Film Session: Small School 2021 Safety Prospects
While playing DB is hard enough, the added responsibility of playing as a Safety in particular is oftentimes even harder. To play this position at an elite level, it takes a certain level of movement skills, ball skills, and an…
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Continue ReadingWhile playing DB is hard enough, the added responsibility of playing as a Safety in particular is oftentimes even harder. To play this position at an elite level, it takes a certain level of movement skills, ball skills, and an understanding of the game. To keep it short, it isn’t easy. The players who excel at this often go on to play for big programs, while others filter out to the smaller schools. This does not necessarily mean that these prospects are not talented, it means that they are more so developmental. Some players who end up going to these smaller schools are a bit underrated in high school, but always have another chance to shine at the next level. Listed below are a few Safety’s who we deem as small school prospects, who have as much developmental talent as you could want them to.
Jalen Marshall- South Paulding
Jalen Marshall is perhaps our favorite player on this list for a variety of reasons. Not only does he have the ideal frame and length that you look for in a DB, but he also has the long speed, sudden quickness, and burst that coaches desire. He moves well both laterally, and vertically, and is a very reactionary player. He has no problem coming downhill and making tackles, and he also finds ways to be around the ball in the air. Overall, he can be seen to have flashes of all of the overall traits you want in a DB. While he can be a bit inconsistent in his movement skills, there is definitely some sink and bend to his ability, and his ability to burst out of his breaks helps him to get to ball carriers effectively. Expect him to be a key role player in any small school he may go to if given the opportunity.
Jameer Alves- South Gwinnett
As a safety, Alves has put on tape that he not only covers ground very well in zone coverage, but that he also has the ability to make big time plays with his ball skills. He has shown that he plays well within man and zone coverage and can play well on the hip pocket of receivers, making it hard for QB’s to view them as options. With this, even though he is decent at turning and running, he can also be seen to be very raw at flipping his hips, which can be detrimental at the next level if he does not improve in such things. Overall, while Alves may be a project at the safety position, we still view his range and quickness as something that could be great for him if he were to contribute as a DB for a very small school.
Eric Little Jr- Whitefield
Little, who has great burst and speed as a ball carrier, also plays well as a DB. Not only does this translate well as he is trying to get out of breaks, but his footwork and fluidity out of quick breaks helps him to be able to come up and make tackles if needed. Little is also solid in pursuit, and takes good angles when stopping the run. His ability to move well laterally, and travel sideline to sideline plays a big part in his offense’s success in making key stops. Little also displays aggressiveness as he makes tackles, which is great of any defensive player.
Devin Brown- Eastside
Brown, who is certainly a bit of a raw, and stiff prospect, is still talented enough of a DB to play at a D2 school if given a chance. He does not necessarily have the twitch that some DB’s have, but he has the size and length, ball skills, and ability to turn and run that coaches are looking for at that level. He also has a big body as well that can come downhill, and make tackles, even if he has to rip off of blocks. This aggressive playing style will be a big time for him if he is subbed in for run stopping packages. With this, as he looks to try to further his football career, it should also be said that Brown also puts on tape that he moves better vertically, than he does laterally, which may cause him problems in the future.