Prep Red Zone MVPs – Defensive backs

As a sophomore, Minneapolis Southwest’s [player_tooltip player_id="313147" first="Antonio" last="Bridges"] lined up at his natural defensive back position. As a junior, Bridges did what his team needed and moved to linebacker. Now, he feels like he will be moving back to defensive back for his senior season but is prepared to do whatever the team needs. It didn’t take long for Bridges to get back into a defensive back mode during the Prep Red Zone Showcase. "I didn’t like my 40 time, but I thought I did well in the other drills," Bridges said. "Some of the one-on-one defensive back drills were tough, but once I got into the one on ones, I felt more natural." Part of the Lakers’ junior’s plan for the day was to lay the groundwork for the rest of his offseason. "I wanted to put some times up because I have never really been timed in anything. I needed to see where I was at so I knew where to improve." During the day, Bridges took some valuable technique tips from the coaching he received. "One of the coaches helped me with my press technique. He helped me with my footwork and keeping leverage." The 2021 season was one of change for Bridges, but he took it in stride. "The season was good. I played where my team needed me to play (running back and outside linebacker) and got pretty good at it. I feel like I could get better at linebacker if the team still needs me there next year. I mostly played the strong-side outside linebacker. Right now, I am working on improving as a defensive back – which I played as a sophomore." Expecting to be a two-way player as a senior, Bridges knows his strengths and weaknesses. "I am good in open-field coverage and reading routes," Bridges told prepredzonemn.com. "I need to work on knowing when to come down on running plays. As a running back, I am a versatile back." Reading routes is still an area of focus for Bridges. "I am working on defensive back technique and reading wide receivers and what they might do on their next moves – how to read cuts, rocker steps, and stuff like that." This spring, Bridges is doing double duty. "In the winter, I worked out. I focused on my leg strength. This spring, I am running track – I run the 100 and throw the discus - and am working out with a trainer – focusing on my footwork and speed."