STOCK RISERS: 2022 DBS To Know

Matt DeBary May 21, 2021 @ 12:21 PM

Is there a deeper position group in Georgia than defensive back in the 2022 class? Maybe tight end, but overall, it’s hard to argue against the defensive back talent in the peach state. There are multiple SEC and Power 5 DBs across the state, with 5-stars [player_tooltip player_id="33865" first="Deyon" last="Bouie"] and [player_tooltip player_id="33871" first="Malaki" last="Starks"] leading the way. There’s some truly elite talent in the secondary, and there are still plenty of rising seniors who should see their stock increase over the next few months. Here are some 2022 defensive backs who should see their stock rise entering the 2021 season...   Michael Merriweather - Carver One of the more underrated defensive backs in West Georgia, Merriweather is an instinctive safety who plays with great technique in coverage. He shows good footwork in his back pedal, and knows how to locate the football in the air and make a play on it. He has good size at 5-foot-11 195-pounds with good range. His size and quickness allows him to play multiple positions on defense. He can play some safety or be an added defensive back somewhere, or he can drop down and play linebacker. He’s a natural football player with a knack for making plays. He’s one of the top defenders in the area and could see some interest come his way if he’d able to get out and perform well at college camps this summer.   Dontavius Brown - Seminole County They breed them tough in South Georgia, and one of the toughest defensive backs in the area is the versatile defender from Donaldsonville. The 6-foot-2 170-pounder showed good ball skills last year as both a wide receiver and a cornerback, showing his athleticism and versatility. He showed quick feet and fluid hips as a defender with the ability to stay with opposing receivers on the outside. As a receiver, he shows good burst off the line and showed big-play ability down the field. He has a great frame and will take his game to the next level as he continues adding weight and muscle. He’s an interesting up-and-coming prospect to know in South Georgia with college-level potential.   Caleb Coley - Houston County One of the biggest playmakers in Middle Georgia, it might not be too much longer for the Houston County playmaker to see his recruitment REALLY take off. The 6-foot-1 177-pounder is coming off an impressive junior season where he made plays on both sides of the ball, but really stood out as a member of the secondary. He holds a few respectable D1 offers right now from Michigan State, Wisconsin, and Northwestern, but he could see more coming way once he’s able to work out in front of college coaches. Coley is a true lock-down cornerback on defense but knows how to stretch the field on offense. As a defender, Coley made 30 tackles last year and recorded one sack. He also picked off two passes, forced one fumble, and blocked one kick. He’s an explosive player overall and will likely see more opportunities on offense as a senior this fall.