Elite Eight Midwest Defensive Backs 2022

Five safeties and three corners comprise th[player_tooltip player_id="103107" first="e" last="e"]ight elite defensive backs in the Midwest for the 2022 class. They all have athleticism and a skill level that allow them to be multi-position players for their high school programs and the potential to be difference makers at the D1 level. Thes[player_tooltip player_id="103107" first="e" last="e"]ight defensive backs possess the physical traits, fundamentals, and intangibles that separate them from others. <ol> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="23942" first="Xavier" last="Nwankpa"]     6’2” 185     S     Pleasant Hill, IA     Southeast Polk</strong></li> </ol> Xavier is one of the most physical and punishing defensive backs in the country. He really unloads on the opponent when making the tackle. Nwankpa closes on the run quickly with great leverage when coming up from his free safety position. He doubles as a running back where he shows the same toughness and athleticism and is also a dangerous punt returner. The recruiting battle may end up between Iow[player_tooltip player_id="37643" first="a" last="a"]nd Ohio State for Nwankpa’s talents. <ol start="2"> <li><strong>Will Johnson 6’2” 180     CB     Grosse Pointe Farms, MI     South</strong></li> </ol> Johnson is one of the most versatile skilled athletes in the Midwest. He plays corner, wide receiver, and wildcat quarterback. He is especially impressive in press man coverages by not allowing the opposing receiver a clean release. He transitions out of man coverage to make solid openfield tackles. Johnson displays exceptional body control and agility for being a tall corner. Johnson is a strong lean to Michigan at this point in recruiting. <ol start="3"> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="37522" first="Isaac" last="Thompson"]     6’2” 200     S     Louis, MO     University School</strong></li> </ol> Thompson displays great range for a free safety. He gets a quick break on the pass and closes quickly on the receiver. Isaac has an impressive vertical which is apparent when making the breakup or interception on defense and when making receptions playing wideout on offense. He is a physical tackler who unleashes his entire 200 pounds on the opponent.  Thompson is committed to the University of Missouri for 2022. <ol start="4"> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34377" first="Jyaire" last="Brown"]     6’0” 180    CB     West Chester, OH      Lakota West</strong></li> </ol> Brown is the best corner in Ohio for the 2022 class. He is excellent in man coverage whether in press, off man, or when bailing. Quick in the hips, he can change direction instantly whether breaking on the ball or closing to make a tackle. Brown is physical for his size and makes sure tackles in space. Jyaire is also a talented punt returner who makes the first man downfield consistently miss. Brown is already committed to Ohio State University upon graduation. <ol start="5"> <li><strong>Myles Rowser 6’1” 185     S     Belleville, MI</strong></li> </ol> Rowser can play either the free or strong safety position but is most impressive as a down safety where his instincts seem to be the best. He can play some man coverage but is really impressive in underneath zone coverage where he recognizes offensive patterns and schemes quickly. He also displays good timing on the safety blitz from th[player_tooltip player_id="103107" first="e" last="e"]dge. He doesn’t always make form tackles but is reliable on getting the ball carrier to the turf. Rowser was an early commit to the University of Michigan but now is weighing his options. <ol start="6"> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="49822" first="Trejuan" last="Holloman"]     6’2” 170     S     Paul, MN     Cretin-Derham Hall</strong></li> </ol> Holloman is an outstanding all-around athlete who will have to choose between football and basketball when it comes to playing at the next level. He is a prototype rangy free safety who can cover a lot of territory in the secondary. He is a long strider with surprising speed who closes quickly and packs a punch when tackling. Tre also can play quarterback and wide receiver on offense where he is also a big-time play maker. <ol start="7"> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="98000" first="Kalen" last="Carroll"]     6”1” 170     CB     Brownsburg, IN</strong></li> </ol> This guy is destined to be a lockdown or slot corner at the D1 level. Kalen denies the receiver a quick release and then uses his body to take away the deep ball down the sideline. Carroll is also impressive when playing openfield corner where he is instinctive in understanding route progression. He is a solid tackler in space and can flip his hips quickly to close on the ball. Carroll is committed to the Indiana Hoosiers upon graduation. <ol start="8"> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="20930" first="Saveon" last="Brown"]     6’0” 190     S     South Holland, IL     Thornwood</strong></li> </ol> Brown is a reliable safety that makes few mistakes in terms of coverage responsibilities and is a very solid openfield tackler. He takes the proper angles to the football and can flip his hips and change direction without any loss of balance or body control. Brown is an excellent punt return specialist who catches the football confidently in a crowd and has the moves and quickness to make the opponent miss in space. Brown will play for Iowa State University at the next level.