2021 Uncommitted Defensive backs

As college commitments from the Class of 2021 continue to roll in, I thought it would be a good time to reassess who are some of the top ’free agents’ still out there for colleges to scoop up. These guys will likely be playing somewhere next year – but as of this story – nobody knows where. The final installment of this series focuses on the last line of all defenses – well – defense. Here are some of the best uncommitted defensive backs in the state. [player_tooltip player_id="18116" first="Joey" last="Sorenson"] <strong>Spring Lake Park</strong> Sorenson has the skills of a classic center fielder style free safety. He seems to see routes developing, and when he makes the correct read, he is all over deep throws. His speed allows him to cover sideline to sideline and makes him effective in run support. He is most effective against the pass, but he is not a cover only free safety. When he gets going downhill, he can deliver a blow to both receivers and running backs. [player_tooltip player_id="18098" first="Reid" last="Patterson"] <strong>Lakeville South</strong> Patterson is an extremely aggressive safety who drives on the ball when it is thrown his way and is quick and confident enough to take chances undercutting routes to make plays on the ball. He is aggressive in the running game too. He has the speed to close quickly and is a physical, sure tackler in space. His speed allows him great range on the back end and enables him to get involved in the running game even if he starts fifteen yards off the ball. [player_tooltip player_id="18117" first="Micah" last="Newald"] <strong>Fridley</strong> From his usual deep safety position, Newald breaks quickly on balls across the middle. As one of the state’s better receivers, he almost ended up on the best available receivers list from last week. Because of his offensive skills, his ball skills as a defensive back are excellent. If he gets his hands on the ball, it is likely going to be an interception. His speed is apparent not only when he breaks on a ball but also when he returns kickoffs – something he excelled at as a senior. [player_tooltip player_id="18103" first="Tyson" last="Bork"] <strong>Hills-Beaver Creek</strong> Bork has excellent size for a corner and should handle bigger receivers at the next level. He also plays safety, and with his size, I could see him projecting as a safety in college. Bork is an excellent high school running back, but I think he will be a defensive player at the next level. A three-tool player, Bork can not only help a defense or an offense but like Niewald, he can also solidify a kick return team as an electric returner. [player_tooltip player_id="18132" first="Deezwin" last="Cooper"] <strong>Totino-Grace</strong> Cooper breaks well on the ball and has the speed to eat up the cushion created sometimes by zone coverages on short routes. His quick hips allow him to change direction quickly and stay in the receivers’ hip on crossing routes and slants. Cooper has good ball skills when defending the deep ball in one-on-one coverage. Cooper’s ability to diagnose and defend wide receiver screens is one of the best I have seen on any highlight package.