2023 Rankings: Defensive Backs Thriving On The Island
In this article:
We got some extra looks at some of South Carolina’s best defensive backs from the Class of 2023 via a few extended playoff runs. All of the following five corner backs and safeties had at least one postseason game to…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWe got some extra looks at some of South Carolina’s best defensive backs from the Class of 2023 via a few extended playoff runs.
All of the following five corner backs and safeties had at least one postseason game to add to their film, while a couple of them went further. That means they were lining up against other top-notch squads.
It added to the impressions they left.
Clay Pender Clay Pender 6'2" | 170 lbs | ATH Barnwell | 2023 State SCSchool: Barnwell
Analysis: At 6-foot-2, Pender already has a leg up on most of the receivers he’s charged with covering. His ability to track the ball out of the air is why he had a team-leading three interceptions in 2020 (in six games). He’s also utilized at receiver, which only adds to his skill set.
DJ Barksdale II DJ Barksdale II 5'10" | 175 lbs | DB South Pointe | 2023 State SCSchool: South Pointe
Analysis: Barksdale’s the type of safety who lures opposing teams into a false sense of security because he’s easy to lose, thanks to the fact that he’s just 5-foot-9. But there’s also a reason why he’s given so much responsibility. Barksdale doesn’t miss tackles, picks off a few passes and breaks up a bunch more.
Daryl DePassSchool: Beaufort
Analysis: He’s not overpowering at 5-foot-11 and 160 pounds, but he’s also covering the best receiver he’s lining up against one-on-one because he can handle his own. DePass played into Beaufort having one of the best defenses in the classification last fall.
Misun Kelley Misun Kelley 5'10" | 170 lbs | DB DW Daniel | 2023 State SC (Pictured above)
School: Daniel
Analysis: The Lions’ offense jumped all over most of the teams it faced this year, making them one-dimensional while trying to play catch up. It played right into Kelley’s favor. The true cover corning piled up a team-high six interceptions. He’s great pressing receivers at the line and can hang back if necessary, too.
Keith Elmore Keith Elmore 6'0" | 185 lbs | DB Summerville | 2023 State SCSchool: Summerville
Analysis: Elmore’s 6-foot frame and above-average speed allow him to get sideline to sideline in a hurry from his free safety position. He is also a great tackler. However, he possesses the coverage skills to make the move to cornerback if his coaches need him there down the line.