2022 Defensive Backs Ready to Shine

Football has become, largely, a passing game. Defenses must adjust with the times. In order to combat this, a solid defensive backfield is necessary. Today we look at the top of a loaded class of defensive backs in Indiana’s Class of 2022. These are the prospects who will always make it a long game for receivers and quarterbacks. [player_tooltip player_id="98000" first="Kalen" last="Carroll"], 6’1, 170 pounds, Brownsburg [player_tooltip player_id="98000" first="Kalen" last="Carroll"] checks all of the boxes at Cornerback for Brownsburg. He positions his body well and, without committing a penalty, makes life difficult on receivers. [player_tooltip player_id="98000" first="Kalen" last="Carroll"] also uses his hands very well early in the play. Carroll also plays with tenacity and he does not give up on plays. Carroll is also a very good run defender, which is a skill of a complete defensive back. He can also be moved around the defensive formation and he can play well in different spots, but corner is still his primary position. [player_tooltip player_id="98008" first="Joseph" last="Jefferson"], 6’1, 185 pounds, Pike [player_tooltip player_id="98008" first="Joseph" last="Jefferson"] is an oustanding Safety at Pike. He reads plays very well. Quarterbacks should not test Jefferson as he also possesses great ball skills. Jefferson can also come up and play the run. He is a very sound tackler who consistently takes good angles to the ball. [player_tooltip player_id="98009" first="Johntu" last="Reed"], 6’2, 205 pounds, Jimtown [player_tooltip player_id="98009" first="Johntu" last="Reed"] is the complete package. He always pursues the ball with determination. Reed makes a great break on the ball and he can make plays. Reed is also a very disciplined tackler. Also making [player_tooltip player_id="98009" first="Johntu" last="Reed"] a special player is what he gives to the team. He is an effective returner on both kickoffs and punts. Reed gives complete effort and never gives up on the play. [player_tooltip player_id="98011" first="Jackson" last="Griffin"], 5’11, 180 pounds, Center Grove [player_tooltip player_id="98011" first="Jackson" last="Griffin"] is a very fundamentally sound player. Griffin is a very good tackler. He play with good phyiscality. Griffin also presents the necessary coverage skills. He will be able to cover a lot of ground and match any receiver step-for-step. [player_tooltip player_id="98014" first="Chaikou" last="Diallo"], 5’11, 165 pounds, Decatur Central [player_tooltip player_id="98014" first="Chaikou" last="Diallo"] is a very instinctive player. He can read the play as it unfolds and knows where he needs to be. Diallo has great ball skills. What stood out to me the most, though, is his incredible athletic ability. He has great speed and agility. Diallo is a constant playmaker. His speed allows for him to stay with any receiver. Diallo also has the ability to make plays in space. The Class of 2022 in Indiana is loaded with talent in the defensive backfield. These propsects are playmakers that can change the game. They are also tough players who are very disciplined. We have discussed the talent at wide receiver that the state has to offer this year. So, one thing is abundantly clear: there are going to be some big-time matchups this upcoming fall.