2023 Small-Town Breakout Defensive Backs To Know
No matter where you are in Georgia, if you can play, colleges will find you. Even in small towns across the state, there is talent to be found. The state is loaded with talented defensive backs in the 2023 class…
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Continue ReadingNo matter where you are in Georgia, if you can play, colleges will find you. Even in small towns across the state, there is talent to be found. The state is loaded with talented defensive backs in the 2023 class and many come from some of the smallest towns in the state.
Here are some breakout defensive back candidates in small towns to know about for the 2022 season…
Okemus “Junior” Grier – Jackson
A two-way standout for the Jackson Rede Devils, Grier is a flashy receiver with impressive ball skills who knows how to make plays on defense as a ball-hawking defensive back. He’s a promising safety prospect due to his length and natural instincts for the position. He reads the QB well against the pass and knows how to break on the ball and make a play. Named 2-AAA “Athlete of the Year” last fall, it’s easy to see the potential he has at the next level. He does a good job of roaming the field and covers a lot of ground from his free safety position. He has great vision, he accelerates well, and has a natural feel for the game. He has a true nose for the ball as a defender and shows good pursuit to the ball carrier. When he gets there, the Jackson native how to make the tackle. He’s the leader of the Jackson secondary and showed last year that he’s capable of playing at the next level. He may not be a D1 prospect just yet, but smaller schools should be all over him if they’re looking for a playmaking safety.
DB Champ Brantley – Mary Persons
Another impact defensive back with great instincts in coverage, Brantley is an under the radar safety who was named 3A 1st Team All-Region last year as a junior. He has good size at 6-foot-0 190-pounds and was solid against the run last year for the Bulldogs. He was consistently in every aspect last year in the secondary, making 55 tackles, 3 INTs, 5 PBU, and 2 forced fumbles. The Forsyth native strikes hard when tackling and covers a lot of ground in coverage. If you make a bad pass in the area, Brantley will be there to make a play on it. He’s instinctive in the run and does a nice job of gaining speed before he meets the ball carrier. He was a consistently defender all season and should add to his stat total as a senior this fall. He’s certainly one of the more underrated defensive backs in the area coming into the 2022 season.
Terence Clemons – Jeff Davis
An extremely versatile defensive back from the small town of Hazelhurst, Clemens has started at corner for Jeff Davis since his sophomore year, but will now take on a new challenge and play safety this fall as a senior. He has great instincts in coverage but has no problem delivering a big hit as well. The long, athletic 6-foot-0 175-pounder has shown the willingness to come downhill and strike, as well as high-pointing balls in the middle of the field in coverage. He has a long wingspan, he’s reliable in coverage, and he’s one of the bigger defensive backs not only on the roster, but in the region as well. He’s fast and explosive, running a sub 4.5 in the 40-yard dash. A dual-sport standout, Clemsons made 37 tackles, 2 INTs, and one touchdown last fall, He was also named 2nd-Team All-Region last year and poised for a gigantic senior season this fall.
Ryan Allen – Hephzibah
One of the most productive returning safeties in 3A, Jackson plays right outside of Augusta in Hephzibah, and he is certainly a sure-tackling defensive back to know for the upcoming season. He’s a versatile defender who can play multiple positions, but his ability to cover and deliver a big hit make him an impactful safety every Friday night. Allen was a tackling machine last year, making 95 tackles on the season. He reacts quickly, loves contact, and is one of the more physical defenders in the Augusta area. He loves to deliver a big hit and separate the ball from the receiver in coverage. He’s quick, instinctive, and brings a physical presence every play. He has plenty of size at 6-foot-1 195-pounds and should have another outstanding season this fall as a senior.