Top Evansville Area Defensive Backs
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For as much as teams would like to focus on the passing-game, they have to have players that can shut down the opposing receivers. In this post, we shine the spotlight on some of the top defensive backs that the…
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Continue ReadingFor as much as teams would like to focus on the passing-game, they have to have players that can shut down the opposing receivers. In this post, we shine the spotlight on some of the top defensive backs that the Southern Indiana Conference has to offer.
Roland Vera Jr Roland Vera Jr 5'9" | 175 lbs | ATH FJ Reitz | 2024 State IN ., 5’8, 160 pounds, 2024, Evansville Reitz
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Heading into his junior season, Roland Vera Jr Roland Vera Jr 5'9" | 175 lbs | ATH FJ Reitz | 2024 State IN . has emerged as a solid prospect in all three phases. At his strong safety position, Vera does a wonderful job of reading the eyes of the quarterback. Once he gets a beat on where the quarterback is going, Vera does well to jump the pass and make a play on the ball. Vera is not afraid to come down and play the run. He can drive on the ball, get himself into position and make the tackle. Vera is a solid receiver, as well. He can also return kickoffs and punts, making it difficult for coaches to keep him off the field. Last year, Vera posted 61 tackles with three interceptions and one fumble recovery. On special teams, Vera returned 19 kickoffs as a sophomore, racking up 221 yards. He returned eight punts for just under 100 yards.
Hayden Summers Hayden Summers 6'2" | 170 lbs | WR F.J. Reitz | 2024 State IN , 6’2, 160 pounds, 2024, Evansville North
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Hayden Summers Hayden Summers 6'2" | 170 lbs | WR F.J. Reitz | 2024 State IN can play both ways for Evansville North. Defensively, Summers can be found lining up, primarily, at free safety. Summers provides versatility in the sense that he can deputize as a cornerback, as well. Summers is a great tackler who can come down from the defensive backfield to make the tackle. Offensively, Summers can be a viable option as a wide receiver. As a junior, he caught six passes for 142 yards with a pair of touchdown receptions. On the defensive side of the ball, Summers registered 40 tackles with two interceptions. He also showed how opportunistic he can be by recovering one fumble.
Ayden Salpietra, 5’7, 160 pounds, 2023, Castle
Ayden Salpietra is a rising prospect that scouts will need to keep an eye on heading into the 2022 season. A year ago, Salpietra recorded 21 total tackles with ten of those stops being solo tackles. In his junior season, Salpietra demonstrated the critical ability to take the ball away by snatching two interceptions. Ayden Salpietra has a high ceiling entering his junior year. Look for him to have a breakout season.
Jackson Draper, 5’11, 2023, Evansville Memorial
Jackson Draper is a steadying presence at the back of Evansville Memorial’s defense. This fall, quarterbacks will have to keep tabs on him at all times. Last season, Draper came up with 18 tackles individually and 28 tackles in total. Draper also brought in a pair of interceptions in 2021. Jackson Draper has shown what he is capable of. A big senior season appears to be on the cards for Jackson Draper.