2023 Stock Risers: Defensive Backs

As we wind down with the class of 2023 for a bit, we finish our stock risers series with the defensive backs. While this class isn’t necessarily as deep as some of the other positions in the class of 2023, there are several future stars at the defensive back position. We’ll look at five fast-rising prospects here. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="142198" first="Noah" last="Gist"], 6’2 165- Lexington Senior (No. 1 Safety, No. 36 overall)</strong> Gist had one of the most productive seasons I’ve ever seen from a defensive back this past season, forcing 16 -- yes, 16 -- turnovers in seven games. He possesses good height and the frame to add weight. He projects best as a ball-hawking safety where he can read the quarterback and then break on the ball. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="144939" first="Deshaun" last="Whitmire"], 6’ 170- TC Roberson (No. 2 Safety, No. 60 overall)</strong> Whitmire plays on both sides of the ball, giving him good ball skills at his safety position. However, my favorite part of his game is the way he plays the run. He’s a sure open-field tackler and knows how to come downhill and deliver big hits. He wraps up well and doesn’t allow opposing ball carriers to fall forward for extra yards. He has time to continue to polish his coverage skills, but I like where he is at this stage in his development. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="144933" first="Nigel" last="Lucas"], 6’1 175- Wake Forest (No. 3 CB, No. 102 overall)</strong> Lucas is a natural athlete, so he plays wherever Wake Forest needs him in each situation. He plays a bit of quarterback on the offensive side of the ball, but his future is at corner, where he can use his length and speed to make plays. He’ll play some safety as well and delivers big hits from that position when he gets to read and react. Like many young corners, he needs to improve some of his technique, but that will come with time and we see his potential. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="124627" first="Jonathon" last="Willis"], 6’ 175- Greene Central (No. 4 CB, No. 110 overall)</strong> Willis is ranked just outside of the top 100, but he has immense potential. He’s raw at corner and actually plays more currently on the offensive side of the ball, but I like what I’ve seen from him defensively. He has good length, great speed and he’s not afraid to get physical with opposing receivers. He’s camping this summer as a defensive back and that could raise his stock in the future. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="136224" first="TJ" last="Scott"], 5’9 140- Mooresville (No. 5 CB, No. 118 overall)</strong> Scott obviously needs to gain a bit of weight over the next few years to help with his recruitment, but on the field, he’s a physical corner that tackles well in space. He wasn’t an every down player last season, but that should change as he gets older. Technically, he’s sound and he’s a mature football player, often making plays that require him to anticipate and to be in the right place.