Top Class Of 2021 Defensive Backs In Iowa

When you are planning for the upcoming Friday night as a coach, there are times you know the passing game is just not going to work that week. That is usually because of a handful of certain players on the opposing teams who are going to be manning a position in the secondary. Here is a look at five members of the Class of 2021 who are standouts in the secondary. <strong>Tyler Olson - Webster City</strong> Webster City is quickly finding players that are landing on the state’s all-time lists for interceptions. After seeing Dylan Steen make history, Tyler Olson has taken over as a ball-hawking member of the Lynx secondary. Olson led the entire state last year with 12 interceptions as he also recorded 33 tackles including 27 solo stops. He added a fumble recovery on defense to go with catching a team-high 10 passes for 157 yards and two scores. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="23868" first="Brady" last="Duwa"] - Sigourney</strong> Sigourney’s [player_tooltip player_id="23868" first="Brady" last="Duwa"] is coming off a year in which he picked off nine passes, returning them for 192 yards including a score. Duwa finished tied for third in the state last year for interceptions helping the Savages finish 8-1 overall. He recorded 13 solo stops and recovered a fumble, as well. He was also a leader on offense with 442 yards and seven scores rushing to go along with seven receptions for 151 yards and three more TDs. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="23876" first="Sam" last="Daniel"] - Fort Dodge</strong> Ranked among the returning 4A leaders in interceptions, Fort Dodge’s [player_tooltip player_id="23876" first="Sam" last="Daniel"] will be looking to build off his fine junior season. Daniel picked off four passes, returning one back for a score for the Dodgers, who reached the postseason and won six games. He also recorded 42 tackles including 35 solo stops with two fumble recoveries. Along with receiving an invite to the Hawaii Tiki Bowl, Daniel is also receiving plenty of college interest including an offer from Quincy University. <strong>Keegan Cox - Knoxville</strong> Knoxville was on the cusp of a playoff spot this past fall, and with senior-to-be Keegan Cox returning, the Panthers are sure to be working towards that goal this year. Cox shined on both sides of the ball, recording eight interceptions on defense with over 400 yards on offense and four touchdowns. <strong>Payten Elijah - Tipton</strong> Tipton reached the state playoffs, winning six games this past season. A key piece of that success was junior Payten Elijah, who picked off seven passes on defense. Elijah was all over the field each week, as he also lined up at quarterback, running back, wide receiver and on special teams. He finished with 70 yards and a touchdown passing, 225 yards and four scores rushing, eight catches for 93 yards and a TD receiving to go with 342 return yards and 38 yards per punt.