Top 5 DBs of Northern WI

Northern WI is home to several diamonds in the rough when it comes to the DB position. It is a group filled with cornerback and safeties that can be relied on to make plays against the run and pass game. Athletes that can match up with most WRs that they come across. This is a group that should have the D2 level very intrigued. College coaches, make sure these kids are on your recruiting boards for this year, and years to come. Let’s check out what they have to offer, what offers they currently have, and where they fit best! <strong>1. [player_tooltip player_id="289800" first="Brock" last="Salm"], ’23- Appleton North</strong> <span style="font-size: 1rem;">One of the big risers for this next rankings update is going to be the Appleton North safety. He has great size fo the position at 6’2" 205 lbs, yet he still has the speed to be both a rangy safety and dangerous punt returner. Brock has a very complete game already. His play speed really stands out as the big man seems to work through traffic and get to the ball faster than the other defenders around him, and when he gets to the ball he has the power to deliver big hits that force fumbles if it isn’t high and tight. Salm holds an offer from Mankato with many others sure to follow. This is where the DB group starts in northern WI.</span> <strong>2. [player_tooltip player_id="304388" first="Taye" last="Derrico"], ’23- Appleton East</strong> Taye checks in at 5’10" 160 lbs, but don’t let that fool you. He is in the running for the most aggressive, reliable tackler at the position in WI. When he sees the ball in front of him he will run through blocks and close very quickly on the ball. His film is filled to the brim with him sniffing out bubble screens. He definitely has an impressive amount of play strength for his size. The All Region DB also really stands out at the catch point. Taye has good timing with his hands as he works to break up passes. Despite being undersized, he uses that ability to be a menace for all receivers; big or small. In northern WI, this is where the CB group starts. The CB is looking for his first offer it appears. Check him out! <strong style="font-size: 1rem;">3. [player_tooltip player_id="304446" first="Sam" last="Beucler"], ’23- Hudson</strong> The 6’2" 185 lbs safety plays the enforcer role. Based on the highlights, he will happily choose to deliver a big hit  to break u a pass instead of trying to just use his hands. That aggressive style has made him a reliable defender against the run as well. He will attack downhill quickly, and he is a sound tackler. Sam had a shortened season due to injury, so be on the lookout for a breakout fall 2022. He is also looking for his first offer. File him under the breakout/steal label. Hudson is going to have a dominant defense this fall, and he will be a key on the back end of it. <strong>4. [player_tooltip player_id="31407" first="Jack" last="Statz"], ’23- Kimberly</strong> Jack is a well rounded safety prospect. He has solid size at 6’1" 185 lbs, has next level strength with is 310 lbs bench and 475 lbs squat, state qualifying track speed, and the production (13 PBUs, 2 INTs) to prove that the traits translate to results. Jack’s tape shows a three down safety. He will deliver hits that separate receiver from the football. He is also reliable in coverage. He sees the field well and quickly picks up receivers entering his zone. The three sport athlete is looking for his first offer. Make sure to keep an eye on his senior campaign as he locks down the secondary for  one of the state’s most talented rosters. <strong>5. [player_tooltip player_id="31437" first="Mason" last="Wells"], ’23- Pulaski</strong> We wrap up our Top 5 with the biggest DB of the group. Mason checks in at 6’3" 210 lbs. Despite his big frame, Mason has evidence of himself making plays across half the field while the ball is in the air. The big man packs a punch at the point of contact thanks to his huge frame also. With that being said, Wells is at his best when attacking downhill against the run. He is a quick diagnoser, and fills just as quickly. Mason could be considered a candidate for a position change to LB where his aggressive, downhill play style could really thrive. He has the room to continue to add more size/strength. He also would have a good athletic profile for the LB position. He is looking for his first offer. The D3- D2 levels should check him out, and consider looking at him at multiple spots. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Honorable Mention:</strong></span> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="273031" first="Wyatt" last="Bell"], ’23- River Falls: </strong><em>5’11" 180 lbs, First Team All Conference Safety, 65 Tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 INT, 6 PBUs (Regular Season Stats)</em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="202635" first="Nolan" last="Mathews"], ’23- West De Pere:</strong><em> 6’2" 185 lbs, Prep Redzone WI Prospect Tour Standout, Offer from UW- River Falls</em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="200127" first="Ty" last="Madlena"], ’23- Stevens Point: </strong><em>5’10" 140 lbs, 4.58 40 Time, 30 Tackles, 4 TFLs, 3 INTs, 2 Pick Sixes, 12 PBUs</em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="166131" first="Colin" last="Wendt"], ’24- Hortonville:</strong><em> 5’11" 165 lbs, Honorable Mention All Conference DB, Three way athlete (DB/WR/K/P)</em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="270640" first="Carter" last="Schmitt"], ’24- West De Pere:</strong><em> 6’ 160 lbs, Safety, 13 Tackles, 4 INTs, 5 Total Turnovers Forced</em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="146560" first="Ian" last="Andrews"], ’24- Eau Claire Regis: </strong><em>5’10" 180 lbs, All Conference Honorable Mention DB, D3 4X100 State Champ</em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="262077" first="Hunter" last="Hibbard"], ’25- Altoona: </strong><em>6’1" 180 lbs, Safety/WR, Will be a steady riser over the next 3 seasons</em>