Although the defensive secondary will have a new look this season with three new starters, co-defensive coordinator / defensive backs coach Ras-I Dowling is confident this year's talented group of standouts is well equipped to emerge as one of the nation's premier units. Led by All-American and NFL prospect Jalen Jones at cornerback, the secondary features a pair of experienced fifth-year players in Latrelle Smith-Leaks and transfer Aidan Ryan (Virginia), as well as an impressive mix of returning veterans and promising newcomers. The competition for reps should pay dividends in both production and depth as numerous players will have the opportunity to earn significant roles this season.
 
Cornerbacks
Jalen Jones • Senior • 6-0, 195
• Team captain
• 2024 All-America First Team selection by numerous organizations
• Ranked first nationally in passes defended (22), passes defended per game (1.8) and pass breakups (20) last season
• 2025 Preseason All-American
• Enters senior season ranked sixth in program history in career passes defended (36 – 33 PBU, 6 INT
• Tremendously talented playmaker who combines superior intellect with elite physical attributes
• Great quickness and long speed
• High-level competitor who is disruptive and possesses good instincts for finding the ball
• CAA Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll
 
Latrelle Smith-Leaks • Graduate Student • 5-10, 190
• One of the CAA's best players when healthy
• Saw action in eight games and earned two starts last season; finished the year with 21 tackles, an interception, two pass breakups and a TFL
• Combines outstanding agility, speed and quickness
• Great competitor who plays with a tough, physical style
• Experienced veteran who is a great leader
• CAA Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll
 
Ethan Yip • Senior • 6-2, 180
• Experienced veteran who has appeared in 22 games during his career; earned nine career starts
• Exceptional covers skills
• Very good long speed and moves well
• Outstanding leader
• CAA Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll
 
Trevon Cannon • Freshman • 5-11, 160
• Talented true freshman who will have the opportunity to contribute, either in the secondary or on special teams
• Good cover skills and long speed
• Displayed good toughness
• Helped lead Maury High School to a state championship
 
Branson Leduc-Mattox • Freshman • 6-2, 170
• True freshman who is expected to earn a role either in the defensive backfield or on special teams
• Tremendously athletic and very explosive
• Good size and length
• All-state standout as a defensive back and wide receiver at Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy
• Also a first-team all-state standout in basketball at SMLCA

 
Safeties
Jaden Ratliff • Redshirt Freshman • 5-10, 200
• Talented playmaker who is poised for a breakout season
• Redshirted last season after appearing in three games
• Finished the 2024 campaign with a pair of interceptions
• Excels at getting to the football
• Tough, physical safety who is a good tackler
• Improved his speed and strength, as well as his knowledge of the defensive schemes, during the offseason
• CAA Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll
 
Aidan Ryan • Graduate Student • 6-1, 195
• Graduate transfer from Virginia who saw action in 10 games at UVA in 2023
• Versatile athlete who has played cornerback, nickel and safety
• Combines good size and length with long speed
• Excellent ball skills
• Consistently displays good toughness
• Highly recruited defensive back coming out of James Monroe High School
 
Bryce Barnes • Junior • 6-1, 195
• Appeared in 13 games during his career
• Totaled 12 tackles and an interception in six games last season
• Provides good versatility and can play multiple positions
• Good size and speed
• Smart player who is consistently well positioned
• CAA Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll
 
Cayden Trotter • Redshirt Freshman • 6-0, 200
• Redshirted last season after appearing in four games
• One of the group's most consistent performers during the spring
• Adds position flexibility to the unit and can play nickel and safety
• Displayed good physicality
• Worked hard during the offseason to develop strength  
• CAA Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll


W&M enters the 2025 campaign having posted four consecutive winning seasons, marking the first time the program has accomplished the feat in the last 25 years.
 
The Tribe opens its season at Furman on Aug. 30, while it will host Maine for its home opener on Sept. 6.

Season tickets, mini plans and single-game tickets are available at TribeAthletics.com.

Learn more about the enhanced fan experience at Zable Stadium for the 2025 season, including security improvements, pre-game areas, shuttle service, the new Kids Zone, fan experience upgrades, and more at TribeAthletics.com. 

Be sure to follow the Tribe through the team's social media accounts @WMTribeFootball on X, Instagram and Facebook.