Stock Watch: 2025 DB’s On the Rise
Out of all of the positions on defense, playing DB is known to be the hardest. Not only does the technical movement skills needed to play the position need to be solid to be effective at the position, but the…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingOut of all of the positions on defense, playing DB is known to be the hardest. Not only does the technical movement skills needed to play the position need to be solid to be effective at the position, but the fact that this is incredibly hard to find at a very young age is an impressive thing in itself. Due to this, when players tend to hold the ability to create turnovers from tight coverage, it is something worth taking note of, no matter how old, or how young they may be. In this case, for 2025 prospects, these are signs of what is to come, and who is already fit to play for their high school at a high level. Below, feel free to take a peek at some of our favorite DB’s from the 2025 class who we feel are already on the rise.
Cedric Hillmon- Turner County
When you turn on Hillmon’s tape, his ability leaps off of the screen. Not only does he already have a great size, length, and frame, to play the DB position, but he already has the explosive ability, and knack for changing direction that you would look for out of his age. Hillmon also gets in and out of his breaks very well, and he shadows movement with minimal potential for a penalty. In addition to this, we love the way that he uses his arms, and hands to be physical. Hillmon also tackles very well, and he uses his eyes effectively in coverage, which tends to assist him in many ways. Next season, look for him to have more than three interceptions, as we have no doubt that he will continue to improve in any way possible.
Jarrett Brown- Harvester Christian
Not only is it very impressive that Brown already created four turnovers in his freshman season, but it is even more impressive the reasons in which he was able to do so. Brown’s ability to do so came from the way that he flips his hips, changes direction, and transitions his speed in and out of his breaks. He covers opposing receivers efficiently, and allows his hands, and arms to be a factor when engaging with players on the opposite team. His footwork and pedals can also be a bit raw at times, but he does show flashes of being able to play technically sound, while also using his ability to read the field to his advantage. Brown also plays with good body control, which can be seen in his four interceptions, and he is not afraid to make tackles as well. As we go into the next season, we are excited to see how he continues to grow and develop in his overall frame, and ability to play big boy football.
Johnny Blue- Bethlehem Christian
Even though Blue’s technique may not be the best at times, He still does a good job of covering receivers. He has decent footwork, and he also has the speed and short-area quickness to keep up with opposing players efficiently. We also like the way that Blue does not give up on plays, and is not afraid to be physical. In addition to this, he also plays with a good amount of burst, and acceleration every time he is near the football, or when the football is in his hands. Because of this, we have no doubt that his team will continue to use him as a playmaker on both sides of the ball next season. As of right now though, we would like to see him continue to expand and improve upon his ability to flip his hips, end turn and run.
Jaylen Bell Jaylen Bell 5'11" | 160 lbs | DB Grayson | 2025 State GA – Grayson
Those who follow our series will be very familiar with Bell, as we have already been impressed with his ability to play high level football for Grayson High School as a freshman. Not only does he do it all, but he does everything very well as a young prospect at one of the hardest positions in football. He covers very well in man coverage, and zone coverage, and he gets in and out of his breaks cleanly, which allows his feet and short every area quickness to take him anywhere that he needs to go to break up passes, or jump routes. We love the way that Bell sees the field when the ball is in the air, and we also like the way that he comes up to make tackles, even in seemingly tough situations. He has very good body control, and we love his speed, burst, and twitch with the ball in his hands. Look for him to be a great player for his school, and one of the better players in his position group among the state.