Standout DB’s from the Performance Empire Showcase

Ryan Wesley

August 14, 2020 @ 11:30 AM

When it comes to events designed to showcase the talent and skills of football players, it is common for there to be a fewer amount of defensive backs than wide receivers. The <a href="https://www.theperformanceempire.com/company">Performance Empire</a> showcase was no different, but the defensive backs who showed up welcomed the challenge. There were <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2020/08/under-the-radar-2021-dbs-from-the-performance-empire-showcase/">under-the-radar class of 2021 DB’s</a> who came out and put a spotlight on themselves, but they were not the only ones to do so. This list highlights five DB’s who stood out during the event. A couple of these players are known names, while the others are new standouts. Regardless of reputation, every player on this list is worthy of being on all watchlists. [caption id="attachment_42380" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-42380" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/elite-camp-5_marked-300x270.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="270" /> [player_tooltip player_id="22530" first="Myles" last="Purchase"][/caption][player_tooltip player_id="22530" first="Myles" last="Purchase"] - Cherry Creek - 2021 This 5-foot-11, 185lbs cornerback is the second-ranked DB in the Prep Redzone Colorado class of 2021 rankings. Purchase is a physical corner with great instincts and a high football IQ. He is explosive out of his breaks and has great hands. He had four interceptions during his junior season, all four were returned for touchdowns. Purchase has received multiple D-I offers so far, yet more should be expected before his senior year is done. [caption id="attachment_42259" align="alignright" width="257"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-42259" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/92FC28AE-ED77-4899-88EC-F22031A82D7C-1-257x300.jpeg" alt="" width="257" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="43804" first="Marcus" last="Williams"][/caption][player_tooltip player_id="43804" first="Marcus" last="Williams"] - Grandview - 2022 Williams was easily one of the top defensive backs at the showcase. The 5-foot-11, 170lbs physical cornerback has a very impressive press-man technique with a strong jam that is extremely disruptive. “He plays right in your face and doesn’t let up,” explained defensive backs coach, Sir Wright, “his IQ is great, you can tell he studies the game… a wide receiver’s worst nightmare.” Williams has great footwork and fluid hips which makes him an excellent corner when playing in cover, as well as in man. Do not sleep on this player. [caption id="attachment_42245" align="alignright" width="213"]<img class="wp-image-42245" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/5ED8DF43-B614-4315-9167-E1187E22A9E3-1-240x300.jpeg" alt="" width="213" height="266" /> [player_tooltip player_id="43803" first="Kenric" last="Smith"][/caption][player_tooltip player_id="43803" first="Kenric" last="Smith"] - Grandview - 2022 Smith is a 5-foot-10, 165lbs defensive back with a very patient and focused playing style. He has really good footwork and can gain depth quickly with his backpedal. Smith has great eyes with a solid mirror technique, giving him the potential of becoming a top lockdown cornerback. Smith is, without a doubt, a defensive back name-to-know. [player_tooltip player_id="22732" first="Kahden" last="Rullo"] - Grandview - 2022 Rullo is another physical cornerback who is willing to get his hands on the receivers. One of the more impressive attributes that he possesses is his short memory and ability to adjust to each situation. The 6-foot, 170lbs cornerback sought out the toughest competition at the showcase to prove that he can hang with the best in the state. Rullo makes good adjustments to the ball, he’s definitely worth keeping an eye out for. [caption id="attachment_42378" align="alignright" width="197"]<img class="wp-image-42378" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/elite-camp-3_marked-243x300.jpg" alt="" width="197" height="243" /> [player_tooltip player_id="43802" first="Christian" last="Hammond"][/caption][player_tooltip player_id="43802" first="Christian" last="Hammond"] - Cherry Creek - 2023 Hammond is an athlete who can play in multiple positions. The 6-foot-2, 175lbs player is a former quarterback with a lot of talent. He’s a tall cornerback with great footwork and fluid hips. His press technique is tough to beat because of how well he moves, he stays off of his heals and knows to play his man by having disciplined eyes. Hammond works to maintain his leverage and fights to continuously reroute wide receivers, which is an attest to his focus. This young athlete is one to keep an eye out for. [robo-gallery id="42166"]