Defensive Backs On The Rise: Austin Part 1

The cornerback position is a position that requires sound fundamentals in each and every aspect. It requires you to know how to back peddle properly, tackle, follow the hip, speed turn, and even obtain leverage of the receiver to be able to make a play on the ball. Their are tons of cornerbacks that will make a name for themselves this year and we want to recognize them and give them their just due. These young men have bright futures if they keep up their style of play and training. Let’s take a look at some of the best cornerbacks in the Austin, Texas area, and see why they are on the rise for the upcoming fall 2022 football season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="277624" first="Denim" last="Collins"]- 5’9 170Ibs/CB/ Austin Westlake High School</strong> Analysis: [player_tooltip player_id="277624" first="Denim" last="Collins"] had a very good sophomore season in only 11 games last year. Collins has shown that he has good jump ball skills when he is in man coverage because he can go up and get the ball at its highest point. He is also a physical tackler in the open field which is crucial for the corner back position. Next, he has a smooth back peddle and does a tremendous job adjusting his body to keep himself in position to make a play. He has good speed and great awareness in crucial ball game situations! Collins has also shown great ability to swat down passes at the line of scrimmage. This young man has a bright future ahead of him! Keep your eye on him moving forward. <strong>Josiah Estes- 5’9 150Ibs/SS/ Lake Travis High School</strong> Analysis: Josiah Estes is a tremendous young player in the making. He can go up and get just about any ball. Estes is very explosive as well and isn’t afraid to make big hits or tackles. With more weight room training, he will gain the weight needed to play at the next level if he makes it. Estes is very good in man coverage and plays the ball while doing a good job at keeping himself in front of the receiver. He also maintains discipline in zone coverage as well! Finally Josiah Estes shows that he has soft hands catching many interceptions throughout his sophomore year last year. Look for him to ball out the next two years at Lake Travis! <strong>Fredy Briones- 5’9 160Ibs/FS/ Bastrop High School</strong> Analysis: Fredy Briones is a player that has shown potential to become a really good safety. He plays old school, meaning he comes up and makes big hits no matter who is carrying the ball. You don’t see that too often in today’s game. Briones has decent speed and does a great job at using his helmet or hands to jar the ball loose and break up passes. He plays very physical as well and has shown that he can take on and shed blocks as well. I think he will have an excellent 2022 football season. <strong>Jalen Gilbert- 6’1 180Ibs/FS/ Round Rock High School</strong> Analysis: Jalen Gilbert had a phenomenal junior year last season ! He has a solid build and frame that is typical for a collegiate safety. He has shown that he has the speed to play the position clocking a 4.53 40 yard dash. Next, he was 1st team All District and 2nd team All-Central Texas last year. He has very soft hands as well and can make a play on the ball at anytime. Also, he is a hard hitter and tackles fundamentally well. Finally, Gilbert is a safety that has the keen ability to break up any pass that can potentially be caught by wide receiver. In the future, I see him improving and becoming a great player in 2022. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="208058" first="Wesley" last="York"]- 6’1 190Ibs/SS/ Bowie High School</strong> Analysis: [player_tooltip player_id="208058" first="Wesley" last="York"] was a first team All-District safety last season. York is an excellent tackler and knows how to cover well in man coverage and zone coverage. His fundamentals and mechanics is also pristine as well which allows him to become a playmaker on the defensive side of the ball. Also, he can be used as a weapon on special teams when it comes to covering kicks because he is not afraid to hit anyone! [player_tooltip player_id="208058" first="Wesley" last="York"] also does a great job forcing fumbles as well which is crucial for changing the momentum of a game. I see him racking up a few offers next year and having a great season!