Rankings Deep Dive: 2024 Defensive Back Newcomers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>With tons of the talent within the state of Idaho along the front seven, it's important to remember there are plenty of skill position players that are high end prospects with next level potential. Diving into some of the top 2024 defensive backs in the state, here is a look at four newcomers that entered our newest PRZ Rankings. </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["540332"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":558318,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63a1ff6351c2b"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Groom was out for a big part of the season, but still managed to put together a very solid Junior campaign and solidify himself as one of the top prospects in Idaho. One of the top players for the 5A State Champions, Groom has some impressive tape and flashes his college potential. Groom is a bully at the corner position and is extremely physical with his hands in press coverage, jamming at the LOS. He also flashes recovery speed and breaks well without false steps and having a knack for getting his hands on the ball when closing. Overall, a very impressive defensive back prospect that can also play safety in college due to his open field speed, versatility and ability to drop into the box and bang when needed.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["540382"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":558313,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63a1ff6351ce0"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>McBride is one of the top defenders in the entire state, regardless of class. He is a very smooth and instinctual corner that has quick play recognition, triggers fast and is a terrific open field tackler that takes good angles and packs a punch at contact. Smooth in his pedal, he does not take false steps, shows good COD and quick hips in transition while tracking the ball well and able to go up and make plays over receivers. His combination of cover skills and run support while not afraid to bang on the edge makes him a very intriguing prospect at the next level with FCS+ abilities. </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["540388"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":558320,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63a1ff6351d4f"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Burtenshaw is a very active player that flies around and makes plays in space, while seemingly always around the ball. On tape he shows that he can cover bigger receivers as well with strong hands in press coverage and does a nice job at positioning his body when the ball is in the air. He has strong ball skills and a natural feel for the game in space while understanding zone responsibilities and baiting quarterbacks into bad throws before triggering on the ball. He can make an impact at the college level and should see his recruitment pick up this off-season and into his Senior year. </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["540342"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63a1ff6351da7"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Demers is a big and physical safety that plays the middle of the field well and is rangy/can tackle in space taking good angles in the open field. He is a big time hitter from the third level and thumps at the POA while able to take on blockers in the open field. A throwback safety, he can cover bigger tight ends and is physical in off coverage. He can develop into a strong safety in college or an outside linebacker as he continues to grow and develop.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->