Under-the-Radar 2021 DB's from the Performance Empire Showcase

Shortly after the announcement of the postponement of the 2020-21 high school football season, Performance Empire was able to hold its first football showcase. <a href="https://www.theperformanceempire.com/company">Performance Empire</a> is owned by former Colorado high school standouts Joe Parker (Cherry Creek receiver), Tanner Gentry (Grandview receiver), and Kaytlyn Gentry (Tanner’s wife). Parker and Gentry played collegiately at the University of Wyoming before reaching the pro level. Now, they are working harder than ever to give back to their home state by providing training for current college, high school, and youth players. The two-day showcase involved professional speed and agility training, laser-timed combine drills, individual position coaching, and ended with 1-on-1 competitions. The turnout was immense, and the field was flooded with highly talented athletes who are working towards improving their craft. Below is a list of in-coming senior defensive backs who are players who deserve to be known. [caption id="attachment_43295" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-43295" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/DB5149E6-25CA-4BAD-8B81-C206B922001F-300x223.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="223" /> [player_tooltip player_id="22640" first="Will" last="Lester"][/caption][player_tooltip player_id="22640" first="Will" last="Lester"] - Ralston Valley Lester is the prime example of a stud football player. The 6-foot-1, 190lbs strong safety is a definite standout. His coverage skills are highlighted by his fluid footwork, patient movements, and his ability to remain focused on his opponent’s hips, hands, and eyes. Performance Empire Showcase defensive backs coach, Sir Wright, was shocked to learn that Lester is still under the radar. “He stood out right away. He has great size and moves well,” explained Coach Wright, “there’s no way he should only have one offer, he should be one of the top recruits. He’s slept on for sure.” Lester’s sole offer is from Missouri Western; however, his size and speed (4.6sec 40-yard dash) make him an ideal fit for any scheme. [caption id="attachment_42240" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-42240" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/2CD27B22-D140-413D-B384-1849A2239ABC-1.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> [player_tooltip player_id="43321" first="Jaheim" last="Roper"][/caption][player_tooltip player_id="43321" first="Jaheim" last="Roper"] - Overland Roper is a fiery cornerback with a versatile skillet. “He makes his presence known right off the bat,” Coach Wright said when describing Roper, “I like that he can play off or be physical and come jam the wide receiver at the line.” His movements are quick, his hand fighting is relentless, and he explodes well out of his breaks, which puts his 4.6 40 speed to great use. He also has great hands and vision as a ball carrier, making him a threat on both sides of the ball. At 6-foot and 166lbs, Roper is a real competitor and difference-maker when he steps on the field. [caption id="attachment_42270" align="alignright" width="277"]<img class=" wp-image-42270" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/69967E45-D81B-4A15-934C-70AD723EFF63-1-300x236.jpeg" alt="" width="277" height="218" /> [player_tooltip player_id="43323" first="Brandon" last="Aviles"][/caption][player_tooltip player_id="43323" first="Brandon" last="Aviles"] - Legacy This 5-foot-11, 160lbs corner is a quiet worker with a really good press technique. He’s very patient at the line, knows to wait for the receiver to make a move to effectively mirror. Aviles can disrupt the timing of the play by rerouting the receiver and applying pressure while maintaining leverage. His relaxed playing style and determined mindset enable him to make pass-disrupting plays on the ball, even if the receiver gets a hand on it. Aviles is a player who deserves a look.   [caption id="attachment_43314" align="alignright" width="274"]<img class=" wp-image-43314" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/2624DC8F-EE70-4C5F-B24F-DD536FAC4E47-300x269.jpeg" alt="" width="274" height="246" /> [player_tooltip player_id="43325" first="Kyle" last="Williams"][/caption][player_tooltip player_id="43325" first="Kyle" last="Williams"] - Cherokee Trail Williams is a hybrid outside linebacker, strong safety type of defender. The 5-foot-11, 185lbs player showed that he is extremely effective in pass coverage. Regardless of the receiver, Williams found a way to ensure that he was in the right spot to battle it out. His size mixed with his versatile skillset makes him a viable option for a box safety role, as well as a strong or weakside linebacker. Williams’ understanding of leverage mix with his awareness of each situation makes him a player to watch. [caption id="attachment_42295" align="alignright" width="275"]<img class=" wp-image-42295" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/E4659C19-A544-490E-A142-E63A5D0B3BD1-1-300x290.jpeg" alt="" width="275" height="266" /> [player_tooltip player_id="43324" first="Colton" last="Martin"][/caption][player_tooltip player_id="43324" first="Colton" last="Martin"] - Grandview Martin is another hybrid player who seems to possess the characteristics of a nickel corner and strong safety. He has good eyes and sharp instincts for the ball. He made some really good plays during the 1-on-1 competitions, but he shined when the matchups moved to the redzone. During his junior season, he proved that he was capable of making plays against the run and in the backfield. At 5-foot-10 and 160lbs, Martin showed that he could match up with serious competition and hold his own.   [robo-gallery id="42166"]