2022 Spring Defensive Preview: Defensive Backs

<strong><em>Below, we will breakdown the final position group of this in state Defensive Preview series. For a state that is well known for front seven players and offensive maulers, the back end has some hidden gems that can make a big impact at the next level and some who already hold college offers</em></strong><strong><em>.</em></strong> <hr /> <strong> </strong> <em><strong>2023 [player_tooltip player_id="336857" first="Troy" last="Wilkey"], Rocky Mountain HS</strong></em> Wilkey is a true hall-hawking and twitchy playmaker that has terrific natural instincts and closing speed to the ball. He is smooth in space with fluid hips in transition while showing outstanding ball skills and trigger abilities. He is not afraid to come up and hit in the box while running through ball carriers and takes great angles in the open field while playing with a high motor. Understanding zone responsibilities, he baits quarterbacks into bad throws before breaking on the ball and also flashes return ability. Although a bit undersized, his instincts, football IQ and trigger abilities make him a very intriguing prospect at the FCS level. &nbsp; <strong><em>2023 [player_tooltip player_id="336891" first="Treyton" last="Sharp"], Rocky Mountain HS</em></strong> Sharp is a true corner that can make an impact at the college level and is pretty fluid at the third level. He plays with a low pedal and can trigger without taking a false step while not afraid to come up and tackle in space against bigger ball carriers. He can attack the ball in the air while having some recovery athleticism if needed and seems comfortable in both man press and zone coverage. D-III+ interest should come his way as he enters his Senior season. &nbsp; <strong><em>2023 [player_tooltip player_id="336870" first="Kolby" last="Luna"], Kellogg HS</em></strong> Luna can play all over the field and excels when making plays in space and should make the transition to safety in college. He has a strong build and displays some natural instinct in the passing game while taking good angles in the open field when knifing into the backfield. He shows fluid hips in transition downfield and plays with good toughness and physicality at the POA. D-II+ schools should start showing interest in the 2023 prospect who already holds an offer from Montana Western. &nbsp; <strong><em>2023 [player_tooltip player_id="336890" first="Khye" last="Ackley"], Mountain View HS</em></strong> Ackley is a well-balanced corner that can stay out on a island and be successful against bigger receivers. He is physical near the line of scrimmage while able to run through blockers in space and make open field tackles. In transition he displays fluid hips and has the arm length to recover vertically. On tape, he shows a quick play diagnosis when sniffing out screens and closes quickly on the perimeter. &nbsp; <strong><em>2023 [player_tooltip player_id="336878" first="Tate" last="Johansen"], Middleton HS</em></strong> Johansson is one of the best two-way players in the state and very active from the third level. He shows great open field speed and covers a ton of ground while able to be a single high field general when needed. A good open field tackler, he can square up or knife through ball carriers when needed and shows plus natural instinct when attacking the ball and can make big plays after the catch. Due to his size and long speed while able to get off blocks and trigger, he could fit nicely at the strong safety position in college. &nbsp; <strong><em>2024 [player_tooltip player_id="336948" first="Tyler" last="Huggins"], Mountain View HS</em></strong> Huggins is a dynamic player that made some big plays as only a Sophomore for one of the states top teams. He offers return ability as well and shows good ball skills and can play both press and off comfortably. Only a rising Junior, he will be one of the top 2024 athletes across the region through out his high school career as he will only continue to progress and grow. &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong><em>Other Defensive Backs To Note...</em></strong></span> <strong><em>2023 Jaxon Sibounma, Highland HS</em></strong> <strong><em>2024 [player_tooltip player_id="336947" first="Kaden" last="Newman"], Owyhee HS</em></strong> <strong><em>2023 Deegan Hale, Blackfoot HS</em></strong>