2023 Indiana DBs You Need to Know
The 2023 class is loaded and we’re not done yet. Today, we’re looking at the backend of defenses and some guys who are ready for a big year. These guys have the talent and the tools to be an asset…
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Continue ReadingThe 2023 class is loaded and we’re not done yet. Today, we’re looking at the backend of defenses and some guys who are ready for a big year. These guys have the talent and the tools to be an asset at the next level for their respective college programs.
Latrell Hannon – Lafayette Jefferson – CB – 5’8’ 160lbs
Hannon is a rangy athlete who is able to cover a decent amount of ground without opening up his speed. For his height, he’s got long strides and has a rather fast top-end speed. He’s able to run with pretty much anyone he comes across. He’s not going to get burned deep and does a good job keeping his guy in his pocket. In zone, Hannon is rather disciplined and does his job. He’ll stay in his area and won’t bite on the bait. In man coverage, he’s decent. His footwork could use some work in his trail and bail techniques. His speed and athleticism keep him in the play, but if he’s able to be coached up he could be that much better. I do think Hannon is a bit on the shorter side and has to play more physically because of it. He doesn’t have the size or height to win a ton of contested balls. He does have a great vertical which helps him in those situations. When he comes to make the tackle, if he gets his hands on the ball carrier they’re going to end up on the ground. He’s not the strongest player but he’s strong enough and getting stronger. He could easily bulk up some and become more aggressive at the line. I think there’s a chance that Hannon becomes a Slot CB in college. He’s quick, scrappy, and doesn’t make many mistakes. There’s a lot to like with Hannon and some schools are going to offer him. Where he ends up will likely be up to him.
Sterling Smith – Warren Central – CB/SS – 5’11″ 170lbs
Smith is a defensive weapon for Warren Central. He lines up all over the field and can play every DB spot. He primarily lines up on the field side and is the signal-caller for that side of the field. He’s got the speed to cover sideline to sideline which is why they probably have him on the field side. He’s a lengthy player who can run with practically everyone he comes across. Smith will play aggressively at times and be patient the other times. It depends on the situation and the coverage they’re running. He likes to keep everything in front of him and come down and close. However, if he’s got a good read on the ball or the receiver, he’ll become aggressive and start jumping routes. He’ll come down with the interception more often than not when he goes for it. He typically won’t jump the route if he’s the last line of defense. He typically is, but he knows when to go and when to stay. While Smith has great speed overall, he’s got elite closing speed. He’ll lay out a big hit and make his presence known. He doesn’t quite have coming to balance down and he will lower his head from time to time when he’s going to make a play. Both are minor things that will be cleaned up over time. Smith has a decent frame and I would like to see him add some weight which will help pack a harder punch. Smith’s upside is elite and if he’s able to put the work in to get into the right college program, he could become something special.
Asher Horn – Harrison – FS – 6’0″ 185lbs
Horn is a lot of fun. He’s a great athlete who can jump out of a gym and run faster than pretty much everyone. His acceleration is also ridiculous to see. He’s able to get full speed in just a few steps and will fly down the field. He lines up at Safety and Corner for Harrison and is flexible on where he can play. He’s able to line up face to face with a WR and lock them up. He’ll stay in their back pocket and prevent them from getting open if it’s man coverage. In zone, Horn does both sit back and stay patient. He’ll jump a route and pick a ball off if he’s able to. He won’t try to jump the ball if he’s not in a good spot to do so. Some guys jump the route regardless. Horn is a smart enough player to know when to pick his spots and when to just make the tackle. He won’t miss many tackles and is rather strong for a DB. He also looks bigger than his listed weight. I think if he is able to bulk up some, he’ll start throwing around WRs. He’s got strong hands and is able to fight through a ton of traffic. I can see him going to college and playing CB on the outside or staying at Safety. He’ll probably have offers for both positions and will be able to pick where he wants to go. If Horn is able to hit his full potential, he could become one of the better DBs in the State.
Serrell Curtis Serrell Curtis 6'1" | 170 lbs | DB Ben Davis | 2023 State IN – Ben Davis – CB – 6’1″ 170lbs
Curtis is a true corner who is a great athlete and has a great natural feel of the position. He’s getting better each week and has quickly become one of the better CBs in the area. He’s lengthy, has great speed, and is able to jump out of a gym. Ben Davis trusts him outside by himself without any help over top. He’s going to win most of his 1-on-1s and is going to put himself in a spot to make a play on the ball. He’s already got the stacking technique down so he’s able to cut off some WR routes. In zone, he’ll stay patient the entire time and do his job. He won’t get greedy or try to get cute and make a play. He watches the QB, scans the field, keeps his feet moving, and reacts when it’s time. Curtis also has fantastic closing speed and is able to get up on the ball carrier in a hurry. When he blitzes off the edge, he’s able to get home sometimes. He’s strong enough to fight at the LOS and overpower most backs. There are also times where Ben Davis uses Curtis to spy on the QB when it’s a dual-threat guy. Curtis is able to stay home and keep the QB contained if he’s asked to. I’d like to see him bulk up some, but it isn’t a killer. I think the weight and muscle would just help him consistently be able to overpower his guy and potentially make more plays. Curtis may be the most intriguing player on this list based on his potential. Curtis recently received an offer from Eastern Kentucky and that probably won’t be the last D1/FCS offer to come his way. If he’s able to develop and grow in a few areas, Curtis can be one of the best.