Fab 50 Breakdown: The Defensive Backs

Brandon Stockdale December 21, 2022 @ 08:00 AM

This year's Fab 50 selections at defensive back don't just specialize at the position alone, they are dynamic on special teams and can change the game in one play.   Outside of that, passing games are not successful when they go up against these guys. All five will play college football in the Power Five or the Group of Five in 2023.   [player_tooltip player_id='91357' first='DJ' last='Barksdale II'], South Pointe   Barksdale is a dynamic athlete who is listed as a defensive back, but can also make his presence felt on special teams. He took a few kicks back for touchdowns during the 2022 season. As a defensive back, he is a thumper who takes excellent angles to the ball and will come up and make huge hits on the ball carrier. He anticipates the routes that opposing receivers will run well – good luck trying to complete a pass. The James Madison commit and Shrine Bowl selection finished with 6 INTs, 100 total tackles and 1000+ all-purpose yards.    [player_tooltip player_id='202743' first='Zyeir' last='Gamble'], Sumter   Gamble is a two way player who makes an impact wherever he's at. We'll start at defensive back as he can play in the box or at safety. He is instinctive to where he can read and react quickly to a run play and limit it to a short gain. If he's bringing pressure to the quarterback, he's on a sprint to go get the quarterback and he doesn't miss the sack. The App State commit took a few kickoffs back to the house and caught a few passes at receiver, showing off some speed in the process.    [player_tooltip player_id='91144' first='Misun' last='Kelley'], Daniel    Watching the first few clips of Kelley's snaps at defensive backs, we were impressed with how fast he reacts to plays. He uses his size and speed to come up and make tackles. He can also play on offense and we saw him at running back and wide receiver – again, showing off his speed. He won the one-on-one battles and part of that probably has to do with his ability to anticipate what defensive backs will do, seeing that he plays the position. Kelley will play college ball at Clemson University next year.    [player_tooltip player_id='336140' first='Colton' last='Phares'], Beaufort   Phares was one of the leaders for the Beaufort Eagles as they finished the 2022 season with a win in the 4A state championship against Powdersville. He's another dynamic, two way player who can take punts back for touchdowns – he finished with 3 on the year. Or he can make hits at linebacker and knock the ball away. The App State commit finished with 69 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 9 pass breakups, 4 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles.    [player_tooltip player_id='91152' first='Thomas' last='Williams'], Powdersville   Most of the time when Williams was lined up at defensive back, he would be up against the outside wide receiver. And many times, the end result would not be a positive one for the wide receiver. Williams's closing speed on the ball is impressive as he recognizes the routes and most of the time it was an interception for him. His ability to stop the run and limit gains was fun to watch on film. Williams is headed to Blacksburg, Va., to play for Virginia Tech.

This year's Fab 50 selections at defensive back don't just specialize at the position alone, they are dynamic on special teams and can change the game in one play.