Five of the Top 2023 Safeties to Watch this Fall
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Defensive backs may be grouped together in the category, but cornerbacks and safeties are not one and the same. Free safeties are the other side of the quarterback coin, oftentimes taking on the responsibility of being the last man to…
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Continue ReadingDefensive backs may be grouped together in the category, but cornerbacks and safeties are not one and the same.
Free safeties are the other side of the quarterback coin, oftentimes taking on the responsibility of being the last man to beat in coverage for the secondary. Strong safeties are typically players who fit in between the roles of free safeties and linebackers, switching between heavy run support in the box and zone coverage against the pass.
This article will take a close look at five of the top safeties in the state, all of whom are ranked among the top-ten defensive backs in Colorado.
Hudson Voggesser Hudson Voggesser 6'2" | 205 lbs | LB Loveland | 2023 State CO | Loveland | 6’2”, 195lbs | SS
Voggesser is the number one-ranked defensive back in his class for good reason. He is a fast-moving, hard-hitting, playmaking box safety who is a perfect fit for the hybrid role. He can come off of the edge and apply pressure in the backfield as a blitzer. Voggesser is a downhill player who has the athleticism to change directions quickly and cover a lot of ground with ease. As a recruit, Voggesser has received interest from a few big-name programs during his junior season, making him a safety to keep on the radar.
— Hudson Voggesser (@HudsonVoggesser) January 20, 2022
Logan Brantley Logan Brantley 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB Cherry Creek | 2023 State CO | Cherry Creek | 6’2”, 200lbs | SS
Brantley is the second-ranked linebacker in the class who also happens to fill the position of strong safety. The defensive scheme that the Bruins run will often put him in deep coverage, but the box is where he excels the most. He is a powerful downhill hitter who has a nose for the football and the ability to disrupt offensive plays. Brantley entered his junior year with an offer from UNLV and has since received an offer from the University of Nevada as well, making this two-time 5A state champion one to watch this fall.
Full Jr Szn highlights! @CCNextLevelFB https://t.co/2sd44cq1fi
— Logan Brantley 🥷🏽 (@LoganBrantley4) December 13, 2021
Myles McClarity Myles McClarity 6'2" | 165 lbs | DB Fountain-Fort Carson | 2024 State CO | Fountain-Fort Carson | 6’2”, 165lbs | FS
McClarity is the fourth-ranked defensive back and the first free safety to be mentioned on this list. This ball-hawking playmaker is a physical athlete with explosive speed and great awareness. He has a versatile set of skills that enable him to come down and fill the nickel position to play man against the slot and to help with run support. McClarity is a resilient athlete who is no stranger to working hard and overcoming adversity.
The pause button may have been pressed, but I'll never stop!!!#lookforthecomeback@Coach_JNovotny@FFCHSAthletics @coloradopreps @PrepRedzoneCO @fountain_preps @JakeGadon_TV @DannyMataJr @DanMohrmann @CHSAA https://t.co/Yl4wjzP0KE
— Myles McClarity (@MylesMcClarity) January 26, 2022
Jason Thome Jason Thome 6'0" | 180 lbs | DB Ralston Valley | 2023 State CO | Ralston Valley | 6’0”, 165lbs | FS
Thome is the ninth-ranked DB in his class who can fill the nickel role in addition to being a free safety. He has great awareness and play recognition which help him flow with the eyes of the quarterback, helping him to snag interceptions. He is a physical tackler who can defend against the run just as well as he can defend against the pass. Thome will be entering his senior year under the spotlight as one of the top safeties in the state.
Junior Year Highlights! https://t.co/8cT7LcPaIU
— Jason Thome (@JasonThome12) December 6, 2021
Trey Stott Trey Stott 5'11" | 195 lbs | DB Valor Christian | 2023 State CO | Valor Christian | 5’11”, 185lbs | FS
Stott is the 10th-ranked DB in the 2023 class, but there is a strong argument for him to possibly raise his stock. He is a playmaker who always manages to end up wherever the ball is. He is an extremely physical player who possesses elite speed and phenomenal awareness. His versatile set of skills makes him the perfect option for the last man among the secondary. Stott is a player who is a low flier on the radar, but expect his popularity to grow significantly during his senior season.
Check out my 2021 season highlights @donnieyantis @GoValorFootball https://t.co/VpScNbhSlY
— Trey Stott (@treystott) December 15, 2021