Small School 22’s: DB’s To Know

All across Arizona there is some small school talent that have been grinding for an opportunity at the next level. From making good impressions during their junior campaign, numerous DB's will look to grow and build off a productive past season and transition that same energy to their senior year in hopes of landing some offers. Take a look at 5 small school DB's to get on your radar:<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-24526" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/06/Generic-Featured-Image-3-300x187.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="187" /> [player_tooltip player_id="42854" first="Andy" last="Ruiz"], <em>6’1" 190lbs, Coconino HS</em> Ruiz (pictured above) was a monster at CB for Coconino during his junior campaign. He is physical at the LOS when pressing receivers, oftentimes taking them out of the play or immediately re-routing them. He completely manhandled opponents throughout the season. He sheds blocks well and is an effective tackler for run support. He flashed nice hand placement to be able to punch through the hands of receivers to force PBU’s. Played both ways for Coconino and looks to have a big year heading into his senior campaign. [player_tooltip player_id="100723" first="Derek" last="Sanchez"], <em>5’11" 170lbs, Sabino HS</em> Sanchez is physical at the LOS in man-press with solid play recognition all around. He reads the QB’s eyes well in zone, and does a good job tracking the receivers hip in man. He shows a nice change of direction with a quick break on the ball. Covers ground well at CB, and is a threat to take any INT to the house. Sanchez gets off of blocks fairly well and can provide run support. He plays with a high confidence level and has that energy you look for in a lockdown CB. [player_tooltip player_id="100681" first="Auggie" last="Chiang"], <em>6’1" 180lbs, Coolidge HS</em> Chiang did an excellent job at CB for Coolidge last season. He’s a rangy CB with ball hawk ability. He can afford to give cushion as he possesses solid recovery speed and nice reaction. He shows soft hands with the ability to pluck balls out of the air with ease. He was an effective tackler for run support and a solid all-around athlete. He was a two-way standout for Coolidge and will have a big role heading into next season. <img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-46178" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/IMG_20200825_161759832_HDR-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" />[player_tooltip player_id="100722" first="Jimmy" last="Lerblance"], <em>5’10" 160lbs, Benson HS</em> Lerblance was an absolute ball hawk in 2A, helping Benson make a nice playoff run. He did a tremendous job reading the QB’s eyes, and also displayed solid route and concept recognition. He showed good ball skills all around as a CB. He could continue to add some run support film, as he’ll have a big opportunity to be a big time two-way player next season for Benson. Could continue to put on weight, but holds solid potential going forward. <strong>Jake Barnard</strong>, <em>5'9" 170lbs, Fountain Hills HS</em> Barnard played WR and FS for Fountain Hills and did a good job as a 1-high FS. He was a ball hawk in the secondary with 5 INT's last season and a threat for a big INT return. He showed solid route recognition with a good break on the ball. He understands zone responsibilities well and did a good job closing on underneath receivers. Big time sleeper but projects to have a big role and a strong senior season going forward. &nbsp;