Indy’s Dominant Defensive Backs

The Indianapolis area has an abundance of playmakers on both sides of the ball. The job of defensive backs is a complicated, yet crucial one: make plays while trying to keep the opponent’s stars in check. Accomplishing both of those goals is no easy feat. But the state capital- and its surrounding area- has those types of prospects on the back end of the defense on display. Andrew Baugh, 2023, Roncalli Turnovers dramatically shift momentum in the game. Andrew Baugh routinely comes up with those momentum-shifting plays. As a junior, Baugh recoded five interceptions for Roncalli. He added two passes defensed and one forced fumble. Even when he is not displaying his ball skills, Baugh showcases his all-around skillset by being a solid tackler. Last season, Baugh accumulated 70 total tackles with 18 solo tackles. Quarterbacks will constantly need to be mindful of where Andrew Baugh is. Ryan Joyce, 6’1, 186 pounds, 2023, Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/ryan-joyce/WlQhi5jqEemA0ZFtwg1OMQ/default.htm Ryan Joyce featured prominently on a dominant Brebeuf defense. As a junior, Joyce totaled 53 tackles with 35 solo tackles. Joyce has the ability to get in the backfield and make plays when the opportunity comes. He tallied six-and-a-half tackles-for-loss as well as three sacks a season ago. On the back end, Joyce disrupts the passing-game. A year ago, he snagged four interceptions to go along with two passes defensed and a pair of fumble recoveries. Devin McIlwain, 6’0, 160 pounds, 2023, Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/devin-mcilwain/bzw5lsEaEeqAzqREozo6lw/default.htm Teaming up with Joyce, Devin McIlwain is a shutdown corner for Brebeuf. McIlwain positions himself well. He stays right with the receiver and keeps himself in a great spot to make a play. McIlwain has great ball skills. He does well to time up his move on the ball, and he can break up passes or take the ball away. A season ago, McIlwain posted 32 tackles with a pair of tackles-for-loss. McIlwain swiped four picks while adding ten passes defensed and one fumble recovery. [player_tooltip player_id="322432" first="Jayon" last="Harvey"], 5’10, 175 pounds, 2024, Franklin Central https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/jayon-harvey/kQu1HxRgEeuAzqREozo6lw/videos.htm With still half of his high school eligibility ahead of him, [player_tooltip player_id="322432" first="Jayon" last="Harvey"] has given fans plenty to be excited about. Harvey played in six varsity games last year, but he showed a lot of potential in those games. Last year, Harvey tallied 32 total tackles with 23 of those tackles being solo. Harvey collected a trio of interceptions while defending against five passes. On special teams, Harvey can make his presence felt both when returning punts as well as denying the opponent crucial points by applying pressure on the kicker. He returned nine punts for 74 yards, and he blocked a pair of field goals last year. [player_tooltip player_id="222945" first="Michael" last="Williams"], 5’11, 180 pounds, 2023, Brownsburg https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/michael-williams/Cj-PCSsYEeqAzqREozo6lw/default.htm Any throw that comes in the direction of [player_tooltip player_id="222945" first="Michael" last="Williams"] has to be one that is purposeful and accurate. If it is not, then big problems are usually imminent for the offense. From his strong safety position, Williams reads the eyes of the quarterback. Once he gets a beat on where the quarterback is trying to go with the ball, as well as what the route is, Williams can drive on the ball and jump the route. Last year, Williams picked off three passes. One of those interceptions he converted into a pick six. Williams also had one pass defense. As a junior, Williams recorded 18 tackles with 16 being solo. Williams displayed his special teams presence by returning a kickoff for a touchdown last year. [player_tooltip player_id="322439" first="Owen" last="Bright"], 2024, Center Grove In spite of only being a sophomore, [player_tooltip player_id="322439" first="Owen" last="Bright"] established himself last year on one of the state’s best defenses at Center Grove. Bright accounted for 29 tackles last year. He showed his playmaking ability by recording six-and-a-half tackles-for-loss and one sack. Bright had three interceptions, one pass defense and two forced fumbles. 2022 will be a big year for [player_tooltip player_id="322439" first="Owen" last="Bright"]. The early signs are, though, that he is ready to meet the challenge.