Top 5 DBs of Southern WI

The top of the line talent in the defensive backfield resides in southern WI. We have multiple DBs who will have the opportunity to play D1 ball by the time they finish their senior seasons in this half of the state. One, Pickett, has already made his decision and is headed to NDSU for his college ball. There is still plenty of talent outside of Pickett available, so make sure you check these dudes out. Every name on this list is must-know level of talent. They are going to all have big impacts this fall, whether they are seniors or sophomores. Check them out! <strong>1. [player_tooltip player_id="31404" first="Jaiden" last="Pickett"], ’23- Riverside University</strong> The rise of Jaiden has been fun to watch. I first became aware of the special talent during the 2021 Prep Redzone WI Spring Showcase. From there I kept a close eye on him, watched him dominate as a junior all over the defense, and then earn several offers after the season through this summer. Jaiden just decided to accept his offer from NDSU and commit to play for the Bison. I’m excited to see where the Bison play him because he is so gifted that I could see him make an impact from the Nickel, OLB, or safety position. He is one of the most versatile players in the Class of 2023. I can’t wait to watch him do his thing in college after another dominant fall in 2022! <strong>2. [player_tooltip player_id="145828" first="Anthony" last="Corona"], ’23- Wilmot</strong> Next up is another dominant safety, and our second overall DB for the Class of 2023. With the commitment of Pickett this week, Anthony has become the top DB available in the state. It is well deserved for the 6’2" 205 lbs prospect. Anthony has the range to play deep safety and still make tackles at the line vs the run game. He transitions his speed into power with powerful hits to ensure that the play is over when he makes contact. That power also allows him to disengage from blocks. It is clear that his coaches have faith in his abilities as he is used as a single high safety a ton. His awareness in coverage jumps out as well as he reads the QB and quickly gets to the spot ahead of the ball. Anthony holds offers from St. Thomas, Southeast Missouri State, Southern Illinois, Mankato, Bemidji State, Valparaiso, and Concordia- St. Paul. <strong style="font-size: 1rem;">3. [player_tooltip player_id="105025" first="Sam" last="Ostrenga"], ’24- Sun Prairie East</strong> <span style="font-size: 1rem;">The top incoming junior DB is the safety out of Sun Prairie. It was awesome watching the playmaker go from JV to starting varsity for one of the top D1 teams in the state last fall. The moments weren’t too big for him either. The young athlete was already a very decisive player. He trusted what he saw, wasted no time reacting, and it led to a  lot of plays made against the run and pass game. I love how aggressive he is at the catch point to break up the pass or create turnovers. Lastly, Sam was an exceptional returner last fall. He set his offense up with great field position on a consistent basis. Sam is one of the top ’24 prospects in the state.</span> <strong>4. Aiden Burrell- Warfield, ’23- Indian Trail</strong> Aiden is one of the top hidden gems in WI. The 5’11" 190 lbs safety is a three level defender. He is stout against the run and navigates the trash in the trenches well. He quickly diagnoses routes and reads the QB’s eyes quickly in coverage. His 4.6 40 speed gives him the range to be an effective two high safety. I also really like that Aiden doesn’t shy away from contact. He has some impressive hits on his highlights. I don’t see any offers for the safety. He is shaping into a steal in the Class of 2023. <strong>5. [player_tooltip player_id="245944" first="Cole" last="Girard"], ’23- Mukwonago</strong> We round out our top 5 with the compact, strong 5’10" 190 lbs safety out of Mukwonago. Cole is another well rounded safety prospect who can play at all three levels. He has the range with his 4.6 speed and quick processing skills. His compact frame makes it hard to block him in the trenches. Also because he quickly slides through thanks to his vision. I really like the way he uses his hit power in pass coverage. He is one of the best at timing his hits perfectly to separate the receiver from the football. Cole also has the ball skills to generate turnovers. I don’t see any offers, yet. Make sure to check him out, and follow his senior season this fall. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Honorable Mention: </strong></span> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="31387" first="Austin" last="Eklund"], ’23- Hamilton Sussex: </strong><em>6’ 170 lbs, 4.57 40 Time, 31 Tackles, 1 TFL, 1 INT, 7 Rec. allowed all season, Offer from UW- Platteville</em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="31400" first="Brady" last="Mader"], ’23- Arrowhead: </strong><em>State Track Champion, All Conference CB, 3.8 GPA, Fastest 30M in School History</em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="272747" first="Daniel" last="Tanty"], ’23- Marquette:</strong><em> 6’ 175 lbs, All Conference Honorable Mention</em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="268967" first="Rocky" last="Duran"], ’24- Fond du Lac:</strong><em> 6’1" 165 lbs, All Conference Honorable Mention DB, 2022 Captain</em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="105032" first="Chris" last="Flowers"], ’24- Waukesha South: </strong><em>6’ 160 lbs, 3.7 GPA</em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="270654" first="Owen" last="Peterson"], ’24- Hamilton Sussex: </strong><em>5’10" 150 lbs, Safety, 42 Tackles, 1 INT, 3.97 GPA</em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="104998" first="Gus" last="Kelly"], ’24- Oconomowoc: </strong><em>5’7" 145 lbs, 4.71 40 Time</em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="262101" first="Ethan" last="Strandlie"], ’25- Stoughton: </strong><em>6’ 155 lbs, WR/DB, Football/Basketball</em>