Young Defensive Backs to Watch For

Defensive back is one of the toughest positions in all of football. Guarding a man running at you with a full head of steam and not knowing where he's going to go is easier said than done. The prospects on this list were able to compete at a high level on varsity last fall, some as freshmen &amp; some as sophomores. Regardless of their age, these guys have a ton of potential in my eyes and should be names to know next year and beyond. <hr /> <em><strong>Mark Zackery, 6’1", 155, Ben Davis, SO</strong></em> A taller cornerback prospect that is fluid working out of a pedal and can keep his cushion against receivers pressing vertically. Mark reads route well and knows when to squat on intermediate concepts. His footwork stays tight within the framework of his body, and he'll speed his hands to ensure he doesn't get stuck trying to re-direct. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16078194/61e5a793d469670dbc0657f5" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="284543" first="Hudauri" last="Hines"], 6’1", 185, Franklin Central, JR</strong></em> A true competitor who loves press coverage and has the speed to run with just about anyone downfield. When it comes to defending the go ball, Hines will lean against his opponent and shoot his hand at the last possible second to knock away the football. He shows clean footwork and is a solid tackler in run support. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14755296/6184501ad45ebc0bb0d0a95b" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>Drew Ogden, 5’11", 170, Bloomington North, JR</strong></em> Ogden reads opposing quarterbacks like a book and will break on their intentions. He's quite rangy as a safety and can close a ton of ground once the football is in the air. He's a consistent open-field tackler who will come to balance &amp; make plays in space for his squad. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14458570/616c71408cd3b709d0bdbf23" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>Jayon Harvey, 5’10", 165, Franklin Central, JR</strong></em> An intelligent corner prospect that reads three-step concepts well and will fight to keep inside leverage in off coverage. Harvey knows when his cushion is broken and needs to transition to his man turn. He has good vertical leaping ability and can make tough interceptions on 50/50 balls. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11314829/61b68a125ef6e90b34b23875" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="109616" first="Marques" last="Ballard"], 5’10", 170, Booneville, JR</strong></em> A skilled two-way player with exceptional burst and change of direction. Ballard plays confident and trusts his eyes when breaking on his man. He's a gifted punt and kick-off returner who can create a much-needed spark to set up good field position for his offense. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14872247/61ef279dd21b010508a0481b" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>Alvin Contreras, 5’11", 180, Ben Davis, JR</strong></em> A strong safety with soft hands and adequate patience in man coverage. Alvin is willing to get his hands dirty in the run game and can easily fight off blocks out on the perimeter. He's comfortable rolled up in the slot and is sticky running with wideouts on all three levels of the field. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14726884/617ff0a0041e480cacf4a11f" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <hr /> <span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Other Names to Watch</strong></span> <em><strong>Gabe Bryant, 6’, 165, Gibson Southern, JR</strong></em> <em><strong>Freddy Brown, 5’11", 180, Morton, SO</strong></em> <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="189080" first="Caden" last="Vanderbush"], 6’4", 185, Plainfield, SO</strong></em>