The early signing period is officially underway, and Utah is already making noise on the recruiting trail. One of the latest additions to the Utes' 2026 class is Dylan Waters, a cornerback out of Fort Bend Marshall High School in Houston, Texas.
Waters chose Utah over offers from UCLA and UNLV, among others, and was part of the recruiting wave the Utes pulled in during a productive June. He also held offers from Oklahoma State, Arkansas State, and New Mexico State, but ultimately, it was Utah’s vision-and perhaps the track record of defensive backs coach Sharrieff Shah-that sealed the deal.
What Utah is Getting in Dylan Waters
Waters isn’t a household name on the national stage-at least not yet. But that’s not unusual for Utah.
This program has built a reputation for identifying under-the-radar talent and developing it into high-level production on the field, especially in the secondary. Just look at the long list of defensive backs who’ve come through Salt Lake City and gone on to make noise in the NFL.
At 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds (though he’s now self-reporting at 6-foot-3), Waters brings a long, rangy frame to the position. That length, combined with his aggressive style of play, fits right into what Utah wants to do defensively.
He’s physical at the line of scrimmage, plays with confidence in man coverage, and isn’t afraid to mix it up in run support. Whether he’s on the outside or sliding into the nickel, he shows the kind of versatility that’s become a hallmark of Utah’s defensive backs.
There’s still some development ahead. Waters will need to add weight to handle the physicality of Power Five football, but the key will be doing that without losing the speed that makes him such an intriguing prospect. Utah has lacked top-end speed at the corner position in recent years, and Waters could help change that narrative.
Development Path
The expectation isn’t that Waters will be thrown into the fire right away. With the depth Utah added at corner last cycle, he should have the opportunity to redshirt and focus on refining the technical aspects of his game-route recognition, footwork, and anticipation. That kind of developmental runway could pay big dividends down the road.
One thing to watch: how he measures in when he gets to campus. If that 6-foot-3 listing is accurate, it only adds to the intrigue. That kind of size-speed combo is rare at corner and gives Utah even more flexibility in how they use him.
By the Numbers
- Height: 6'1" (self-reporting 6'3")
- Weight: 175 lbs
- 247Sports Rating: 3 stars | 86 overall | #104 corner nationally | #163 in Texas
- Composite Rating: 3 stars | .8600 rating | #127 corner nationally | #214 in Texas
Scouting Snapshot
Waters plays with an edge. He’s aggressive in press coverage, comfortable jamming receivers at the line, and shows solid instincts when breaking on the ball.
His tackling is another strong point-he wraps up well and doesn’t shy away from contact. That physicality shows up on tape, whether he’s making a play on the ball or coming downhill to stop the run.
What can be improved? Like many high school corners, Waters can sharpen his timing when breaking on routes and finishing plays-specifically when it comes to turning pass breakups into interceptions. But the raw tools are there: length, speed, physicality, and a mindset that fits Utah’s defensive culture.
The Bottom Line
Dylan Waters may not be the flashiest name in Utah’s 2026 class, but don’t let that fool you. He’s exactly the kind of prospect the Utes have thrived with-tough, coachable, and built to grow within the system. With time to develop under a staff that knows how to mold defensive backs, Waters could turn into yet another success story in a program that’s made a habit of finding hidden gems and turning them into stars.