2024 Defensive Backs Ready to Lock It Down Next Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The difference between good teams and great teams can be separated by the finest of margins. One deficiency in any key area can cause a team capable of going far in the postseason to exit in the early rounds. This is especially true of the defensive backfield. Any team that fails to repel their opponent's passing-game will face an uphill climb, even if they are solid in all other facets. Today, we will take a look at who some of the best defensive backs in the Class of 2024 are ahead of the final act of their high school careers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='284543' first='Hudauri' last='Hines'], 6'2, 185 pounds, Franklin Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='284543' first='Hudauri' last='Hines'] is a shutdown corner on the perimeter of the Franklin Central defense. Hines can be physical. He frequently plays up on the line and jams the receiver lined up across from him. Hines is more than capable of holding his own in man coverage. As a junior, Hines defended against half-a-dozen passes. He finished the year with 28 total tackles and one fumble recovery. Hines recorded one tackle-for-loss. He also has the ability to contribute on the offensive side of the ball. In 2022, Hines racked up 116 yards on eight receptions with a pair of touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='322423' first='Damon' last='Wilkins'], 5'10, 155 pounds, Muncie Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='322423' first='Damon' last='Wilkins'] is Muncie Central's reliable cornerback. Wilkins is sound in one-on-one coverage. He does a nice job of staying right with the receiver, wherever they go. Wilkins appeared in only two games last season, but he gave fans plenty of reason to be optimistic for what next year holds. In the those two games, Wilkins recorded five tackles, all of which were solo stops. He added one tackle-for-loss. Showcasing his coverage skills, Wilkins was responsible for two passes defensed. Anyone that wants to get a better sense of what Wilkins is capable of should look back to his sophomore campaign. In 2021, Wilkins notched 22 tackles with one pass defense in eight appearances.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='541943' first='Donovan' last='Rhodes'], 6'0, 155 pounds, Hamilton Southeastern</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It is extremely difficult to achieve a 12-1 season without being tough against the pass. For Hamilton Southeastern, [player_tooltip player_id='541943' first='Donovan' last='Rhodes'] is the one who disrupts the opposing team's passing-game. Last year, Rhodes posted 42 tackles with 23 of those being solo. Rhodes swiped a trio of interceptions. He added two forced fumbles. Rhodes was a big reason why his team went undefeated in conference play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='322424' first='Russell' last='Peterson'], 6'2, 195 pounds, Decatur Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cornerback [player_tooltip player_id='322424' first='Russell' last='Peterson'] is coming off a terrific junior campaign. As a senior, he will be looking to reach new heights. Peterson posted 25 solo tackles and 32 total stops. One of those was a tackle-for-loss. Peterson picked off one pass and defended against two passes. Last year, Peterson displayed what he is capable of. Another step forward could put his Decatur Central squad in serious business.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='331133' first='Keonta' last='Barton'], 5'7, 140 pounds, Evansville North</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='331133' first='Keonta' last='Barton'] does not always jam the receiver, but he is sound when he plays off the ball. He can play off the line, give the receiver a cushion and still make the play. Helping Barton considerably is his ability to drive on the ball. He puts his foot in the ground and shows his solid ball skills. Barton does a nice job of getting out of his back pedal. During his junior season, Barton compiled 27 total tackles with 19 solo tackles. He picked off three passes and defended against nine throws.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='109609' first='Eli' last='Quasebarth'], 6'0, 180 pounds, North White</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='109609' first='Eli' last='Quasebarth'] is a versatile player who can contribute on both sides of the ball. On top of solidifying the defensive backfield, Quasebarth leads the offense as the quarterback. Offensively, Quasebarth has playmaking ability, especially as a runner. Defensively, Quasebarth recorded 66 tackles with one tackle-for-loss. He has the ability to play the ball and take the ball away. Quasebarth defended against a baker's dozen of passes with one interception, one fumble recovery and a trio of forced fumbles. At quarterback, Quasebarth completed the season having connected on 30 of 76 passes with 425 passing yards. He threw two touchdowns and eight interceptions. A true dual-threat quarterback, Quasebarth accumulated 806 rushing yards on 139 carries. He ran for 16 touchdowns and for 100 or more rushing yards in four games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='322432' first='Jayon' last='Harvey'], 5'11, 175 pounds, Franklin Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='322432' first='Jayon' last='Harvey'] is another prospect who can make an impact offensively and defensively. On top of being a solid cornerback, Harvey is also a more than viable option at wide receiver. At corner, Harvey does a great job driving on the ball to break up passes or make the tackle right after the catch is made. Harvey racked up 74 total tackles with 51 being solo a year ago. He had one tackle-for-loss and defended against nine passes, and he forced one fumble. Offensively, Harvey was a top target all year. He caught 25 passes for 359 receiving yards and a quartet of touchdown catches. Harvey added 69 rushing yards. His contributions extend over to special teams as well. Last year, he recorded 13 kickoffs for 331 kickoff return yards and one touchdown. He blocked one punt in 2022. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->