DB Rankings: Top 5 DBs in Central North Dakota

We've got a list of five defensive backs that you need your eye on from the central part of North Dakota. These are all in my opinion next-level kids that have a range of Division II offers all the way to not have little to no interest thus far on their recruiting trail. These are my top five DBs in order from Bismarck to Minot and plenty of cities and towns in between and just south of Bismarck. <strong>5) Thomas Jackson, Bismarck St. Mary's (2021)</strong> Jackson is a solid wrapup tackler for the Saints of BSM. Has a nice frame and his excellent vision on where football is a fun watch! Jackson has the ability to line up anywhere in the secondary and will be a factor anywhere on defense. Jackson also is a slot back on the offensive side of the ball. No offers. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2CNAxw">Tape vs. Kindred</a> <strong>4)Nicholas Sanders, Bishop Ryan (Minot) (2021)</strong> A fantastic quarterback who had 34 touchdowns last year, Sanders is also a stud in Bishop Ryan's secondary. Sanders leaping ability and patience are two skill sets I like in his game on defense. Sanders has solid speed, but I am more a fan of his acceleration when in pursuit of a play. With all those offensive stats I just gave you and being a rock-solid DB, Sanders does not have much to show on the recruiting trail, with no offers and little to no interest which is a surprise to me. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2CpStk">Jr. Tape</a> <strong>3) Bristol Kelley, Bismarck Legacy (2022)</strong> There is not enough film to see how much Kelley can do in coverage but we know one thing: This kid is a heavy hitter! Kelley is the most aggressive tackler on this list of DBs. When you hit as Kelley does, Kelley doesn't have the biggest frame you will ever see in the Sabers secondary but you'll learn more about him, as he is a member of our 2022 DB rankings. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EA2Cu">Tape vs. Williston</a> <strong>2) Gage Florence, Velva (2021)</strong> What doesn't this kid do for the Aggies?! He is all over the field on both sides of the ball. Florence has excellent ball instincts and shows why he has over 2300 views on Hudl. Florence has a very quick twitch when he makes the turn to defend the pass. Florence also is an impressive tackler that uses his momentum to make the play he wants. With all the clicks and views, you would think there might be an FCS program after him. That's not the case, as Florence holds offers from Dickinson State, UW-River Falls, and Moorhead. In my opinion, under the radar even though he has gotten the looks. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/6406227/5ddffcd05ef6550ea4866b8e">Junior Tape</a> <strong>1)Keagen Woodbury, Bismarck Legacy (2021)</strong> I got to learn about Woodbury first hand in the Bismarck Bowl on ESPN2 earlier this season. What does he bring to the table? He is a defensive back that is not afraid to lay the wood. What also impressed me with his film is his leaping ability in which he is good at reading the offense's eyes and where they are going with it. Once he gets his eyes on it, it might be too late for the QB. Woodbury holds three offers, one NAIA and from two local Northern Sun programs, in Moorhead and Mary. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EFYav">Tape vs. Jamestown</a> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;