Stock Watch: 2025 DB’s On the Rise
Who doesn’t like a good shutdown corner, and DB? This is a good question, because we all love seeing great DB’s, especially when they play at such a high level, creating disruptive turnovers, tight coverage, and game tackles. Being a…
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Continue ReadingWho doesn’t like a good shutdown corner, and DB? This is a good question, because we all love seeing great DB’s, especially when they play at such a high level, creating disruptive turnovers, tight coverage, and game tackles. Being a DB is hard work though, and not everyone is cut out to play the position. Players who tend to shine at a very young age tend to show glimpses of what is to come, especially due to the fact that they may already be performing at an elite level. Below, we took some time to recognize some of our favorite DB’s in NC within the 2025 class. They have made a name for themselves already among others, and we have no doubt that you will be impressed as well.
Jerron Blackwell– Page
When evaluating Blackwell’s film, it is very easy to tell that he is a very talented player, with a high level of upside. Not only is he one of the most athletic players on the field every time he plays, but he has the ability to play both sides of the football. Blackwell is not only a talented passer of the ball, but he has the hands and athletic ability to play receiver and DB as well. As a freshman, he displayed the fact that he has a great frame, length, and build to play his position. He bends well, it has a decent twitch, and ability to change direction on the dime. He gets in and out of his breaks cleanly, and he has decent footwork. He does have plenty of work to do though as he is raw, and this can be seen in the way that he backpedals, flips his hips, and closes the gate. If he takes these steps forward next season, we think that he would see more than four interceptions, and would receive attention from college coaches as well.
Jamari McKnight Jamari McKnight 6'1" | 185 lbs | DB Franklinton | 2025 State NC – Riverside
When evaluating his film, not only does he do the right things to create turnovers, but he has the natural athletic ability to create plays from anywhere on the field. Not only does he have good ball skills, but he shadows movement very well, while also bending well and getting in and out of his breaks cleanly. This is extremely hard to do for his age, and we recognize that his footwork, and ability to read movement goes a long way for him. While we do think that he needs to gain a better understanding of the game, we also feel that he is very advanced for his age, and his ability to react naturally, and with clean movement is awesome to see.
Alex Tran- Christ the King
When watching film on Tran, and evaluating his talent, it is evident that he already has some of the tools necessary to become a great DB. Not only does he have the short area quickness, and footwork that it takes to cover quick receivers, but he also shows flashes of being able to track the ball well with his eyes, react naturally, and create turnovers. Last season, this ability resulted in 2 turnovers for his team, and we foresee more big plays like this in his future as he starts to further develop physically within his frame, and mentally as a ball player.
Jordan Young- Monroe
Out of all the players on this list, Young is one of the prospects that stands out the most. Not only does he have the athletic ability to run routes, and make plays as a wide receiver, but he translates the same athletic, and explosive ability to the defensive side of the football. Not only does he cover well in man coverage, but he maintains this same ability when playing zone coverage. Young also has great body control, and is able to change direction and get out of his breaks cleanly. He is also physical enough to make great tackles, and we love the way that he high points the football even better than the opposing receiver. Moving forward, we look forward to seeing him become one of the best corners in the state, while also making a name for himself nationally. Look for him to continue to get faster, twitchier, and quicker in every way possible. Also look for his technical skillset, knowledge of the game, and technique to improve.