Lake County Stock Risers: Seven DBs You Need to Know

Outside of quarterback, I honestly believe the defensive back position—specifically cornerback— is one of the tougher positions to play in football. Not only do you have to be an exceptional athlete to excel as a defensive back, but you also have to be cerebral in your approach and understand the matchup is really between you, the quarterback, and the offensive coordinator. So without further ado, let's get to know seven defensive backs from Lake County that you NEED TO KNOW heading into the '22 season. <hr /> <h5></h5> <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="135932" first="Michael" last="Jefferson"] Jr. | DB | Grayslake North ’23</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-144084" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/Michael-Jefferson-DSC_5970-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /> Jefferson first got on my radar at the PRZ Illinois showcase where he was one of the top DB's in attendance. He flashes solid hip fluidity, which allows him to loosely flip his hips while staying in phase with the receiver, allowing him to consistently deploy his ball skills and make life hard on the opposing receiver. Jefferson can and will guard the opposing team's best receiver and he's more than reliable in run support. After a productive junior season, I think Jefferson is in line to put it all together and go out with a bang as he gears up for his senior campaign. <h5><em><strong>Devion Reynolds | DB | Carmel ’24</strong></em></h5> Reynolds brings a ton of upside to the table as a varsity contributor as a sophomore. He's a long cornerback that utilizes his good wingspan to disrupt passes thrown his way. He has good speed and even better closing speed and has a knack for dislodging the ball from his opponent. <h5><strong><em>Quentin Reeves | DB | Warren ’23</em></strong></h5> Warren's secondary is arguably the most talented defensive back group in Lake County. Junior cornerback Quentin Reeves has quietly seen his stock rise after a productive season where he had 3 interceptions and 17 passes defended. Excellent in press coverage, solid ball skills, and flashes good hip fluidity, enabling him to efficiently change directions while in coverage. Keep an eye out for Reeves as we approach the season; he's a prospect whose stock is on pace to rise at an exponential rate. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="222658" first="DeAndre" last="Neely"] Jr. | DB | Grayslake North ’23</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-57442" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/10/DeAndre-Neely-Jr.-300x287.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="287" /> Neely is a versatile defensive back who I know can be effective at the cornerback and safety positions. He possesses the necessary speed to cover the field from sideline to sideline and can turn and run with most receivers. Good instincts, great closing speed, and more than reliable tackler from the defensive back position. <h5><em><strong>Andrew Lyon | DB | Lake Forest ’23</strong></em></h5> Although Lyons is productive and spends most of his time at the cornerback position, I believe safety is where he's most valuable. He's savvy enough to place himself in the right position to make plays on the ball, but he's really at his best when he's coming downhill to lay the wood on his opponent. Lyon is as sure of a tackler as they come and is a key contributor when it's time to stuff the run. <h5><em><strong>Cassius Callahan | DB | Warren ’23</strong></em></h5> After dissecting Callahan's film, what impressed me the most was the speed at which he plays the game. His speed and quickness allow him to cover a ton of space on the field and run with any receiver when he’s in man coverage. Flashes good ball skills and instincts and is a more than reliable tackler from his safety position. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="158019" first="Jailen" last="Duffie"] | DB | Warren ’23</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-53485" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/09/IMG_3068-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> Duffie is considered the #1 defensive back prospect out of Lake County heading into his senior season. He's feisty, aggressive, and plays with a level of physicality that is often unmatched at the defensive back position. Opposing receivers tend to struggle off the line when Duffie decides to press, which goes back to my point about him playing a physical brand of football as a defensive back. Has track speed and can turn and run with just about any receiver. His great instincts and ball skills give him the advantage in man coverage. And last but not least, he's a sure tackler who relishes the opportunity to lay a big hit on his opponent.