Controlling the Skies: Top 5 Defensive Backs to Watch This Fall

Although the year of 2020 has been pretty shambolic, it doesn’t mean the football talent in the state of Missouri has gone away. Especially on the defensive side. This year’s returning defensive backs are anxious and more esurient to get back on the field to control the air. These are the top 5 defensive backs to watch this season. <strong>SS [player_tooltip player_id="37159" first="Tyler" last="Hibbler"], Trinity Catholic (6’ 185) C/o 21.</strong> With his size and speed, Hibbler is nicknamed “Hit Stick” for a reason. He really lays the boom on anybody on the opposite side of the ball. The early Mizzou commit had an outstanding year in 2020, with 61 tackles, three fumble recoveries, and an interception. During the offseason, Hibbler also honed his skills while competing in 7 on 7 competitions with ESA Flight Academy. Playing fast and aggressive on every play, he will be a nightmare to any receiver during man coverage. <strong>CB [player_tooltip player_id="37524" first="Toriano" last="Pride"], Lutheran North (5’10 170) C/o 22.</strong> Pride is the definition of a real DB. He’s fast, has patience, and his intelligence towards the game is immaculate. The young prodigy is a master in man coverage and keeps his island on lock, attacking anybody that appears in the flats during cover 2. His knowledge of reading the receiver is a major key towards his game, and that’s why he is one of the best defensive backs in the state. The junior Corner has numerous offers already from Oklahoma State, Florida State, Illinois, Purdue, and so much more. <strong>CB Blaire Schonhorst, Christian Brothers (6’ 165) C/o 22.</strong> Schonhorst’s takes whatever that comes flying into the air. Last year, he had 5 interceptions as a sophomore, and he also won first team all conference in his area. With his height and speed, Schonhorst is an equal match towards other receivers and is able to lock them down during man coverage. Schonhorst may be young, but he’d already made his mark to become a contender of being a power 5 defensive back. <strong>S Nyjahl Vaughn, Cardinal Ritter (5’10 180) C/o 21.</strong> Wherever the ball is thrown, Vaughn is always there. He is a great tackler, with great hustle and pursuit to the ball. Maintaining great speed and a strong sense of finding the ball in the air, Vaughn will be a major problem against passing offenses. If he’s not catching interceptions, then you can witness his athletic ability on the court as well! <strong>CB [player_tooltip player_id="37154" first="Jakailin" last="Johnson"], De Smet (6’ 170) C/o 21.</strong> When you need a top notch corner to lock down receivers, Johnson would be the first option on top of everyone’s list. Possessing hands of a receiver, he recorded 7 interceptions this past season. Johnson also assisted in leading his team to the state championship in 2019. He will be a big time playmaker this season and a huge threat to receivers.