Although college football coaches have different recruiting requirements, when selecting defensive backs, they all commonly look for a few key attributes.

Speed

To be a DB in college, you’ve got to have speed for coverage. Coaches want athletes who can keep up with or outrun fast wide receivers. Most of the time, DBs do not run straight ahead, so their speed is measured through backpedals, shuffles and quick breaks on routes. (Check out some great football-specific drills to build up this trait.)

Explosiveness

Some athletes take awhile to get moving, while others get up to full speed in a hurry. An explosive first step is vital for a defensive back. You must be able to move in and pick off cuts as fast as possible. Explosiveness in a DB is the difference between an interception and a tackle for a five yard gain. (The keys to explosiveness.)

Athleticism

Many claim the DB is the most athletic position on the field; and as a former D player and coach myself, I have to agree. You must perform the unnatural motion of backpedaling, not knowing where your opponent will go. A lot goes into evaluating the athleticism of DB prospects. Although speed, proper footwork and explosiveness are crucial elements, you also need:

• Ball Skills. When a potential interception is not made, you often hear, “that’s why he’s a defensive back and not a wide receiver.” This may or may not be true about a particular player, but coaches do want DBs who can catch and make plays. DBs who knock the ball down help stop drives and change games by creating turnovers.
• Flexibility. Here, I’m mostly referring to a DB’s hips, which allow him to backpedal, then flip and run with a receiver or flip and break downhill on a route the receiver breaks off. Coaches want to observe how fluid an athlete is.

Intelligence

DBs need to be intelligent on the field. When they play smart, it’s special. Coaches want to feel confident that their DBs understand  all the coverage checks and adjustments that need to be made before the snap, and that they are able to make split-second changes while running at full speed.

Toughness

Coaches love physical DBs. In high school, DBs are not expected to play a huge role defending the running game, but that changes dramatically in college. DBs are important in most defensive schemes, being gap sound and stopping the run. A high school DB who plays physical gives himself a huge advantage in recruiting.
Feel free to contact me directly with any specific DB questions you may have @PWCurran.