Class of 2022 preview: Defensive Back

<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Overview:</strong></span><strong> </strong>The class of 2022 is loaded with excellent talent at the defensive back position. The following is a break down of some potential standouts in the class. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>DB: [player_tooltip player_id="90534" first="Jasean" last="McLean"], 6’1", 190, The Avalon School, 2022, JR</strong></span> JaSean is a long, rangy safety with a nose for the ball. JaSean excels at using his speed to be effective as either one of a pair in a 2-high look or covering the entire field as a 1-high safety, giving his defense more options. When the ball is in the air JaSean does an excellent job of using his eyes to successfully find it and make the play, often leading to pass breakups. JaSean also does a great job of using physicality to forcefully swipe at the receivers' arms after they have seemingly caught the ball, creating drops. In the run game, JaSean is a sure tackler in the second level, using speed, size, and effort to deter explosive plays or even touchdowns altogether. JaSean is also an excellent gunner on coverage units for special teams. As a gunner, JaSean uses his speed to quickly get downfield and negate a big return, helping his team win the field position battle. JaSean's ability to anchor the back end of his defense and contribute to special teams gives him the ability to fit in on any team, making him an excellent college prospect. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>DB: [player_tooltip player_id="90631" first="Darius" last="Lorfils"], 6’2", 170, Northwest, 2022, JR</strong></span> Darius is a corner that excels at creating interceptions. In man coverage, Darius does an excellent job of using his footwork to stay with the receiver step for step while making sure to turn his head and look for the ball,  putting him in the best position to create a turnover or pass breakup. In press-coverage, he demonstrates the ability to physically use his hand to disrupt the receiver's route, disrupting the overall timing of the play. In zone coverage, he can use his football IQ and his eyes to see where the quarterback intends to go with the ball, allowing him to assist in pass breakups or quickly tackle the receiver if it's a short pass. In the run game, he demonstrates the ability to shed the blocks of wide receivers and either make the open field tackle or force the runners back inside to negate big plays. Darius's ability to help his team win the turnover battle by using his ball skills to create interceptions is extremely valuable; pairing that with his ability to play the run effectively makes him an excellent corner and quality college prospect. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>DB: [player_tooltip player_id="90532" first="Lavain" last="Scruggs"], 6’2", 185, Archbishop Spalding, 2022, JR</strong></span> Lavain is as physical of a safety as they come.  My favorite part about Lavain's tape is how he fits the run. Once Lavain has recognized the run, he quickly gets downhill to fit the hole and negate would be explosive plays. Lavain does an excellent job of quickly setting the edge on outside run attempts, denying the offense any opportunity to bend the corner with his superb tackling. He also uses the same speed to quickly close in on receivers in the short passing game, denying plays like WR screens the chance to develop. In coverage, Lavain has demonstrated the ability to read the offense in front of him and denying the deep ball. He also does a great job of using his physicality to jar the ball out of the receiver's hands, often creating drops and occasionally fumbles. Lavain is the type of tone-setter every college team needs. Lavain is the type of safety that creates energy for his team as well as playing excellent football, making him an excellent college prospect. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>DB: [player_tooltip player_id="90639" first="Demetrius" last="Harris"], 6’3", 190, Chopticon, 2022, JR </strong></span> Demetrius does a great job of using his tremendous length and stride to his advantage. His long stride allows him to run with any receiver he needs to cover almost effortlessly, and his length allows him to reach the ball at unexpected points, leading to pass breakups. His length also creates a large catch radius that he uses to create turnovers as his conference interception leader. In press coverage, he also uses his length to get his hands on the offensive player, stalling and disrupting the route's timing. Demetrius is also a willing tackler. He does an excellent job of making sure he wraps up the ball carrier and either take them to the ground or force them out of bounds. Above all else, it is important to mention that Demetrius has only played two years of football. He has already become a corner capable of leading his conference in interceptions. Because of that lack of experience, I believe he has a ton of untapped potential and a huge upside, making him an excellent college prospect and a fascinating project for a coach.