5 DB’s to Watch in the Quarterfinals

Late November football is prime time in Arizona, as teams are creeping closer to the state championship. These guys have played lights out all year, but they are going to get tested by some explosive offenses this week. Defense wins championships, so take a look at 5 DB's that will have their work cut out for them this week in attempt to advance to the semis:<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-48142" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/09/AZ-Steven-Ortiz-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="42586" first="Steven" last="Ortiz"], CB, Desert Edge HS (C/O 2021) The Minnesotta commit and the #1 CB in Arizona will face the toughest challenge of his high school career on Friday as he will go against two of the best receivers in the state in [player_tooltip player_id="42604" first="Jalen" last="Richmond"] and [player_tooltip player_id="42787" first="Kyion" last="Grayes"]. Ortiz has locked up everyone he has faced this season and excels in man coverage. He totaled 2 INT's and 10 PBU's in the regular season, and that is with offenses game planning for him. On the flip side, nobody has been able to lock up Grayes or Richmond, so this will give numerous players a big test. Ortiz shows solid route recognition and doesn't get baited by double moves. He displays good technique at corner and isn't overly aggressive or lunging at receivers. He has excellent ball skills and will have to utilize every bit of his talent to help Desert Edge compete with the #5 team in the nation at Chandler. [player_tooltip player_id="42621" first="Ammon" last="Allen"], FS/SS, Highland HS (C/O 2021) Allen has 5 INT's and over 90 tackles tackles and is a fly around player for Highland. He will have his work cut out for him as he will go up against [player_tooltip player_id="42641" first="Dane" last="Christensen"] and an explosive Casteel offense. Allen and Highland will have to contain speedy Casteel receivers [player_tooltip player_id="42594" first="Isaiah" last="Newcombe"] and [player_tooltip player_id="42760" first="Dominic" last="Digian"] to help limit the air attack, as you can expect Allen to get tested with the deep ball. Allen is a great all-around athlete and shoes very good range with the ability to provide solid deep coverage in a cover 3 or as single high safety, and has shown the ability to break up hole shots in a cover 2. Allen has position versatility and has proven to be a legit D1 talent and a game changer, as he is an identified threat in a weekly game plan. Expect Allen to have a huge role against Casteel on Friday. [player_tooltip player_id="42650" first="Rashon" last="Adams"], ATH, Centennial HS (C/O 2021) The South Dakota State commit will face Liberty in back-to-back weeks and will have to once again play lights out to contain Liberty QB Brock Mast. Adams has racked up 4 INT's and 7 PBU's. Adams displays excellent route and concept recognition to put himself in position to make plays or bait QB's into poor decisions. He is a versatile DB as he has lined up at corner and safety and has been very effective anywhere he lines up. His has solid hip flexibility which gives him a quick turn and run ability. Adams has showed good ball skills and is an all around ball hawk. It's rare to play a team in back-to-back weeks, so it should be interesting on how Liberty will game plan for Adams. Regardless, Adams will serve a big role and will have a dog fight type game to help Centennial advance. [player_tooltip player_id="42873" first="Payton" last="Barlow"], ATH, Queen Creek HS (C/O 2022) Barlow is a two-way standout for Queen Creek, and will have a solid test at corner against Chaparral standout QB [player_tooltip player_id="42815" first="Brayten" last="Silbor"] and WR [player_tooltip player_id="42613" first="Maxwell" last="Minor"]. Barlow has been a flat out stud all year, and has an excellent nose for the ball. He has 3 INT's, 2 PBU's, and has been able to lock up opposing receivers. Barlow has shown excellent play recognition and reads the QB eyes very well, and does a great job of baiting them into throws to make plays. His speed allows him to be patient and give room, as he has solid chase speed and shows a good burst out of his backpedal. The Chaparral offense is red hot right now, so you can expect Barlow to have a very busy night. <strong>Jack Burch, SS, St. Mary's HS (C/O 2021)</strong> Burch is your hybrid type player that can roam the field and make plays all around. He has been a ball hawk this season with 5 INT's and 4 PBU's, while adding 39 tackles for run support. Burch along with others will have a busy night as he will face off against ALA-Queen Creek gunslinger [player_tooltip player_id="42845" first="Logan" last="Hubler"]. St. Mary's has been a sneaky team this season and Burch's defensive play has been clutch. They like to roll Burch down head up on the slot then sit in a cover 3 with Burch keeping an eye on the flat, but I think they may make some adjustments with a lethal ALA-QC air attack. Burch has been a tone setter and does a great job of initiating contact with receivers immediately after the catch, oftentimes laying big hits. He has a long build at 6'4" 190 lbs, and will have to have a big game on a tough matchup to contain Hubler.