Top 5 Concho Valley Defensive Backs to Watch in 2019

SAN ANGELO, TX -- With the way West Texas offenses air it out, a defense is no greater than their defensive backs.

As we continue to count down the days to the return of football, we highlight the five defensive backs you need to keep an eye on this season.

Here are the top five Concho Valley defensive backs to watch in 2019:

Clayton Edmiston, 5-8, 150, Sr., Christoval

Edmiston was the anchor for Christoval’s secondary in his sophomore year. His late interception against Cross Plains gave the Cougars their first-ever playoff win as an 11-man program.

The first team All-District 8-2A DII selection had a team-high five interceptions to go with 38 tackles last year.

The senior safety also earned All-Concho Valley honors last year as one of five defensive backs. He is part of a Christoval defense that returns nine starters from last year.

Hunter McMillan, 5-7, 140, Sr., Garden City

The Bearkats are looking to reload in 2019 and McMillan is the lone returner from their state semifinal run a year ago.

The All-State utility man did just about everything for Garden City, racking up 121 total tackles, six interceptions and four fumble recoveries on defense. He also led the team in receiving with 373 yards and seven touchdowns.

Those numbers helped the incoming senior sweep utility honors in District 8-1A DI as well as getting named to the All-Concho Valley team.

Johnny Espinosa, 6-0, 170, Sr., Lake View

Espinosa was a nightmare to throw against in 2018. As a junior, he led the state in interceptions with 11. During Lake View’s area round playoff meeting with Wichita Falls Hirschi, the ball was rarely thrown to his side, if at all.

His 11 picks last year helped the incoming senior earn first team All-State honors from the Texas Sports Writers’ Association. The Cover1 cover boy was also named to the All-Concho Valley team.

Garrett Zertuche, 5-8, 140, Sr., Ballinger

Zertuche was a first team All-District 4-3A DII selection after helping the Bearcats to a 5-2 mark in district play. The 5-8 free safety intercepted a team-leading five passes last season.

The senior is part of a Ballinger defense that returns seven starters from last year.

After their 7-4 finish last season, the Bearcats are looking to make noise in 2019 as well as a deep run.

Zack Talamantez, 5-6, 155, Sr., Ozona

The Ozona Lions return nine defensive starters from 2018’s 2-8 showing that ended in the bi-district round. Talamantez will likely anchor that defense again in 2019.

Talamantez is the returning leading defensive back after picking off four passes last year.