2023 Rankings Watch-List: Defensive Backs

<p>We’ve been dissecting the rankings for the entire off-season now, with the new rankings update coming in May we’ll see some new faces. We are taking a look at the rankings Watch List players at each position to highlight the players that drew more attention throughout the season and off season. Today we’ll be taking a look at some DB’s on our current watchlist.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="183976" first="Alhaji" last="Mansaray"]</p> <p>Mansaray is an enforcer on the Duval defense, he’s a hard-hitting safety who shows solid zone coverage. He finished the season with 75+ tackles and an interception. At 6’0 190lbs he’s physically ready to play at the next level and hold a 3.5 GPA, a program will come across a steal with Mansaray. He forces turnovers with his big hits and separates receiver from the ball. He’s a good prototype for a nickel and strong safety, he can fill holes and use his speed to fly around the line of scrimmage.  </p> <p>https://twitter.com/jugginlaj/status/1456084469992071169?s=20&amp;t=ehiGLytslSt19WEG-zXz8A</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="184001" first="Dominic" last="Hess"]</p> <p>In 2021 Hess recorded 44 tackles, 24 solo, 1 forced fumble and 1 interception, and a 1470 SAT score. He’s a sure tackler even in open field, he plays aggressive and with violence in his movements. On tackles he’s constantly clubbing at the ball, showing some awareness. Hess has the skillset to do the dirty work on defense, he’s a great fit for the Damascus defense and their traditional way of play. As returning starter Hess will be a leader and play a big part for this Maryland powerhouse. So far this offseason Hess has visited Villanova, Davidson, UNC-Charolette, Georgetown, and JMU. We’ll be keeping an eye on Hess to see anticipating that one of these schools will pull the trigger by next offseason.</p> <p>https://twitter.com/dominicfhess/status/1466145986078728199?s=20&amp;t=ehiGLytslSt19WEG-zXz8A</p> <p>https://twitter.com/dominicfhess/status/1496582712869728257?s=20&amp;t=ehiGLytslSt19WEG-zXz8A</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="249943" first="Giovanni" last="Petrovia"] "Gio"</p> <p>Gio has been taking major strides since my first glimpse of him in 2020. Since transferring to St. Paul’s Petrovia has been putting his skills on display on offense, defense, and special teams. During the season I had the opportunity to watch him in person, he had a huge game. He had 2 big punt returns, one for a touchdown, an impressive hailmary catch to go into the half, and a hand full of tackles and receptions. Recently I witnessed him compete at Offense-Defense 7v7 at George Mason University where I he recorded a 2 INT’s and a few pass break ups. Look for Petrovia to step up on the talented St. Paul’s defense along side #1 2024 DL [player_tooltip player_id="193213" first="Ernest" last="Willor Jr"]. </p> <p>https://twitter.com/GiovanniP2023/status/1460389860133556226?s=20&amp;t=ehiGLytslSt19WEG-zXz8A</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="249918" first="Kameryn" last="Connelly"]</p> <p>Connelly is a live wire at DB, he can cover in man and zone, can tackle in the open field and is dangerous with the ball in his hands at any time. When you need a play made Kam is the player that steps up. He is another player I had the chance to watch play at Offense-Defense 7v7 at George Mason, and he displayed everything that was advertised. He’s aggressive in press, has good eyes and attacks the ball even through the receiver. Connelly was a key component in Mt. Carmel’s championship run last year as they absolutely ran through the MIAA "C" division. Next season will be entertaining to watch them complete in MIAA "B".  </p> <p>https://twitter.com/KamerynConnelly/status/1515874662793854980?s=20&amp;t=Lf7xykdFHvXfw170MNCfEw</p> <p>https://twitter.com/KamerynConnelly/status/1494461134497320964?s=20&amp;t=Lf7xykdFHvXfw170MNCfEw</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="90677" first="Deandre" last="Ricks"]</p> <p>Ricks is a prototype Cornerback, 5’11 180lbs with track speed to keep up with the fastest of receivers. He recently clocked a personal record of 22.33 secs in the 200m dash. He comes down to make solid open field tackles and is sound in his coverage techniques. DeMatha produces solid DB’s, Ricks very much so may be the next D1 guy to pass through the program. </p> <p>https://twitter.com/dre_4pf/status/1518304403895246849?s=20&amp;t=Lf7xykdFHvXfw170MNCfEw</p> <!-- wp:paragraph --><!-- /wp:paragraph -->