Rise & Fire Camp: Five DBs Who Caught My Eye
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It was DBs VS everybody, and I’ll be the first to tell you there wasn’t any shortage of talent for those who participated as DBs during last weekend’s Rise & Fire Camp. There were some familiar faces who I expected…
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Continue ReadingIt was DBs VS everybody, and I’ll be the first to tell you there wasn’t any shortage of talent for those who participated as DBs during last weekend’s Rise & Fire Camp.
There were some familiar faces who I expected to perform at a high level, but there were also a few new prospects whose outstanding performances took me by surprise.
So without further ado, let’s get to know the five DBs I feel had noteworthy performances.
Kalik Thompson | Bolingbrook ’23
Thompson is still early in his development but possesses all the physical tools to be one of the top defensive backs in his class when it’s all said and done. He held his own during the half-skelly drill and 1-on-1’s and showed that for a guy his size, he could really flip his hips. “The Brook” is known for producing some pretty good defensive backs, could Kalik Thompson be next in line? Perhaps so.
Chris Mathis | Simeon ’23
Mathis wasn’t on my radar before this camp, but after watching him put on a solid performance, he’s definitely an athlete I’ll be keeping tabs on moving forward. He may appear to be undersized, but he makes up for it with the toughness and grit he plays with. Has good closing speed and great instincts and does a good job of watching the receiver’s eyes and body language when making a play on the deep ball.
Kahlil Tate Kahlil Tate 6'1" | 185 lbs | WR Kenwood | 2023 State IL | Kenwood ’23
I had the chance to see Tate play this spring, but this was the first time I was able to see him up close and personal, and boy, does he have some impressive size for a prospect his age. He’s the size of a LB but has all the qualities you would want in a defensive back. He can run, has good footwork, good hip fluidity, and above-average ball skills. His physicality posed a problem for the receivers he lined up against as they struggled to beat Tate’s stout press.
Justin Taylor Justin Taylor 6'0" | 185 lbs | ATH Nazareth | 2023 State IL | Nazereth ’23
I’m torn on Taylor because I can definitely see him playing some receiver at the next level by how smooth he runs his routes and how well he catches the ball. But, when you watch him on defense, you’ll understand that’s where his value is going to be maximized. Has great size for the position and doesn’t hesitate to get physical at the line with opposing receivers. Flashed excellent cover skills and even better ball skills. Oozes confidence and appears never to get rattled. It’s only a matter of time before the offers begin flowing in for one top prospects in Illinois’ C/O ’23.
Isaac Martinez | Streamwood ’22
I had no clue who Isaac Martinez was before this camp, but after watching the performance he put on, I’m going to make it my business to catch a Streamwood game this season because this kid was electric! He’s a superior athlete whose speed is off the charts and easily covers the field from sideline to sideline with the best of them. I’m not exaggerating when I say this, but I didn’t see one receiver catch a pass on him during 1-on-1s. He has elite man-coverage skills and is even more effective in covering space. Remember this name.