EDINBURG, Texas – UTRGV’s defensive backfield enters the program’s second season with three returning starters, increased confidence and competition for two open roles in the secondary.
The Vaqueros intercepted 11 passes, forced five fumbles and recovered four during their inaugural season. Graduate cornerback Dorian Blackwell, fifth-year safety TJ Neal and redshirt sophomore cornerback and nickel Alijah Prosser return after starting in 2025.
Blackwell recorded 29 tackles, seven pass breakups and a forced fumble in nine starts. Neal finished third on the team with 69 tackles and added an interception, forced fumble and fumble recovery. Prosser earned freshman All-America recognition after producing 47 tackles, nine tackles for loss, two interceptions and five pass breakups.
Jordan Ford has worked with the first-team defense at strong safety after playing primarily on special teams last season. He received a scholarship before fall camp and is competing to expand his role.
Redshirt sophomores Carter Hewitt and Nicholas Peace are competing for an outside cornerback job in the nickel package. Hewitt also contributed as a kickoff returner late last season, while Peace has taken first-team repetitions during spring practice and fall camp.
The returning players said the group is more comfortable with the system after completing the program’s first season and expects sharper communication and more consistent play in 2026.
