Darrick LeBeouf

By Lee Brecheen

‍

Position: Defensive Back
School: Jesuit High School, New Orleans, Class of 2025

‍

One of the best defensive backs I have seen on full-game film in Louisiana is Darrick LeBeouf of Jesuit High School in New Orleans. I had the opportunity to watch Darrick play in 2023, and he is an extremely impressive athlete. With a 4.5-second 40-yard dash, a 6'1", 190-pound frame, and the ability to cover receivers like a blanket, he exemplifies the lockdown cornerback every coach desires. Darrick possesses the toughness needed in a cornerback and has the versatility to play anywhere in the secondary, which makes him a strong prospect for multiple Division I colleges. I firmly believe he has Division I talent but simply hasn't been evaluated by all the DI schools yet. Darrick did not sign during the December signing period for the Class of 2025 but is expected to do so during the February signing period.

Darrick's length and strength make him a true shutdown cornerback. His most effective technique is press coverage—once he gets his hands on a receiver, he disrupts their route so thoroughly that opposing quarterbacks often abandon that option entirely. This skill became the foundation of our defensive success, as Darrick shadowed the opposition's top receiver. His reliability in locking down their best player allowed us to confidently implement various defensive schemes, knowing he could perform on an island and neutralize key offensive threats. His tackling ability has also improved significantly year over year, and his high football IQ suggests he could transition seamlessly to safety at the next level.

"Darrick’s ability to embrace tough challenges and his dedication to improving year after year have made him a cornerstone of our defense. His high intellect and physicality set him apart, and I have no doubt he’ll succeed at the collegiate level," said Coach Daniel DeVun, Jesuit High School’s Defensive Back Coach.

Beyond his physical abilities, Darrick’s selflessness and dedication define him as a player. As a sophomore, he made the pivotal decision to transition from quarterback to cornerback—not just for his own development but to address the team's needs. This decision showcased his maturity and character, traits that have only grown stronger as he’s developed both as an athlete and as a young man.

"What truly sets Darrick apart is his mental and emotional growth. He consistently embraces challenging roles and rises to the occasion. Coaching him has been an absolute privilege—he embodies the kind of player every coach dreams of: a selfless leader who excels individually while elevating the entire team," said Coach DeVun.

Reflecting on the season, Darrick shared:

"I am very proud of what we accomplished this year. Many sports writers and publications predicted Jesuit High School would finish last in the Catholic League in 2024. We proved them wrong. Going into my senior year, I knew strong leadership was key for our success, so I committed to raising my level of play and establishing myself as one of the best cornerbacks in the state. I accomplished my goals, excelling both as a shutdown cornerback and a physical tackler tasked with covering every opponent's top receiver.

As a result, many teams actively game-planned to avoid me. Ultimately, we finished 3rd in our district and advanced to the second round of the playoffs. While I was disappointed we didn’t achieve our goal of competing for a state championship, I’m proud of the effort and grit of my fellow Blue Jays—a team that far exceeded expectations."

Darrick’s football journey started in the 8th grade when his parents allowed him to play flag football. He played quarterback through the spring of his sophomore year at Jesuit High School until he was approached by the defensive backs coach about transitioning to cornerback.

"My coach believed my athletic ability translated well to the position. I made the switch, stepped away from playing baseball during my sophomore season, and focused all my energy on becoming the team’s No. 1 cornerback."

Football runs in Darrick’s family. His father, Darrick LeBeouf Sr., was a wide receiver for Jesuit High School and graduated in the Class of 1990. His football career was cut short by a knee injury, but he was still recruited by several colleges and went on to attend Penn State University as a preferred walk-on.

Recently, Darrick received offers from Nicholls State University and Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania.

"I’m very grateful for the offers I’ve received. Both programs have great coaches, strong academics, and excellent football traditions, which are important to me. I’ve worked extremely hard this year, and I’m excited to explore all opportunities with my family. I’m looking forward to seeing where this next chapter takes me," said Darrick LeBeouf, Jesuit High School, Class of 2025.

‍

‍

‍