Stock Risers: Class of 2023 Defensive Backs

As I continue my series of Class of 2023 Stock Risers set to have a standout senior season, we'll take a look at defensive backs. When I'm scouting defensive backs, I look for the use of hands, agility, fluid hip movements, sound technique, and the ability to defend multiple routes. In addition, I like to see defensive backs have offensive scheme recognition, communication, and resiliency. With the ever-growing complexity of offensive schemes to create space and opportunity, its vital defensive backs can read and react quickly. Defensive backs come in many different sizes, and I like to scout the overall athletic ability of an athlete before focusing on their measurables. So, let us look at a few defensive backs I had the chance to examine this past season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="136188" first="Brian" last="Hollins"] - </strong>Mansfield - 5'11 175lbs Hollins was one of the first defensive backs I had the privilege of scouting last season. He is an athletic long defensive back with excellent agility, flips his hip in transition, mirrors defenders, and attacks the ball at the highest point. In addition, Hollins has excellent field awareness, can shed blocks, and possesses sound tackling techniques. Hollins is a versatile athlete, and depending on defensive schemes, he can play any position needed in the secondary. He totaled 36 tackles, 30 solo tackles, and four pass breakups during his standout junior season. Hollins utilizes his free time to continue to enhance his athletic abilities and football IQ. Whether it's personally training with a specialist, playing 7v7 with Texas Flex, or running track. As a result, Hollins has seen a rise in his recruiting stocks, earned an offer from Arizona, and gained interest from Texas, Kansas State, UCONN, Marshall, and Louisiana Tech. However, I foresee his interests turning into offers as he approaches his senior season. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13159609/61866c48478d6106b0a0bcde" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <strong>Jelani Amon Chevalier</strong> - Port Arthur Memorial - 5'10 170lbs If you're looking for an explosive and dynamic defensive back, Chevalier is your guy. He has excellent ball skills, foot mechanics, and the speed to compliment. In addition, Chevalier has active hands in his pressed technique and can make open-field tackles. He had 44 tackles, 14 pass breakups, one interception, and two forced fumbles this past season. His outstanding performance on the field earned him 1st Team All-District honors for Class 5A Divison I. Chevalier is a student of the game utilizing his free time to learn and perfect his craft through personal training sessions and playing 7v7 for Team Texas Fury. Look for him to gain college interest as he enters his final high school football season. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16865993/61590226dfd8230e003b40a2" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <strong>Davin Martin</strong> - Klein Cain - 6'2 165lbs Martin is a long and athletic defensive back that lockdowns receivers. He is excellent in transition, has a nose for the ball, and can make open-field tackles. Additionally, Martin was an All-District  Defensive back and was Academic All-District for class 6A, displaying a well-rounded student-athlete. Martin totaled 25 tackles, eight pass breakups, and had three interceptions on the season. Martin trains with a position specialist during the off-season and plays 7v7 with Fast Houston. His talents gained the interest of SMU, but with recent coaching turnovers, he is patiently waiting to reconnect. Martin has spoken with a host of schools but hasn't received any official offers. However, with his consistency and a dominant off-season at camps, I believe his recruitment will increase. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14615297/615def3e5797a206186478ec" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <strong>Simon Jackson</strong> <strong>V</strong> - Grand Prairie - 5'8 161lbs. The 6A Region I District 8 leader in interceptions was Grand Prairie's, Simon Jackson. Don't let his height deceive you because he makes up for it with his athletic ability. Jackson is an athletic defender who gets after it. Jackson has sound technique, agility, fluid transition, nose for the ball, and is a relentless tackler whose stats solidify his talent. He had 52 tackles ( 3 tackles for loss), five interceptions, seven pass breakups, one force fumble, and a recovered fumble. Jackson's performance last season earned him All-District honors. The kid is a dynamic athlete whose talents are going under the radar. However, he possesses the athletic abilities and intangibles to compete collegiately, and I think it's only a matter of time he starts to gain interest and offers from colleges. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13502875/619b4aa84debab06ac24c9a0" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <b>David Spruiells </b>- South Oak Cliff - 5'9" 170lbs. In October, I wrote two articles about Spriuells<a href="https://prepredzone.com/2021/10/preview-2023-players-to-watch-in-north-texas-week-8/">: 2023 Players to Watch in North Texas – Week 8  and  </a><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2021/10/recap-2023-players-to-watch-in-north-texas-week-8/">Recap: 2023 Players to Watch in North Texas – Week 8</a>. Spruiell, a prolific athlete, was a part of one of the most historic seasons in the Dallas Independent School District, with South Oak Cliff being the first team since 1958 to win a UIL State Championship. This season, his abilities were on full display with 76 total tackles, two interceptions, two pass breakups, and one sack. Spruiells is another phenomenal athlete who uses his offseason to play 7v7 with Texas Flex. When you watch Spruiells play, his style resembles the athletic ability and versatility of Tyrann Mathieu. He has a relentless style of play, the ability to fill gaps, sound coverage, sheds blocks, and attacks the ball carrier. Spruiells hard work has earned him offers from Toledo and Northern Arizona University. Look for him to have another standout year as he heads into his senior season. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13012835/61638a2790ef3209f81a3008" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>