Breaking Down The Top Young Defensive Backs In The State
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New Jersey is currently bubbling with talent in the following three recruiting classes. The position that may be the deepest in the coming years is defensive back. These young defensive backs have been offered by Power 5 colleges early and…
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Continue ReadingNew Jersey is currently bubbling with talent in the following three recruiting classes. The position that may be the deepest in the coming years is defensive back. These young defensive backs have been offered by Power 5 colleges early and are currently having seasons where they’re separating themselves from their peers. Here are some of the top young defensive backs in the state.
Widely, regarded as the best young defensive back in the state by many New Jersey media members and scouts. It’s easy to see why they have this notion and clear to see on tape.
First, Joseph has that tantalizing build that you love for the cornerback position. Listed at 6’1 175 those are both above average height and weights for the NFL level. The most attractive part of his body type and frame is the arm length that he has.
In the case of Joseph people and many scouts call or refer to him as a “superior athlete”. While being a superior athlete is paramount at the position, being technically sound is also. Joseph is only a sophomore and he plays that way; he relies on his athleticism to make the majority of his plays and while going up against most high school competition you can most certainly live in that world. Living and playing off the recovery is very very dangerous, but it works for Joseph FOR NOW.
Joseph plays off man and catch technique the best that we’ve seen on tape and plays exceptionally well in zone which will benefit him down the line. With how much NFL and college teams are playing more zone coverage looks than ever. This is where the superior athlete part plays a major factor because while in zone his read and react while playing the ball is special and when you watch it on tape it’s no wonder why schools like national champion powerhouse Georgia Bulldogs are eager for his commitment.
Joseph has all the tools to not be a good corner but a great one. The area where he can start is by cleaning up his technique specifically on press man reps. This clip pretty much sums up what Joseph needs to work on and how special he is as a defensive back prospect.
Highlights
Gaines is the biggest of the young cornerbacks in terms of height at a legit 6’3. With that height, he plays the catch point exceptionally well. He can beat receivers up at the line of scrimmage and uses physicality to his advantage. The question remains does he have the speed and change of direction skills that it takes to be elite at the position? With that, he has to work on his hips. Would also like to see him get bigger to become a more willing tackler playing the force position in run fits.
Omari is only a sophomore and he has plenty of room to grow, but as with most of the defensive backs on this list. Power 5 colleges have already put their bid into what he can become. He has big-time offers from Penn State, West Virginia, and Michigan State.
This young man should be eligible for the STAR role rather than only limiting himself to playing cornerback. If you watch the tape majority of his plays are him coming downhill and making key tackles. He’s an exceptional tackler in space and has shown that he can be opportunistic when it comes to going after the football. He’s a two-sport athlete being a standout in basketball also, but as far as football goes, if Parrish was allowed to play closer to the line scrimmage and split linebacker and safety responsibilities. He would be put in a better position to get a football offer. With the way, college and NFL teams are solving the issue of playing lighter bodies when trying to stop the run. Parrish could be a steal for a college program.
Dorilas is more of a young under-the-radar defensive back prospect, but he has caught the attention of the Power 5 scouts. He rivals Joseph as the smoothest mover among the young cornerbacks and his speed is evident, especially covering down the football field. With his size, length, and change of direction he will be talked about as arguably the best young cornerback in the state. He holds offers from Rutgers, Boston College, Akron, Uconn, and Syracuse
Williams is still very young, recording his first varsity interception just two weeks ago, and having barely any varsity tape just playing in four games. He currently is getting some small national buzz and he’s been solid this season. He fits a similar size profile to the rest of the defensive backs on this list and he’s in a great program that has produced three Power 5 defensive backs with Nasir Addison Nasir Addison 6'3" | 185 lbs | ATH Irvington | 2023 State NJ committed to Kentucky, Adon Shuler Adon Shuler 6'0" | 190 lbs | DB Irvington | 2023 State NJ who just received an offer from Ohio State but is committed to Notre Dame, and Vaboue Toure Vaboue Toure 6'0" | 185 lbs | ATH Irvington | 2024 State NJ who has offers from schools like LSU, Alabama, and Penn State.
Williams has some things you can work with on tape. His feet are very erratic, but he’s a physical corner who challenges you at the line of scrimmage and can play the catch point well. His development will be one to keep an eye on as he’s on track to be a Power 5 defensive back.