Ten ’22 DBs to Keep an Eye On

Your junior year is when an athlete's recruiting process really starts to heat up. Unfortunately, all of the juniors in Illinois are in jeopardy of having their most important season stripped away from them; nonetheless, we're going to keep hope alive and remain optimistic that a football season happens in the Land of Lincoln. So, if and when the season happens, here are ten DBs apart of the C/O '22 to keep an eye on. <h5></h5> <h5><strong><em>J.T. Harris | Mt. Carmel</em></strong></h5> Harris started as a sophomore on a 14-0 state champion defense that gave up only 8.0 points per game; throw in 4 INTs and a couple of sacks and you have yourself one of the more slept on DBs in the state regardless of class. His film shows he’s excellent at tracking the ball over the shoulder and is more than capable of being on an island and guarding the opposing team’s best WR. Moves effortlessly around the field and has off the chart instincts. J.T. Harris is the real deal–you heard it here first. <h5><em><strong>Kameron Lewis | Palatine</strong></em></h5> Lewis has good ball skills and can hold his own when lined up in man coverage. But what I love most about Lewis is his ability to cover space. He has great speed and quickness and can really cover the field from sideline-to-sideline. Can play either DB position, but safety is where I think he can have the greatest impact on a game. <h5><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id="65845" first="Quintin" last="Hale"] | Thornwood</em></strong></h5> Hale first caught my eye at a Midwest BOOM showcase back in August and has since been on my radar. Has great size to play either DB position, but his aggressive style of play makes him a perfect fit at safety. If you don’t believe me, just cut on his tape; his first four plays are three big hits and a forced fumble. I also think playing alongside [player_tooltip player_id="20930" first="Saveon" last="Brown"], one of the state's best DBs, is going to help push Hale to reach his full potential. <h5><em><strong>Malachi Hood | Joliet Catholic</strong></em></h5> The average bench press reps for DBs at last year's NFL combine was 17. I just watched Malachi Hood, a junior in high school, put up 14 reps of 225lbs–I think it's safe to say this kid is pretty strong. He also has the size to go along with that strength. He stands at about 6'2" 185lbs and has good speed to cover the field. This kid is going to be an absolute load coming downhill to support the run. <h5><em><strong>Camden Robbins | Fairfield</strong></em></h5> Robbins possesses all the necessary skills to be a playmaking DB at the next level. He's taller than your average DB at 6'3", and when it comes to speed–he has a lot of it! Plays just about everywhere on the field and even long snaps in his spare time. I know a "baller" when I see one, and this kid has a ton a talent/upside and is a definitely an athlete to keep an eye on over the next year. <h5><em><strong>Amon Walker | Willowbrook</strong></em></h5> Walker is an all-around athlete with good size for the DB position. He's always in the right place at the right time which is a credit to his football IQ. A reliable defender when the play is unfolding in front of him and displays excellent closing speed. I think there would be a lot more buzz surrounding Walker's name had it not been for COVID delaying Illinois' high school football season. <h5><em><strong>Kamari Harmon | Brooks College Prep</strong></em></h5> Kamari Harmon is the type of player I'd want on my side when it's time to battle and is a player every team would benefit from having on their roster. You won't see him take many plays off as he gives maximum effort on the field. He's a feisty, physical, and tough CB who is relentless in his pursuit of the ball. <h5><strong><em>Michael Torres | Evergreen Park</em></strong></h5> 7-on-7s and all the showcases that have been taking place are great for players on offense, but when it comes to defense, you find out who's official when the pads come on. I'll say it again, Torres is one of the best DBs in the state when supporting the run and racking up tackles. His background in wrestling has undoubtedly given him an edge on the football field. He's tough, plays a physical brand of football, and has proved that he can also hold his own while in coverage. <h5><em><strong>Benjamin Wilson | Warren</strong></em></h5> Wilson has the range to cover the field and the instincts to make plays on the ball consistently. Has excellent hip fluidity for a taller DB, along with the ability to turn and run with smooth transitions. Has above-average coverage/ball skills, great hands, a long wingspan, and is without a doubt an FBS caliber type of player. <h5><em><strong>Rasand Hall | Shepard</strong></em></h5> Rasand has been one of my favorite athletes to evaluate this off-season. This kid loves to compete and shows up wherever the competition is and has proved time-after-time he can hold his own with the best. Has good size and can play either DB position, but I would project him as a safety at the next level. Tracks the ball well and is fundamentally sound in his approach-- becomes a threat to intercept the ball whenever it’s thrown his way.