Under the Radar Prospects: Defensive Back Spotlight
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Ishaan Daniels Ishaan Daniels 5'11" | 160 lbs | ATH Bellevue | 2023 State WA , Bellevue HS Daniels is a very fluid corner that can play outside and in the slot if needed while offering very good run…
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Ishaan Daniels Ishaan Daniels 5'11" | 160 lbs | ATH Bellevue | 2023 State WA , Bellevue HS
Daniels is a very fluid corner that can play outside and in the slot if needed while offering very good run support and is not afraid to come up and take on bigger ball carriers while offering good open field tackling abilities. Very smooth in his pedal, he flips his hips quickly in transition and has good highpoint/ball skills when attacking it in the air. In run support, he has a quick trigger and runs through his target while recognizing outside runs/bubbles/screens quickly and bringing a nice thump upon contact. With the ball in his hands he shows impressive long speed and can take it the distance after the catch and possesses big play abilities.
Jaylon Jenkins Jaylon Jenkins 6'1" | 180 lbs | DB Federal Way | 2023 State WA , Federal Way HS
A high academic kid, Jenkins is a no brainer for the next level and offers some nice upside in college. A longer framed athlete, he has good range when attacking the ball and shows strong hands and good body control in transition. Projected as a safety in college due to his natural size and ability to drop in the box, Jenkins also offers return ability and is very explosive in the open field. In the run game, he comes downhill quickly while showing he can tackle in the open field and bring a nice thump in the box while taking good angles on outside runs.
Jay Mentink Jay Mentink 5'11" | 180 lbs | DB Sumner | 2023 State WA , Sumner HS
Mentink has very impressive tape and is a true deep safety that covers a ton of ground in the open field and packs a punch upon contact when in run support. Seemingly smooth in his breaks and pedal, he is quick twitched and has a high IQ for the game while having a strong understanding of where he is on the field and his coverage responsibilities. A true ball hawk, he reads quarterbacks well and continuously baits them into bad decisions while athletic enough to turn and undercut balls with highpoint ability and strong hands. His natural instincts allow him to jump routes and blow up plays for little to no gain on the outside.
Kyan McDonald Kyan McDonald 6'0" | 175 lbs | DB ODea | 2024 State WA , O’Dea HS
McDonald is a elite defensive back that is very well balanced and has a strong build for the position while extremely physical, especially for his size. On film, he shows good eye discipline and PBU ability while able to make plays on the ball in transition and breaks quickly without taking false steps or wasting movement. When tackling, he takes good angles in open space and closes quickly while able to shock blockers with strong hands and bend around receivers when needed to make open field plays.