Coach Ferrell’s Notes: Virginia’s 2024 Shutdown Defensive Backs

Here is a look at 5 young Virginia Defensive Backs who played like veterans this past season and will be names to know for the next 2 seasons. &nbsp; <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-187347" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/08/E9HdBIKXsAUwvmm-252x300.jpg" alt="" width="252" height="300" /> &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="157078" first="Asaad" last="Brown"] | 6’1’’ 175 lbs | Oscar Smith High School Brown’s name will ring bells nationally on Friday nights for the next couple of years, and then on Saturdays afternoons immediately after. He is one of the best Defensive Backs in the country for his class and is listed as the Top Prospect in the state for his position, and 2nd ranked prospect overall in the state. This shutdown corner 4.0 student who has been  named as an All American by multiple publications for last two years. He was a big part of the Oscar Smith secondary that won a 6A State Championship, and has earned offers from LSU, Georgia, Penn State, and Campbell. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="293567" first="Noah" last="Jenkins"] | 6’2’’ 185 lbs | Highland Spring High School Jenkins is the 2nd ranked Defensive Back in his class and the 9th overall prospect in the state. He has the ability to take away one side of the field at corner, and is equally dangerous with the ball in his hands on the opposite side of the ball or as a returner on special teams. Look for him to make a big splash on the camp scene this year. Last summer he ran a 4.67 at the University of Maryland’s camp as freshman, and this year he is already off to strong start. He has offers from Virginia Tech, East Carolina, Duke, Boston College, West Virginia, and Marshall. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="293568" first="Tyler" last="Baker"] | 6’ 185 lbs | Green Run High School Baker is our 10th ranked overall prospect and 3rd ranked Defensive Back. His ability to line up anywhere on the defense reminds makes him a dangerous defensive weapon. He can play what some refer to as the Star/ Safety, who in many defenses is the Safety with the ability to cover the slot receiver, play in the box when necessary, or line up as the high safety. He was named to the All Region 2nd Team, All Beach First Team,  All Purpose 1st Team, and Defensive All Purpose Player Of The Year. Baker was also a force in the playoffs tallying 2 interceptions, 21 tackles, and 3 tackle for losses . His regular season totals weren’t anything to overlook either.  He had 79 tackles, 15 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 pass break up, and 1 touchdown. He currently holds offers from Pitt and Marshall. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="293573" first="Milton" last="Ferguson"] | 5’11’’ 165 lbs | Green Run High School Ferguson is the 4th ranked Defensive Back and 18th ranked overall player within the state. Green Run won the Region 5A Championship last season and Ferguson played a key role in their success. He was named 2nd Team All Region as a Defensive Back, and created such a reputation that he wasn’t targeted once in the playoffs. Typically opposing coaches look to target and take advantage of a young corner in big games, but Ferguson’s coverage and ball skills made up for anything he lacked in experience. He has offers from Marshall, East Carolina, Syracuse, and Virginia. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="293583" first="Jon" last="Tyree"] | 5’9’’ 160 lbs | Thomas Dale High School Tyree is the 7th ranked  Athlete in the state of Virginia. Even though he plays offense because of his speed and athleticism, it seems like his primary position will be Defensive Back through the next couple of years. He’s the younger brother of former Thomas Dale star and current Notre Dame speedy Running Back, Chris Tyree. Judging by the electricity of he and his twin brother, Nick, its apparent that speed runs in this family. Jon was hampered by injury for half of the season, but started as a sophomore in 5 out of the 6 games that he was available for.  In that time frame, he managed to accumulate 4 pass break ups, 1 fumble recovery, 1 touchdown, 9 tackles. One of his most impressive statistics is that he has a 4.38 GPA and is part of the National Junior Honors Society.