Five Sac-Joaquin Section Defensive Backs Without Offers
The spotlight of the top five players at each position who don’t hold offers will continue with defense. Today, five defensive backs in a combination list of both cornerbacks and safeties will get some well-deserved recognition from their performance on…
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Continue ReadingThe spotlight of the top five players at each position who don’t hold offers will continue with defense. Today, five defensive backs in a combination list of both cornerbacks and safeties will get some well-deserved recognition from their performance on the field in 2019.
Check out for these five under the radar senior defensive backs this season.
Tommy Chavez – Tracy – Defensive Back
Chavez is elite size as a cornerback and displays traits of a free safety. He plays with speed, toughness and is a smart tackler on receivers closing the gap when the ball is in the air. Another one of his skills is the ability to change direction and quickly attack on defense to make plays. His vision and awareness led to five interceptions, the most by any placer in the Tri-City Athletic League that was a part of earning first-team defense in the league. Make sure to watch the first half of the film as Chavez is also utilized as all-purpose on offense for the Tracy Bulldogs.
Daniel Sloan Jr. – Valley – Cornerback
The first trait that will jump out by watching Sloan is his athleticism with cornerback confidence. He plays exceptional man-to-man coverage and displays that he has reliable hands with recording picks. Sloan also does a great job of sticking to the receiver to disrupt catches for long gains or touchdowns. His presence is also noted on special teams using his size to block for Valley Vikings punt returners. Sloan’s on-field performance earned him Greater Sacramento League first-team and All-Metro honorable mention as a defensive back.
Christian Perry – Granite Bay – Cornerback
Like many defensive backs, Perry is also a wide receiver and brings his skill to defense. He can play man-to-man coverage and a deep zone for Granite Bay’s secondary. Perry has athletic reactions and a heads-up mindset to record an interception as if he is catching a pass from a Granite Bay quarterback or slowing down the opponents run game. His four interceptions were the most by any junior in the Sierra Foothill League, potentially the toughest defensive league with a lot of talent in the section. Perry also served as one of the Granite Bay Grizzlies kick and punt returners and led the team in total return yards.
Daniel De La Rosa – Atwater – Safety
De La Rosa’s highlight tape will show that he is a superstar on both sides of the ball. On paper, he had the second-most receiving yards and the most interceptions by any player in the Central California Conference (CCC). De La Rosa is a versatile player with stellar footwork and is always looking to score no matter what side of the ball he is playing. As a free safety, he uses his techniques as a receiver to record picks and consistently has the presence of mind to complete the play to his full extent. His speed and ability to tackle play a vital factor against the run. With this, De La Rosa led the Atwater Falcons and finished third in the conference for tackles. Ultimately, he was named first-team all-conference for offense and defense. For the Falcons as a team, last season also marked their first winning season and playoff appearance since 2013.
Lonnie Turbin – Folsom – Safety
Turbin is a two-star prospect and is one of the most underrated prospects in the section. Three-star recruits Ari Patu Ari Patu 6'4" | 185 lbs | QB Folsom | 2021 State CA and Kaleb Higgins Kaleb Higgins 6'2" | 185 lbs | DB Folsom | 2021 State CA are the only seniors rated higher on the Folsom Bulldogs roster. Turbin’s mix of speed and strength are perfect for the safety position as he does not allow opponents to have a decent run game. He stays patient on the run-pass option and finds a way to get the ball fast to make big plays. Against the pass, he does a phenomenal job keeping his eye on an intending receiver for only minimal yardage gained after the catch. Keep an eye on Turbin also on special teams as he is a dependable tackler on kick returners. The Bulldogs will play against the Monterey Trail Mustangs in one of the most anticipated season openers in the section on Jan. 8