Tylin Drakeford is a 5-foot-10, 180-pound three-star Class of 2026 player from Camden High School in Camden, SC who is being recruited to play as a defensive back or athlete by several big-name Division One programs as he enters his senior season under Friday Night Lights in the Palmetto State.
And has been active on the recruiting trail since we last updated his progress to you last month.
Then, he had offers from Akron, Charlotte, Georgia Southern, and Liberty.
Now, he has booked offers from several other solid Group of Five programs with South Florida (Jan. 15), Arkansas State and Georgia State (Jan. 22), Kennesaw State (Jan. 29), and Western Kentucky (Feb. 4) joining the race for his recruitment.
Drakeford was offered by Western Kentucky and Kennesaw State as an overall athlete on both sides of the ball. Each see him first as a defensive back but also love his ability as a wide receiver and all-around playmaker.
Drakeford talked about where the Hilltoppers see his unique athletic skillset fitting into their football operation.
“They really like me as a slot receiver,” he said. Western Kentucky describes him in two words. “They say I’m very versatile,” Drakeford said. “I have great balance and they would love to build their scheme around me, just give me the ball in the open field and watch me work,” he said.
Drakeford has been able to build a strong relationship with potential future position coach Jason Barnes, who formerly starred with the University of South Carolina from 2007-2011, hauling in 64 receptions for 778 yards and two touchdowns during the Steve Spurrier era.
“(Barnes) is real cool, man. Probably one of the coolest coaches I’ve ever talked to since my recruitment started, and I just can’t wait to go up there and meet him,” he said.
David Whitlow, who is wide receivers’ coach at Kennesaw State, isn’t sure what exact position he wants Drakeford to play but likes his intriguing overall skillset on the gridiron. “(Whitlow) likes me as a player. He just likes my versatility and how I can play multiple positions and be great at all of them,” he said.
The Owls’ assistant was impressed to say the least, Drakeford said. “He said he loved it and he doesn't come across many kids that has that much athleticism,” he said.
Drakeford was also able to build the foundation for a solid relationship with the coach from the FBS upstart out of the Atlanta area. “He’s a great guy, and I’m trying to set up a visit down there. I really like talking with him over the phone,” he said.
But a particularly special moment for Drakeford was his offer from South Florida, which he went into detail about with Palmetto Preps. The opportunity from the American Athletic Conference program was a sign to Drakeford that things are only continuing to move forward in his recruitment— and a testament to him that his overall abilities as a football player are strong, he said.
“I really wasn’t expecting (the offer), because I didn't really talk to (USF) that much previously. But during our phone call, (Director of Scouting Alex Fagan) said that he really couldn’t pass up on a player like me and that he really wants me to get a feel for the program and see how I like it,” he said.
Drakeford is in the process of setting up campus visits this offseason as he gets a feel of the program he will commit to in the future. The Hilltoppers and Bulls, along with Georgia State, Georgia Southern, and Liberty are among some of the schools that he wants to visit.
The Flames like him as a potential nickel or cornerback. “(Safeties’ coach Aaron Firebaugh) said he could see me fitting in at nickel or corner because he likes the way I fly around,” he said.
He also may book a trip to Kennesaw State. If Drakeford is able to make it out to the Owls’ campus, Whitlow would seek to introduce him to the new staff and show him more about the program.
“He was really just talking to me about how they just got a new staff and how he would like for me to come meet them, and check out the campus,” he said.
Kennesaw has unique offerings as a program and university and state-of-the-art campus conveniently located from downtown Atlanta. “He’s telling me you know, it’s right there by Atlanta. II want to go over there and see what it’s all about,” he said.
Meanwhile, Drakeford and his Camden Bulldogs, who finished 9-4 during their first season playing against hard-knocks competition in the 4A in 2024, have a point to prove heading into this season.
“We have a point to prove this season with a lot of (veterans) gone. People are expecting us to not be as good, but we have a point to prove, and we have a chip on our shoulder right now,” he said
And Drakeford, who has various intriguing Division One offers, a wide athletic skillset and a young, growing recruiting profile is still continuing to work on his craft, regardless of what coaches he has already impressed during the process.
“I’ve been working on getting out of my breaks. I’ve been working on my speed. I’ve been working on getting bigger. I’m just trying to improve every aspect of my game, really,” he said.
Palmetto Preps likes several things about Drakeford’s unique capabilities on the field, but we asked him what he believes stands out about him as a player. “Personally, I think just the fact that I can play multiple positions and (excel) at them. Just the way I communicate on the field and my (pre-snap recognitions). I can just see things that some other people do not see,” he said.
Drakeford also wants to increase his leadership role in the locker room with the Bulldogs this fall. “I really have to step up with year with (Jordan Crim) leaving. I really just have to step up and be a leader for the young guys who are moving up (through the program). I know the coaches who came to our spring practice were able to see my (capabilities as a vocal teammate) and as a leader. I got to show that I can lead by example with my voice,” he said.
Evaluation
Wide Receiver: “Drakeford is seen making crisp, smooth cuts when catching passes from a variety of patterns on the route tree and making acrobatic catches on the sideline and in the end zone. Drakeford is especially dangerous on deep routes and while open in space.”
Defensive Back or Athlete: “Drakeford does suggest traits worthy of a potential wide receiver at the next level, but big-time Division One coaches like him at the defensive back or athlete position.
That's because he is intelligent, makes pre-snap recognitions, has quick feet, and utilizes his high-flying, airborne ability to make physical, circuit-style pass break-ups. Drakeford has a commanding presence in the defensive backfield. He demonstrates good confidence and a high football IQ.
But his most underrated quality may be his ability to stop the run as a defensive back. Drakeford takes good angles when pursuing the ball carrier. He plugs holes in between the tackles.
He can play to defend the run in the hybrid position moving closer to the line of scrimmage like a linebacker. He finishes his opposition with textbook tackles, squaring up with his man low to the ground or coming downhill with big hits.
Drakeford draws a feeling eerily similar to Class of 2025 Jordan Crim, his teammate and close friend at Camden who is committed to Virginia Tech as a safety. Crim also starred at wide receiver, safety and across the field for the Bulldogs.
