2023: Dynamic Defensive Backs
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To be an elite defensive back, you have to be a great athlete and physical on the outside. These defensive backs shut down some of the state’s top playmakers and offenses. Aiden McDonald Aiden McDonald 5'10" | 175 lbs |…
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Continue ReadingTo be an elite defensive back, you have to be a great athlete and physical on the outside. These defensive backs shut down some of the state’s top playmakers and offenses.
Aiden McDonald
Aiden
McDonald
5'10" | 175 lbs | DB
Corner Canyon | 2023
State
UT
|| DB || 5’10 || 175 || Corner Canyon High School || 2023
McDonald has excellent awareness on the outside. He shines in zone coverage, where he can track multiple recovers and see the ball simultaneously. McDonald’s closing speed is elite, allowing him to bat balls away at just the right time. He’s a physical defensive back who enjoys breaking on balls and receivers at just the right time to break up good plays. He fights through receivers blocks and goes low to bring down big backs in run support. McDonald has good hands and tracks the ball well in the air, making him a threat to take passes away whenever quarterbacks make mistakes.
Isaac Jaramillo
Isaac
Jaramillo
6'0" | 175 lbs | DB
Alta | 2023
State
UT
|| DB || 6’0 || 175 || Alta High School || 2023
Jaramillo sticks to receivers like glue. He yields little to no separation and can line up anywhere in the defensive backfield. Jaramillo has long arms that help him deflect passes and disrupt receivers focus on the ball. He holds his own in man or zone coverage. At safety, he reads quarterbacks like a book. Jaramillo’s electric speed helps him make plays at every field level. He takes good angles in run support and allows wraps up to make sure he brings down playmakers. Jaramillo is a playmaker on defense, and that will only continue at the next level.
Charlie Ebeling || DB || 6’0 || 185 || Corner Canyon High School || 2023
Ebeling is like a chameleon in coverage. He blends into the defensive backfield before coming out of nowhere to make a game-changing interception. Ebeling loves to hit and is excellent in run support. He has exceptional speed and puts it to good use, making touchdown-saving tackles or breaking up potential big plays through the air. In addition, he makes good adjustments on balls in the air to take them away. Ebeling is a ball hawk who can cover, hit, or lockdown the backend of the field. The soon-to-be Utah State Aggie will soon be making plays in the Mountain West.
Jace Doman
Jace
Doman
5'11" | 165 lbs | DB
Skyridge | 2023
State
UT
|| DB || 5’11 || 165 || Skyridge High School || 2023
Doman ended the 2022 6A football season with an interception on the final play of Skyridges state championship win. It’s a fitting play for a clutch playmaker. The Falcon’s defense was loaded with talent, but Doman was a huge part of their success last season. The athletic corner tracks and makes plays on the ball that few players in the state can match. He’s got exceptional hands that also make him an elite receiver. Doman has good hips and changes direction with ease. The 5’11 corners long wingspan helps him poke balls away at the right time. The soon-to-be Southern Utah Thunderbird isn’t done making big plays in between and outside the hashes.
Michael Falata
Michael
Falata
6'0" | 175 lbs | DB
Herriman | 2023
State
UT
|| DB || 6’0 || 175 || Herriman High School || 2023
Falata is an elite athlete who impresses with his blazing quick closing speed. He can cover the entire backend and does a good job reading quarterbacks eyes. Falata is special because of his ability to high-point interceptions and shutdown receivers one on one. He’s physical against the run and doesn’t let receivers push him back in the screen game. Falata never gives up on a play and leads not just with his words but play too. You can always count on him to make plays in the fourth quarter when the games are tight.
Viliata Tua’one
Viliata
Tua’one
5'11" | 180 lbs | DB
West | 2023
State
UT
|| DB || 5’11 || 180 || West High School || 2023
Tua’one reacts to receivers quickly and sometimes runs the routes better than whoever he’s covering. He loves playing press man and getting up in wideouts grills. His speed enables him to make plays in the blitz game off the edge. Tua’one has good hips and can run with some of the state’s top receivers. He plays the ball well in the air and has good hands to poke balls away or create turnovers. Tua’one closes on short routes quickly and does a good job jumping routes. The former Panther never wears down and will be a great asset for a team at the next level.