Class of 2023 Under-the-Radar Defensive Backs

In key moment in big games, you have to be able to trust that the back end of your defense will hold up. Today, we look at three under-the-radar defensive backs who make opposing offenses earn every completion. [player_tooltip player_id="185542" first="Jarrett" last="Smith"], 5’9, 150 pounds, Knightstown This past season, [player_tooltip player_id="185542" first="Jarrett" last="Smith"] was an impact player at both defensive back and wide receiver. Defensively, Smith makes plays all over the field. Smith notched 31 tackles to go along with three tackles-for-loss and one sack. He added one interception, one pass defense and one fumble recovery. On the offensive side, Smith is a potent receiver. He hauled-in 20 passes for over 400 yards with an additional 337 yards coming on his 52 carries. He recorded one rushing and six receiving touchdowns as a junior. Smith made his presence felt on special teams, as well, where accumulated 245 kickoff return yards. [player_tooltip player_id="185542" first="Jarrett" last="Smith"] is a playmaker to keep your eyes on in 2022. [player_tooltip player_id="185541" first="Reid" last="Schroeder"], Southridge [player_tooltip player_id="185541" first="Reid" last="Schroeder"] is a dynamic two-way player at Southridge. On defense, Schroeder is a safety who can come down and put a stop to any play. A season ago, he had 44 tackles with an impressive six tackles-for-loss. Schroeder added one sack to go along with one pass defense, one forced fumble and a pair of fumble recoveries. Offensively, Schroeder has shown that he can create big plays at running back. During the 2021 campaign, he posted 48 carries for 130 yards and four rushing touchdowns. Schroeder added 36 yards as a receiver. [player_tooltip player_id="185541" first="Reid" last="Schroeder"] is poised for big things in his senior season. [player_tooltip player_id="185540" first="EJ" last="Hunter"], 5’10, 155 pounds, Pike [player_tooltip player_id="185540" first="EJ" last="Hunter"] is a versatile safety who plays with great physicality. Hunter gives added value to the team by being able to play both strong and free safety. He is very instinctive. He does a good job of seeing what is happening and attacking. Hunter can put his foot in the ground and drive on the ball. He is sound in coverage. Hunter does not just help out his corners, he can cover one-on-one. He does well sticking with his assigned receiver even as the quarterback extends the play. [player_tooltip player_id="185540" first="EJ" last="Hunter"] is a reliable player who will be a prospect to watch next fall.