Super Seven Defensive Backs 2021

In recruiting high school talent in Ohio, D1 colleges noticed an abundance of talented secondary players in the state. Whether at the safety position or cornerback, the speed and athleticism in the 2021 class is exceptional. Here are the top seven defensive backs in the state that possess both coverage as well as run support skills. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34187" first="Jaylen" last="Johnson"]    6”1” 210     Cincinnati La Salle</strong> Jaylen covers like a defensive back but hits like a linebacker. Johnson is a true head-hunter and can cover a lot of turf quickly as he closes on receivers and running backs. Jaylen is impressive on run support keeping inside-out leverage on the football as well as a sure tackler in space. He comes off the edge like lightening on the safety blitz and gives great effort to make the play in the backfield. Jaylen is one of Ohio State’s top commits for 2021. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34185" first="Devonta" last="Smith"]    6’0” 190     Cincinnati La Salle</strong> Smith is free safety that doesn’t get beat deep due to his speed and ability to break on the football. He has great range and, like his teammate, [player_tooltip player_id="34187" first="Jaylen" last="Johnson"], closes on the football quickly. Devonta can play any coverage with precision including man free and straight man. He is especially impressive in red zone defense where he displays instinctive route recognition. Smith is a dangerous kickoff return specialist. Devonta will play college football for the Crimson Tide of Alabama. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34186" first="Rod" last="Moore"]    5”11” 180     Dayton Northmont</strong> Moore displays agility and quickness at the safety position. Especially impressive in cover two, he gets a good break off the hash and has a knack for getting his body in position to knock the ball down or come up with the interception. Moore is not a devastating tackler but he is consistent in bringing the ball carrier down in the openfield. A sure-handed kickoff and punt returner, Moore will play his college ball for the University of Michigan. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34257" first="Michael" last="Gravely"] Jr     6’0” 180     Euclid</strong> Arguably the best press corner in the state, Gravely uses his hands to shed blockers and keep contain on the perimeter. He also stays on the receiver’s hip while running stride for stride on the fade route and shows great timing on going up to make a play on the football. Gravely displays his vertical leaping ability by going high to make the pick. He is the fold safety on kickoff coverage and really drives his shoulder through the ball carrier when making a tackle. Michigan State is his college of choice. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34197" first="Shawn" last="Gates"]     6’1” 185     Akron East</strong> An all-around football player, Boston College landed an exceptional athlete in [player_tooltip player_id="34197" first="Shawn" last="Gates"]. At corner, he can transition from coverage to run support as quick and fluid as anyone in the state. His make-up and recovery speed are impressive, as well his ability to highpoint the football. Shawn has the speed and acceleration to be and outstanding special teams’ player, especially on coverage units. Besides cornerback, his versatility made him an outstanding wide receiver in high school as well. <strong>A.J. Kirk Jr   6’1” 197     Akron Hoban</strong> Kirk is one of the most versatile safeties in the state. He demonstrates the ability to play either free or strong safety and is adaptive to any zone coverage. He loves contact and comes up fast and attacks the line of scrimmage on run support. Tougher than nails, he isn’t afraid to give up his body to make a tackle. A.J. is often the first man down on kickoff coverage and consistently makes the play in the openfield. A.J. will join [player_tooltip player_id="34257" first="Michael" last="Gravely"] next year at Michigan State. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34206" first="Garner" last="Wallace"]    6’5” 185     Pickerington Central</strong> Northwestern University recruited Wallace to play safety but where he ends up is anyone’s bet. He is an outstanding multi-sport athlete that has also played quarterback, wide receiver, as well as free safety for Pickerington Central. Garner is a long strider but deceivingly fast for such a tall player. He has exceptional ball skills and he has no problem getting high enough to pick off the deep ball. Due to his length, he has the range to cover a lot of territory. <strong> </strong>