondary is loaded with talent, and Dorsey was recognized as a preseason All-Big Sky player.
[divider]
4. Jalen Russell, Southern Utah
Russell came up absolutely huge last year as a true freshman for an SUU team that won a share of the Big Sky title. Playing as a cornerback at that age in the Big Sky is no joke. A Phil Steele Freshman All-American, he appeared in all 12 games and recorded 32 tackles.
Russell picked off three passes as well as he looks to become a top shutdown corner in the conference. He’s already earned the respect with a nod on the preseason All-Conference team.
[divider]
3. Jordan Preator, Weber State
Weber State is known to be one of the stronger defenses in the Big Sky. Preator added to that last season after transferring from BYU. The junior safety played in all 13 games as the Wildcats advanced to the FCS quarterfinals. He earned Big Sky All-Conference Second Team honors after coming down with four interceptions.
The Wildcats knew they got a good one when Preator intercepted two passes in the season-opener against Montana Western. He finished the year with 51 tackles, 36 of which were solo, and 7.5 tackles for loss.
[divider]
2. Mister Harriel, Sacramento State
Harriel began his career for the Hornets as a running back. After adjusting from the offensive side of the ball to defensive back in 2016, Harriel came into his own last year as a top safety in the conference. Selected to the All-Big Sky First Team, the junior led the Hornets with 87 tackles.
Harriel also finished with three interceptions, five tackles for loss and three sacks. He's deservedly on the preseason All-Conference team.
[divider]
1. Wes Sutton, Northern Arizona
Sutton is a playmaker at safety for NAU. He’s coming off an All-Big Sky First Team season where he ranked third on the team with 72 tackles and second with eight tackles for loss.
He also grabbed two interceptions and recorded three pass breakups. Sutton is on the preseason All-Conference team and should be looked at as the top defensive back in the Big Sky.
[divider]
NEXT: The Best Traditions in the FCS
