Unsigned DBs to Watch Before National Signing Day

<strong>As we move into Mid-January and head into the second National Signing Day, Jake Evans and I will be spending a lot of time giving exposure to Class of 2022 seniors that have yet to commit to play college football or finding prospects that had stellar seasons but are still way under the radar. Jake started with the quarterbacks last night, and now it’s my turn to flip to the defensive side of the ball and take a look at five seniors that either do not have an offer yet, have lighter interest than their film shows, or prospects that are off the radar that college coaches haven’t identified yet as next-level defensive backs. This group of five hits on all of those categories and all five of these young men are well deserving at playing at the next level!</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="56494" first="Carter" last="Bahrenfuss"] | Harrisburg (SD)</strong> The fact that Carter has not gotten more college football attention is baffling to say the least. This young man shows a high vertical that can get elevated and make a play. He also has sound vision and can close the gap between him and the football very quickly with his instinctive ball skills. When I watch his footwork, there is a lot to like as a next-level defensive back. He also carries extreme range as he shows excellent stamina on being able to cover so much ground at free safety. College coaches need to get this young man on their radar ASAP before it’s too late. No offers yet. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2GBSYe">Sr Tape</a> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="149442" first="Eli" last="Oxner"] | Rapid City Stevens (SD)</strong> Eli is one of the most aggressive corners in the Dakotas and yet has such limited offers despite having an outstanding senior season. Eli’s style of press-man is unseen in the Dakotas and he shows off plenty of physicality off the snap and uses that to his full advantage to get the wide receiver well out of position and create a poor angle for them to catch the football. Eli is very reactive and once the wide out punches the gas he is already one step ahead of them by showing a strong lower body to get his head around to the ball quickly. He also has a strong sense of timing, being able to put a hand up even when off balance with the receiver due to his instinctive feel for the position. Wherever Eli plays on the field he has all the physicality levels I am looking for in a next level defensive back as he even fights his tail off on special teams. If I am a Division II program I am taking a strong look at this young man with the contact period now in play starting yesterday. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2GL374">Sr Tape</a> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="56464" first="Hayden" last="Gilbert"] | Viborg-Hurley (SD)</strong> I got my first live look at Hayden at our Prep Redzone Dakotas showcase this winter, and I saw first hand just how much athleticism he has to play at the next-level. When you watch his game tape, you see a young man that can strap in and go from 0 to 60 really quick with his reactive instincts. He plays with a really good feel regardless of where he is positioned on the field. Not to mention yet again, just how much length this kid brings with his game especially at the 9-man level, on several tapes I watched he showed a "man against boys" mentality by just being able to outman some wide outs with just his physicality level alone. I am still blown away that after his performance at the Prep Redzone Dakotas showcase he has not gained more attention as far as we can see, because he one of the top performers by far amongst the defensive back position as there is just so much to like about the size and strength Hayden will bring to your college program. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/11000861/616f05f0386e090ef407ad17">Sr Tape</a> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="56541" first="Isaac" last="Emineth"] | Fargo Shanley (ND)</strong> For being one of the more underszied defensive backs on this list (5’10), Isaac has a lot longer reach than I think he gets credit for. Isaac has really good footwork that is able to work nicely on both sides of the ball. I also loved watching his game film against the 11AA state champions, as he crept into the inside and made consistent physical tackles against one of the biggest bruisers at running back in North Dakota. Isaac shows a versatile skillset wherever he lines up on defense as he can also be an outside threat attacking beyond that 1st level in the opponent’s rushing attack. Isaac is well deserving of a college football opportunity in my eyes. No offers yet.. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2FvtQA">Week 4-5 Tape</a> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="151217" first="Rylee" last="Boomer"] | Watford City (ND)</strong> Getting a glimpse of Rylee’s senior tape, holy cow is this a young man that is way under the radar. Looking for a physical defensive back? Look no further than [player_tooltip player_id="151217" first="Rylee" last="Boomer"] of Watford City. The first four plays on his senior mixtape are gut-punching to the ball carrier he strikes. He shows off a lot of range he can cover too in this regard, as he can quickly sprint from the second level of the field up to the line of scrimmage and make a quick punch of the ball carrier. Although he doesn’t go up against a lot of programs that throw much, the film I could find of Rylee shows a longer than expected reach to get the PBU. You might have to go to NW North Dakota to find this kid, but as far as my eyes can see, he would make a great small school steal to any local North Dakota or Montana area programs in that region because of his solid skillset he showed in his senior season. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2G15M5">Sr Tape</a>