Five Under The Radar DBs Primed For A Breakout Season

Over the past 5-8 years, we’ve seen football undergo an ariel evolution that has revamped the way football is played. Now more than ever before, offenses are more likely to spread it out, and air it out. As a result, the defensive back has become more valuable than it has ever been. So without further ado, let’s get to know five defensive backs who I believe are all primed for breakout season this upcoming fall.. <h3><em>[player_tooltip player_id="330441" first="Richard" last="Dezort"] | Chicago Academy ’25</em></h3> Dezort had an impressive freshman season in which he earned himself all-conference honors and was the conference leader in interceptions. When I cut on his film, he reminds me a lot of the Honey Badger by the way he’s a natural playmaker on defense. He’s skilled at jarring the ball loose from his opponents, has great instincts, and appears to always be in the right place at the right time to make a play on the ball. If his freshman year stats of three interceptions, four forced fumbles, and four touchdowns are any indication of what’s to come, then Chicago Academy could very well have a star in the making that’s worth keeping an eye on over the next few years. <h3><em>Asael Rubalcava | Evergreen Park "24</em></h3> Catching interceptions and locking up receivers is how most people quantify what it means to be a top tier defensive back. Although those skills are very important, it’s also essential for defensive backs to be effective at tackling. Rubalcava is the last line of defense as a safety and is as sure of a tackler as they come. He’s not afraid to mix it up and his film shows him making some pretty impressive tackles on the goal line. Although tackling is what I like about him the most, he flashes the ability to be solid in coverage. <h3><em>Tim Durr | Leo Catholic ’23</em></h3> I got a chance to see Durr live in action last season and he is without a doubt a prospect I expect to have a breakout season this fall. He’s a phenomenal athlete who’s versatile enough to play either cornerback or safety, and if need be, you can bring him up in the box and let him mix it up with the big boys because he won’t hesitate to lay the boom on his opponents. Tracks the ball well and is an interception threat in coverage. Possesses the range and speed to cover the field from sideline-to-sideline. <h3><em>Luke Van Overmeiren | Evanston ’24</em></h3> Van Overmeiren posses all the necessary skills to be playmaking safety who should excel this season as a full-time varsity contributor. He’s a fluid athlete with good ball skills and the ability to cover space. Has solid closing speed and is a more than reliable tackler. <h3><em>[player_tooltip player_id="354089" first="Chidubem" last="Bekee"] | Plainfield East ’24</em></h3> Bekee has all the physical tools to be a significant difference maker at the safety position. Entering his junior year, he measures out at 6’2" 195lbs and has an impressive 6’6" wingspan. He’s a good open field tackler who’s also not afraid to come downhill and make his presence felt. Flashes ball hawk capabilities and has the makeup to be adequate in coverage.