PRZ Prospect Tour: Texas Defensive Backs
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To close out the coverage of the PrepRedZone Protect Tour in Round Rock, TX we have a group of standout defensive backs. Here’s a list of guys who were a small group that got more reps than any other position…
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Continue ReadingTo close out the coverage of the PrepRedZone Protect Tour in Round Rock, TX we have a group of standout defensive backs. Here’s a list of guys who were a small group that got more reps than any other position group at the event. These guys were all conditioned and competed at a high level on a hot day. The biggest piece of info to gain from these guys is they have NO OFFERS. Get in on them early before there’s a line!
Ephraim Dotson Ephraim Dotson 5'11" | 175 lbs | DB Fort Bend Hightower | 2024 State TX | 5’10″ 165lbs | 2024 | Hightower
It seems like at this point in the camp circuit that Ephraim Dotson Ephraim Dotson 5'11" | 175 lbs | DB Fort Bend Hightower | 2024 State TX ’s name has become a mainstay. He was named the DB MVP and again continues to play a physical and effective brand of football. Dotson has technical prowess and doesn’t let up many catches on him. Ever since I first got eyes on him during the 2021 playoffs, Dotson has been clamping everything everywhere I go. From the SW Regional Showcase to the PRZ Prospect Tour in Texas, Dotson has lined up and locked down the best of them from all around the state.
Stephen Howard Jr. | 5’9″ 150lbs | 2023 | Benjamin Davis
Stephen Howard Jr. has some serious clamps that he can put on wide receivers. Howard has great smooth hips as well as footwork. In the 1 on 1’s, Howard was very physical and was successful in getting his hands on receivers early in their routes. There’s no denying that Howard can line up against anybody and not just hold his own but dominate. The 2-sport athlete has the speed to stay over the top and the agility to get out his breaks cleanly and plays through the catch point.
2023 Benjamin Davis CB Stephen Howard Jr (@Stxephen37) playing all the way through the route and getting the PBU. Howard had a great showcase and will continue to make noise going into his senior season. @PrepRedzoneTX #PRZProspectTourTX pic.twitter.com/gJVlSmdp7K
— Evan Shumard (@EvanShumard) May 1, 2022
Taiwo Atunrase | 6’0″ 180lbs | 2024 | Robert Cole
Taiwo Atunrase fits the safety mold by having a balanced playstyle. While mechanically he does have a few things he could tighten up, he still was winning reps. Between getting his hands on the receiver and throwing them off their stems, and being at the catch point he was a difficult rep to win. As the young DB’s athleticism catches up to him he will become even more dangerous, as he already is explosive (9’0″ broad jump.) Atunrase has the size and ability to be an effective safety that won’t allow much to down in assignment.
Eligah Hanks III Eligah Hanks III 6'2" | 170 lbs | DB Boerne | 2025 State TX | 6’3″ 175lbs | 2025 | Boerne
On the field, you can’t miss Eligah Hanks III Eligah Hanks III 6'2" | 170 lbs | DB Boerne | 2025 State TX with his towering and long 6’3″ frame. Hanks has the ideal safety frame that he can add even more weight on. Athletically you might not expect much from a bigger DB but the freshman has better movement skills than one might anticipate. Hanks likes to get his hands on WRs and try to slow them down as much as he can before they get into their routes. Hanks may not be the smoothest technically, but he still finds ways to make it difficult for the receivers to haul in passes.
Jacob Voss Jacob Voss 6'1" | 190 lbs | DB Louis D. Brandeis | 2024 State TX | 6’0″ 165lbs | 2024 | Louis D. Brandeis
I was very excited to watch Jacob Voss Jacob Voss 6'1" | 190 lbs | DB Louis D. Brandeis | 2024 State TX in action as he caught my attention early on in the testing period. Voss has 4.6/4.7s 40 speed and overall is a great athlete. His 9’4″ broad jump and 4.5s shuttle all translate to his play on the field. At safety Voss has the man-to-man skills of a corner. Voss is extremely smooth and I love how he attacks the football at the high point, not even giving the receiver a chance to make a play on the ball. To add to his ability, he can jump with anybody, stays tight in coverage, and you have to bring your “A” game on every rep. I really like his “let’s get it” demeanor and how he competes and wins with his athleticism and technique.