2023 Prospects on The Radar – DB

<strong>Get 25% off your subscription by entering AJ30 in the coupon code area. Enjoy!</strong> We are always striving to have the most comprehensive and thorough rankings here at PrepRedzone. With so many high school ball players in the state of Mississippi, it is easy for us to lose track of some really good ones. In this series, we will be highlighting some athletes who will be included in our next rankings update. Check out 5 of the most talented defensive backs we have found this February. <strong>JaBrysten Abram</strong> | Senatobia Although he lists himself at 5'10" 170, Abram appears to be a bigger and longer athlete on tape than his measurement would indicate. Taking snaps at both receiver and corner, Abram has elite level ball skills that make him a force on both sides of the ball. He has great long speed and can change direction with a simple cut. Abram is a scheme versatile corner who can play well in both zone coverage and man to man. He has fluid hips that allow him to run with his receiver without missing a step and great vertical ability when the ball is in the air. In addition, he also returns punts and kicks for his team. College coaches love defensive backs who play all 3 phases of the game, so it is easy to see why Abram has garnered some attention this offseason. Abram currently lists offers from Southern Miss and UL-Monroe, but expect that list to grow as the spring continues. <strong>Jeleel Fleming</strong> | Vicksburg A rangy 6'4" safety, Jaleel Fleming has rare size for the defensive back position. Fleming plays more of a free safety role for Vicksburg, but don't let that title fool you. This is a versatile player who can step up into the box and play run support just as good as he can pass cover. Fleming has a smooth backpedal and can get in and out of his breaks with ease. What stands out most about his game is his knowledge of football and reaction speed. Fleming can see where the quarterback intends to throw before the ball is out of his hands and can break on it in a heartbeat. He has great ball skills and takes multiple interceptions for some plus yardage. This guy was one of the state's most productive defensive backs last season for a reason. While Fleming currently lists offers from Alcorn State, Lane, and multiple in-state JuCos, expect him to blow up soon. <strong>Kylan Egerson</strong> | Lafayette With over 75 tackles, 10 pass break ups, and 8 interceptions on the 2021 season, Kylan Egerson was another one of the state's most productive defensive backs last season. The thing that stands out most about Egerson's game is his ridiculous ball skills. Egerson is the type of athlete that just naturally understands how to make plays on the football. When the ball is thrown his way, you already know that he is going to be all over it. The Lafayette standout is incredibly twitchy and can change direction on the fly. He is physical with wide receivers and refuses to allow an easy catch to be made. Egerson can cover a lot of ground extremely quickly and can lay a big blow on the intended receiver or ball carrier when he gets close. Most defensive backs get a knock for not wanting to tackle, but Egerson craves contact. Love this guy's tape and excited to see how far he can go. Currently lists offers from Mississippi Delta, Gulf Coast, and Southwest Community College. <strong>Sentario Willis</strong> | Hazelhurst A long and athletic cornerback, Sentario Willis has been one of the under the radar prospects until recent. Willis has prototypical corner build at 6'2" and has plenty of room left to fill out and add mass. When left on an island, Willis completely locks down an entire side of the field. Primarily playing in zone coverage, Willis does a great job at flipping his hips and running with his receiver, while also having the ability to plant his foot and jump short routes. The rising senior high points the ball well and will fight any receiver for control of the ball to the ground. If a receiver does in fact catch a ball on him, Willis comes in hard and delivers a huge hit to the ball carrier. Really undervalued player right now who will add interest as the spring progresses. Currently lists offers from Co-Lin, Southwest, and Hinds Community College. <strong>Jerrian King</strong> | St. Joseph Although Jerrian King may not be the biggest defensive back, that sure didn't stop him from being one of the best in the MAIS this past season. King is a twitched up corner who does a great job in both man and zone coverage. In coverage, King does a great job at reading the quarterbacks' eyes and breaking on the ball when it is in the air. I lost count of how many interceptions he had while watching his tape. In the open field, King has exceptional speed and can take an interception to the house. He closes well in space and isn't afraid to step up and make a tackle either. Really talented corner prospect that is adding interest this spring. Currently lists an offer from Hinds, but watch for that list to grow soon.