Class of ’23 Breakdown: Defensive Backs

In this second edition in the Class of ’23 Breakdown series, we’re moving from under center to the secondary. Most folks that keep up with the Class of ’23 rankings are familiar with the top defensive backs in the class, which are Morgan, Ryan, Spiller, Bergeron, and Stull. However, this position group has much more talent to offer than just those five players. These are five more defensive backs that recruiters should keep in mind as they begin to evaluate the upcoming senior class. [player_tooltip player_id="87680" first="Kale" last="Hammerschmidt"] – Eudora, 5’9” 165 Starting of this piece is the 6th ranked defensive back in the class. Hammerschmidt was one of the leaders for a tough Eudora defense that only surrendered 17 points per game this past season. He’d end his junior year racking up 85 total tackles with three interceptions and one forced fumble. His standout play in the backend of the Cardinals’ defense earned him a 4A All-State Honorable Mention nod and 2nd Team All-League honors. Hammerschmidt displays a lot of characteristics of a next level safety. For starters, he is an excellent open field tackler, and Eudora made sure to utilize that skill by bringing him into the box at outside linebacker for certain situations. He displays quick closing speed in coverage and does a great job of seeing the whole field. He’ll be a key defender for the Cardinals during the ’22 campaign. [player_tooltip player_id="87688" first="Holden" last="Zigmant"] – Mill Valley, 5’9”, 175 Throwing against Mill Valley next season will be a tall task, as they return a solid trio of safeties. Zigmant is the more scrappier safety out of the bunch, and what he lacks in height he makes up for with his aggressiveness. During his junior year Zigmant tallied 77 total tackles and two pass breakups. The state champion picked up an All-Sunflower League Honorable Mention selection, and he’s earned a camp invitation to Columbia University this summer. One of the major takeaways from Zigmant’s film is his physicality. This young man is without a doubt one of the hardest hitting defensive backs in the class. On top of this, Zigmant can cover ground quickly and has great agility. This helps him stick with receivers in coverage and running the alley to blow up a ball carrier. He should be an All-League player once again as a senior. [player_tooltip player_id="237196" first="Dontrell" last="Harris"] – Wichita NW, 6’1”, 175 Harris is the lone corner we’ll be highlighting in this defensive back breakdown. This young man had himself a year, as he had Harris Island in full effect. The Grizzlies’ defense was able to trust Harris in one-on-one matchups and they were able to move him around. He ended his junior year with 15 solo tackles, four interceptions, 10 pass breakups, and one forced fumble. He was recognized for his play and earned a 2nd Team All-City League selection. The Wichita NW product presents nearly everything you could want for a corner from a physical standpoint. He has a lengthy frame at 6’1” and he’s been clocked in the 4.5 40 range, so he can stick with most wide outs on the perimeter. Harris has the ability to erase his assignment. He’s not necessarily physical while pressing at the line, but he does a great job of flipping his hips, which allows him to be stride for stride with the opposition. [player_tooltip player_id="246086" first="Maddox" last="Ibarra"] – Rock Creek, 5’10”, 155 Next up is the 13th ranked defensive back in the class and the third safety that is highlighted in this piece. Ibarra proved to be a very impactful defender for the Mustangs in 2021. He earned a 3A All-State Honorable Mention nod and was named a 1st Team All-League safety. This came after the junior accumulated 100 total tackles on the season, and came up with three interceptions and 16 pass breakups. The thing that was most impressive about Ibarra’s film was his fearlessness. Ibarra may not be an imposing figure, but that doesn’t stop him from popping the opposition. When he runs the ally, he is coming downhill with zero hesitation. His baseball background also helps him track balls in coverage. [player_tooltip player_id="237197" first="Connor" last="Dreiling"] – Hays, 5’11”, 165 Closing out this second Class of ’23 Breakdown is the 12th ranked defensive back in the class and the fourth safety featured. The Indians’ 2021 defense was headlined by a few Division I prospects, so players like Dreiling may have gone a little unnoticed. But the young man played a pivotal role for them in the secondary. Which is why he was a 2nd Team All-Western Athletic Conference selection. Dreiling stepped up as a junior and was able to be a key contributor not only at safety, but at corner as well. While he looks more naturally suited for safety, it’s an encouraging sign that he has some versatility to his game. He is another solid open field tackler with good vision. With Hays graduating some key players, expect Dreiling to become one of their top defenders this year.