Standout Performers: Defensive Backs

Today we are taking a look at the DB's that have been playing at a high level this 2022 season. This list contains stat leaders, in person standouts, and some familiar faces that have lived up to the hype, and some brand new names that hit the scene late.

Tahseen Howard |2022| Milford

Tahseen is an all around gifted athlete, an "ironman athlete" some would call him. Howard plays quarterback and safety for the millers making a huge impact on both sides of the ball. Today we are focusing on his defensive skills. Howard lurks in the defensive backfield just waiting to make a play, he really has a knack for the ball. This season he has multiple 2 interception games, scoop and score touchdowns and special teams big plays. At the next level he will be an asset in pass coverage and in the return game. The kid is a Swiss army knife, offense , defense , and specials teams, he can impact all three phases of the game. (Last Game: Playoffs, 4 passings TD's, 1 punt return TD.)

Offers: Virgina State, Shippensburg Univ.

Howards HUDL

At 6'2 180lbs this DB is a diamond in the rough waiting to be found. Davis has been making consistent strides in development since 2020. I've had the opportunity to see him play a lot during last 7on7 season and the first attributes that stand out for Davis are his length and range. Recently I was on the sidelines during the Mt. Saint Joseph vs Archbishop Spalding matchup; even though the score was lopsided in Spalding's favor Davis still stood out. With MSJ backed against their own endzone Davis made three tackles in a row from his safety position. During the MSJ vs McDonogh game Davis was assigned UMD TE commit, who lines up at WR & QB. He has the skillset, size and speed to matchup with just about any skill position player in the state.

Offers: None

Photo: _picsbyirv Photographers Instagram

Jamari Lewis |2023|Franklin

Lewis absolutely bursts onto the scene this season. He recorded a handful of INT's and turned into an offensive weapon with the ball in his hands. He's very good in pursuit, crediting his closing speed to his success on the track at Franklin as a standout 400meter and 4x200meter sprinter. Jamari isn't only a coverage DB, he also can play at the line of scrimmage whether blitzing or in at nickel, he is a solid run stopper who isn't scared to get his hands dirty between the tackles. On the offensive side of the ball he is an aggressive and selfless receiver and teammate. He competes for 50/50 balls and makes key blocks in the run game and on special teams. At 6'1 170lbs he has the frame to put on some weight while maintaining his speed.

Offers: None

Jeremiah Lewis |2022| Archbishop Curley

Lewis is a genral good football player. 6'0 190lbs and can play about every position on the defense. For the friars he's played corner, safety, and outside linebacker. He also played kick return and punt return showing his athleticism. Lewis flies to the ball and brings power behind his tackles and has the speed and ball skills to cover the #1 receiver down field. Lewis would make a great strong safety or rover with his current skill set, and has the frame to put on some serious weight. Jeremiah has a great upside and will be making an immediate impact on a roster next year.

Committed: Cornell University

Offers: Sacred Heart Univ., Cornell Univ. (Committed)

Price is emerging as one of the top DB's in the class of 2023. I had the opportunity to watch Price in action this past weekend in the MIAA A Championship against McDonough. Price was responsible for 2 forced fumbles and an INT in the cardinals 14-8 win. At 6'2 175lbs ,his long frame gives him range in pass defense and against the run. He's a sideline to sideline defender when in pursuit and brigs power behind his hits.

Offers: Syracuse, West Virginia Univ., Boston College

Shae Terry |2024| Avalon

Terry is a young DB that has bursts onto the scene playing at a high level. Terry has great eyes, he reads his keys and reacts to what he's actually seeing . He has good awareness for such a young DB, he maintains his cushion and does a good job at staying in phase with the receiver. When the ball is in the air he has the size to go up an compete for the ball, he recorded a handful of int's this season. Cornerback is one of the toughest positions on the field to play and Terry seems to have the fundamentals, and discipline down pack, it will be exciting to see him develop athletically and add that to his game.

Offers: Boston College

Anthony Martin |2022| Bullis

6'1 190lbs

Very impressive DB, he plays very smooth and efficient. This season he recorded and a handful of Int's along with some forced fumbles. He lines up at nickel a lot for Bullis and has the skillset of a true strong safety. He is a game changer, who has the ability to change to momentum of the game on offense or defense. He has the speed to break off those long TD runs which makes him a lot more dangerous on the defensive side of the ball, after an int he's looking to take it to the endzone. Offensively he shows great agility and ball carrying vision, weaving in and out of traffic and finding the endzone after a catch or from wildcat QB.

Offers: Marshall, Elon, Georgetown, and William & Mary.

Dejuan Lane |2024|Gilman

At 6'2 190lbs Lane is another very young promising talent. Lane is a complete defender, not only can he defend the pass but he is above average at run support and makes plays on the ball such as forced fumbles and swatted passes at the LOS. Lane will make a great strong safety, he's fast, physical and very versatile, you can place him almost anywhere outside the front 4 on defense. Lane is already a D1 ready defensive back , with the proper technique development his stock will skyrocket.

Offers: None

Will Urquia |2022| Archbishop Curley

Very solid and sound cover corner. Urquia possess smooth hips and great transitions from backpedaling/side run to stride for stride with the receiver. He is rarely out of position and is discipline in covering his assignments. Urquia has an impressive wingspan that helps him reach around defenders to bat balls away. I labeled Will a cover corner not because of any inability to help the run game but because of how well he does in man and zone coverage. Urquia is no stranger to contact he comes down and makes plays with his shoulder pads regardless of the size difference. At 6'1 165lbs Will can be an absolute asset to a defense that fits him at the next level.

Offers: Shenandoah Univ., Alvernia Univ., Misericordia Univ.

Notable Mention:

Neko Hagans |2023| Anacostia

6'0 170lbs

Hagan's Game Film