A Look at the Class of 2024: DB

With 12 Defensive Backs from the Class of 2024 in the Prep Redzone rankings, it is easy to see that there is a lot of talent at the DB position. Here are five talented Defensive Backs looking to have an outstanding Junior season in 2022. [player_tooltip player_id="284535" first="Aaron" last="Scott"], 6’1, 160, Springfield [player_tooltip player_id="284535" first="Aaron" last="Scott"] is the 2nd ranked DB and the 8th ranked player in the class of 2024 overall. In 2021, he helped the Springfield Wildcats to a 13-2 record, held opposing offenses to just 8 points per game and a spot in the Division I State Championship game. He plays as a CB. Against the pass, he uses his very good athletic ability to stay in phase with the WR and times his hands perfectly to disrupt the trajectory of the ball for a pass breakup. Against the run, he shows outstanding play speed in pursuit of the RB. He squares his shoulders while playing at a good pad level and displays excellent explosiveness as he delivers a big hit behind the LOS to a larger RB for a TFL. [player_tooltip player_id="284540" first="Mike" last="Smith"], 5’10, 150, Trotwood-Madison [player_tooltip player_id="284540" first="Mike" last="Smith"] is the 4th ranked DB and the 23rd ranked player in the class of 2024 overall. In 2021, he helped the Trotwood-Madison Rams win 4 of their last 5 regular season games and held opposing offenses to just 6.6 points per game during that timeframe with a couple of shutouts as well. He plays as a CB and Safety. Against the pass, he displays very good quickness to match the feet of the WR and good play speed to stay at an arm’s length. He displays good hands as he comes away with an interception. Against the run, he displays very good instincts as he takes the correct angle in pursuit and hits the ball carrier where he is holding the ball to cause a fumble. [player_tooltip player_id="284538" first="Reggie" last="Powers"], 6’0, 180, Centerville [player_tooltip player_id="284538" first="Reggie" last="Powers"] is the 5th ranked DB and the 24th ranked player overall in the class of 2024. In 2021, he helped the Centerville Elks to an 8 win season, held opposing offenses to 22.2 points per game and advance to the 2nd round of the playoffs. He plays as a SS. Against the pass, he shows very good football intelligence as he quickly keys and diagnoses the play. He displays good closing speed and shows excellent physical toughness and play strength as he delivers a big hit to the WR preventing a significant gain. Against the run, he doesn’t bite on QB option plays and uses his good athletic ability to chase down the QB and delivers a powerful hit behind the LOS for a TFL. [player_tooltip player_id="284539" first="Zach" last="Jones"], 6’1, 180, London Zach London is the 6th ranked DB and the 31st ranked player in the class of 2024 overall. In 2021, he helped the London Red Raiders to a 10-3 record, held opposing offenses to 10.1 points per game and advance to the 3rd round of the playoffs. He plays as a Safety. Against the pass, he reads the QB as he patrols his zone with his good athletic ability. Delivers a big hit to the WR knocking the ball loose. Against the run, he quickly keys and diagnoses the play and uses his good play speed in pursuit. He plays at a good pad level and delivers a nice form tackle preventing a significant gain. [player_tooltip player_id="284541" first="Ja’ontay" last="O’Bryant"], 6’0, 170, Mansfield [player_tooltip player_id="284541" first="Ja’ontay" last="O’Bryant"] is the #8 DB and the 50th ranked player in the class of 2024 overall. In 2021, he helped the Mansfield Tygers to a 9-3 record and held opposing offenses to 16.3 points per game. He plays as a CB. Against the pass, he uses his good athletic ability to keep the WR in front of him while in off-man coverage. He displays good hands as he makes the interception with ease. In addition to his great play as a CB, he also excels on special teams and as a WR as well.