Top Defensive Backs to Watch in Michigan

Elite defensive backs aren’t as prevalent as other positions, but just as important as scoring is stopping the other team from doing so.  The state of Michigan has some good old fashioned playmakers in the class of 2022 and here are five to keep your eye on! [player_tooltip player_id="80918" first="William" last="Johnson"] 6’3, 190, Gross Pointe South The first thing that stands out about Johnson is his sheer size. At 6’3 he presents value that not many corners can offer, but he also makes plays on the ball... that not many corners can make. Johnson is a two-way standout for Gross Pointe South, making plays as a wild cat QB and receiver on the offensive side of the ball as well. He runs with the fluidity of an elite athlete, plays more physical than he looks, and has all of the natural instincts to succeed. https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11386416/5f8da2c017623909586d97a0   [player_tooltip player_id="30137" first="Nolan" last="Ziegler"] 6’4, 205, Grand Rapids Catholic Central Ziegler averaged over thirteen tackles per game for his team last season, and his versatility to play multiple positions on both defense and offense make him a hot commodity. He’s got scary and imposing size, but speed enough to play in the backend of a defense. There’s a reason he’s one of the top overall players in the state, and it doesn’t take long in watching his film to find that out. Versatility is one of the most sought after traits these days, but so is hunger, both of which Ziegler gets an A score for. He will be opposing team's worst nightmares at higher levels than simply high school. https://www.hudl.com/profile/11204803/Nolan-Ziegler   [player_tooltip player_id="30147" first="Deshaun" last="Lee"] 5’10, 160, Belleville Watch out! Lees speed and athleticism is second to none, and he’ll be a matchup nightmare on the next level. He shines both at corner and running back for Belleville, a school that is no stranger to having top athletes. Although Lee is not the biggest most imposing player in the world, that doesn’t make him any less scary, as opponents have a hard to evading him on offense, or sticking near him on defense. He’s a natural ball catcher as well, making him a playmaker at whichever side of the ball he’s on. There won’t be many players around with an ability to run away from him on the field, making Lee a top player to watch in the class of 2022. https://www.hudl.com/profile/13612715/Deshaun-Lee [player_tooltip player_id="30151" first="Jaris" last="McIntosh"] 6’0, 182, Lakeview McIntosh is very versatile, showing the ability to play both outside corner and safety. He’s a consistent playmaker and a big hitter. He shows an ability to create tight coverage, and with his size he’s got a knack for getting off of blocks and making plays in the run game. His effort is perhaps the most evident thing on tape, as he’s always running with a high motor to the ball, making him stand out among his peers on the field. https://www.hudl.com/profile/8573575/Jaris-McIntosh   [player_tooltip player_id="30152" first="Cincear" last="Lewis"] 6’2, 185, Kalamazoo Central Lewis’ knack for being around the ball is exactly what’s needed at the free safety position. He’s seemingly a split second away from the ball at all times, plays the entire field well, and is an integral part to his team's success. Lewis truly is the quarterback of the defense. His eyes and ability to play both high and low on the field make him a valuable asset. https://www.hudl.com/profile/12914235/Cincear-Lewis