Defensive Back Retreat

The Defensive Back Retreat is an event designed specifically for Defensive Backs. Hosted in the first week of July — over 100 defensive backs graced the field at the University of Texas at Arlington. The energy was unmatched.

Along with the army of athletes was an All-Star Team of Collegiate Coaches, (Dominique Bowman, Rodney Saulsberry, Marcus Trice, Shaun Whittinghill, Elven Walker IV, Rickey Hunley Jr., Nick Forde, Eric Amoako, Marcus Suber, Antonio Clifton, Bryce Bailey, Marcus Perkins) & NFL Executive — Lionel Vital was in the building. Vital was in attendance to evaluate and analyze players in attendance. He credited Boynton, organizer of the event, “this was a really professionally run event. It was very organized and there were some quality guys out here.”

One of those quality players were Kedrick Whitehead, All-UFL Safety & Special Teams Player of the Year this season. “Kedrick Whitehead is a pro all day long. He is explosive and polished but also very intelligent and mature. I was very pleased with his performance.”, said Vital. Whitehead, who later earned a workout with the New England Patriots, was more than just a player in the event. He was a mentor and true leader. Whitehead spent a day of the retreat leading an entire group of free agents through a very effective marketing presentation.

1st Annual DB Retreat Sets the Standard: Draft Prep Academy Brings NFL Eyes and Division I Coaches Under One Roof

The 1st Annual Defensive Back Retreat, hosted by Draft Prep Academy, proved to be a groundbreaking event that showcased elite talent, professional mentorship, and high-level recruiting exposure. The event drew national attention as athletes from across the country gathered to refine their craft and compete in front of top evaluators.

In attendance was Lionel Vital, a respected NFL Executive and former Director of College Scouting, who evaluated athletes throughout the weekend. His presence underscored the retreat’s professional standard and commitment to providing real opportunities for players striving to reach the next level.

The retreat also drew an impressive 12 Division I college coaches, representing some of the most competitive programs in the country. Their evaluations didn’t stop at observation — by the end of the weekend, six athletes had earned Division I scholarship offers, solidifying the event as one of the most impactful showcases of the year.

Several standout performers translated their strong showings into professional attention as well. Jordan Polk, Kedrick Whitehead, and Ridge Texada each received NFL workout invitations, demonstrating the level of talent on display and the reach of the Draft Prep Academy network.

Beyond the numbers and accolades, the retreat served as a developmental environment where athletes sharpened technique, built relationships, and learned from professionals who’ve played and scouted at the highest level.

With a mix of elite coaching, NFL exposure, and college recruiting success, the 1st Annual DB Retreat set a new benchmark for what player development events can deliver. Draft Prep Academy’s vision of bridging the gap between high school, college, and professional football was on full display — and this is only the beginning.

“We’re building more than athletes,” said a Draft Prep Academy representative. “We’re building men ready for every level of the game.”