Top-Ranked 2023 DBs
The class of 2023 rankings has been updated, and there has been some movement among the position groups, a powerful testament to the hard work and dedication these athletes apply to their craft. The defensive back group is tricky because…
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Continue ReadingThe class of 2023 rankings has been updated, and there has been some movement among the position groups, a powerful testament to the hard work and dedication these athletes apply to their craft.
The defensive back group is tricky because it is a generalized classification of four different positions. Free safeties, strong safeties, cornerbacks, and nickel corners are placed under the same umbrella, even though they are different positions with different position-specific techniques and responsibilities.
This article will look at the top-ranked defensive backs from the incoming senior class.
Brantley has been reclassified from the number two linebacker spot to the number one-ranked DB as a hybrid strong safety or star player. The ninth overall-ranked player, and Kansas commit, possesses a highly versatile set of skills that enable him to easily play as an over-top safety, addition box defender, and slot defender. At 6-foot-1 and 190lbs, Brantley is built like an outside linebacker who moves like an agile free safety and hits like a mike backer, making him one of the best overall players in the state.
Voggesser is another hybrid box safety who does a great job bridging the gap between the secondary and linebacker core. He is a powerful player with great speed who clocked a 4.5s 40-yard dash on a 6-foot-2 and 205lbs frame. Voggesser is a prime candidate for any program searching for a prospect who can play in the box or drop into coverage and defend against intermediate and underneath routes.
Harvey is a lockdown cornerback who secured the third-ranked spot in the DB classification. He does a fantastic job of playing with disciplined eyes and finishing each rep by attacking the ball and playing through the hands of the receiver. Harvey is a physical corner with excellent reach and solid techniques, helping him to earn offers from Chadron State and Aurora University.
Stott is one of the more technically sound free safeties in the class, which has resulted in him landing the fourth-ranked DB spot as the top FS in the class. His ability to quickly gain ground in his backpedals enables him to keep his hips square to the line of scrimmage and avoid opening his hips too early. Stott’s weaves are fluid, and his breaks are explosive, helping him to cover his zones while maintaining his place as the last man of the secondary. Stott currently holds offers from Western Colorado, Wheaton College, and Drake.
Highlights
Closing out the top five position group is McClarity, who is a ball-hawking safety with phenomenal instincts. The 6-foot-2 safety has ideal length and an impressive ability to flow in coverage with fluid movements and well-timed breaks. McClarity was diagnosed with Leukemia late last fall, but he has maintained high spirits as he fights through his challenges on his journey back to being one of the best secondary players in the state.
Highlights
Top Ten Defensive Backs
6.
Braylen Warren
Braylen
Warren
6'2" | 175 lbs | DB
Cherry Creek | 2023
State
CO
| Cherry Creek
7.
Jason Thome
Jason
Thome
6'0" | 180 lbs | DB
Ralston Valley | 2023
State
CO
| Ralston Valley
8.
Sterling DeCosta
Sterling
DeCosta
DB
Arapahoe | 2023
State
CO
| Arapahoe
9.
Gibson Leafgreen
Gibson
Leafgreen
DB
Grandview | 2023
State
CO
| Grandview
10.
Calvin Ward
Calvin
Ward
5'11" | 175 lbs | DB
Dakota Ridge | 2023
State
CO
| Dakota Ridge