2022 Rankings Newcomers: Defensive Back’s

<em>In-depth analysis of the new DB prospects to the 2022 PRZ Rankings. </em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="253236" first="Takhari" last="Carr"], Dominguez</strong> Carr finished the season ranked fourth in the state with nine interceptions during the 2021 season. At 5’11” 175 lbs. he’s an active DB prospect that can be a difference maker from either corner or safety. He’s a versatile athlete with good football instincts and a relentless motor to cover the whole field and make plays sideline to sideline. He runs wells and flashes a quick break to close space and make a play on the ball. A ball hawk in the secondary that racks up INT’s and PBU’s. Also an explosive returner on special teams. Uncommitted holding an offer from Idaho so far. https://twitter.com/coach_herbcash/status/1474433122657714176?s=20 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="253225" first="Zion" last="Sims"], Servite</strong> Sims had a great senior season playing for one of the top teams in the country where he racked up 75 total tackles. He possesses a wide skillset from his strong safety position showing a good ability to play in space or come down in the box as a force/edge defender. Flashes good initial speed and short area quickness to fly around playing fast and physical while being violent at the POA. He’s well coached and an effort player that puts himself in position to make an impact. Made his commitment to Army official on Early Signing Day. https://twitter.com/ZionSims5/status/1471032131035959298?s=20 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="187320" first="Ezriel" last="Vasquez"], Lincoln</strong> Strong cover corner with good size, length, and frame to build on at 6’1” 170 lbs. Shows good range, technique, and footwork in both press and off coverage. His instincts show in his awareness and route anticipation understanding down and distance and where his help is coming from. Excellent in run support as an open field tackler that wraps up and delivers strong contact through the ground. Does a good job shedding blocks and using his speed and lateral agility to chase down ball carriers from all over the field. Committed to Portland State just last week but is one of the more under recruited DB prospects in Northern California. https://twitter.com/EzrielVasquez7/status/1459619332736970752?s=20 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="253237" first="Lamont" last="Johnson-Burrell"], Sacramento</strong> Projects as a DB at the college level but is a big play threat on both sides of the ball using his long 6’3” 175 lb. frame. He’s a plus athlete with good recovery speed and a strong/sustained second gear. He’s able to make acrobatic catches on both sides of the ball using his combination of timing, length, and body control to make tough contested catches at the high point. He’s not afraid of contact and can be a striker when he has he feet underneath him and he’s able to line up a ball carrier. Committed to stay close to home at Sacramento State and it will be interesting to see how he’s used with his size, skillset, and growth potential. https://twitter.com/SacHornetsFB/status/1471136485021609984?s=20 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="253250" first="Bryce" last="Brown-Johnson"], Orange Lutheran</strong> A dynamic athlete with great length, range, and physicality. His speed and versatility allow him to be effective in man coverage on the outside or as a nickel corner lined up against the slot. He’s active and instinctual in coverage with great reactionary quickness to break on the ball and make a play at the intersect point. Loves contact and is extremely physical in run support attacking the ball carrier with good leverage and pad level. Made explosive plays as a returner in the kicking game throughout the season. Signed to Eastern Washington on Early Signing Day. https://twitter.com/BryceBrownjohn1/status/1465539814862716931?s=20 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="253253" first="Michael" last="Hurst"], Servite</strong> The three sport athlete (football/basketball/track) was a big time playmaker in the secondary and on special teams for the fifth ranked team in the country. Possesses a strong and powerful frame at 6’0” 190 lbs. with good transitional speed and change of direction. Out of his back pedal he can flip his hips and burst out with good leg drive to close space and run with receivers. Shows great technique and footwork in coverage. Received an offer from Portland State in late November but deserves more recruiting attention given his talent and ability. https://twitter.com/MikeHurst_2/status/1469164351651151872?s=20 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="253259" first="Elijah" last="Gipson"], Oaks Christian</strong> Gipson is a fluid athlete that plays well with his eyes to put himself in position to makes plays. Has good physical tools to build on with his combination of top end speed, lateral mobility, and body control. Can play any position in the secondary with the ability to be a difference maker in both man and zone coverage. Quick to transition out of his back pedal and has the speed to run with receivers at all areas of the field. He’s a smart decision maker with a high football IQ. Love the way he competes and his toughness at the POA. Committed but unsigned to Portland State. https://twitter.com/ElijahGipson6/status/1473050158799613952?s=20 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="253288" first="Brent" last="Austin"], Cajon</strong> Austin is a physical and versatile secondary defender that can play both corner and safety. Possesses a well-rounded DB skillset with plus athleticism and the speed to run stride for stride with receivers at all three depths. Smooth hip transition and quick feet give him great change of direction with the short area burst to drive on the ball and make a play at the catch point. Good ball skills to track and adjust to ball flight. He’s efficient with his movement using good technique and footwork to limit wasted motion. Played his first three seasons at Aquinas before transferring to Cajon and has proven his coverage ability and toughness against some of the top competition in the state. Picked up his first D1 offer from Cal Poly in November. https://twitter.com/BrentAustin23/status/1462305029369384961?s=20