2024 DB’s Breakdown

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This class of defensive backs in the state of Tennessee caught my attention. I made it my duty to check them out. I can't wait to see the ones I haven't witnessed firsthand, in person. Let's take a quick view at who this class has to offer at defensive back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='149164' first='Sam' last='Tummins'] - FS - Bearden HS</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tummins is often asked to cover Tight Ends man-to-man and shows a good blend of patience vs route salesmanship and physicality at the top of routes which leads to QBs looking elsewhere. Occasionally, Tummins is also asked to cover slot WRs in man-to-man and possesses fluid hips and great ball skills. With good awareness, efficient footwork and a keen ability to be one step ahead of the QB, Tummins is able to create turnovers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='258805' first='Brandon' last='Nicholson'] - CB - Memphis University </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nicholson incredibly active player, instituting energy on every play. Infectious competitiveness radiates throughout his teammates. Fluid athlete in every sense. Has the skill set to play man coverage, but the acuity to shine in zone. Effortless ability to trace receivers in man coverage. Can work the boundary on fade routes, while clamping down in-breakers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='239442' first='Walker' last='Lockhart'] - FS - Karns HS</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lockhart has true sideline-to-sideline speed that gives him the range to succeed. Has good instincts in coverage, especially at the back end of the defense in a center field type role. Performs well in man coverage closer to the line of scrimmage because of his length and speed. His process in terms of vision and play recognition is sufficient for the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='277767' first='Jayce' last='Barksdale'] - CB - USJ</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Barksdale plays up to his strength, displaying physicality in coverage and with the ball in the air. Receivers weren't able to win jump balls against him. Barksdale has ball skills and consistently got his hands on the football. His makeup speed and length will allow him to have several pass deflections at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='372996' first='Ethan' last='Faulkner'] - CB - McMinn County </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Faulkner has a quick trigger and excellent closing speed on short routes and screens. He's also willing to come downhill and stop the run. He actively fights through wide receiver blocks and converts speed to power at the tackle point. Faulkner has an excellent athletic profile. He possesses the agility, suddenness, and twitch to mirror routes. He has quick feet and fluid hips, which allow him to adapt to routes and releases. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='149160' first='Brock' last='Montgomery'] - CB - Friendship Christian </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Montgomery has fluid hips and sudden feet. Speed turns effortlessly, mirroring the stem of the receiver. Quickness and juiced feet make reactionary movements on double moves second nature. Always stays square at the snap, showing confidence in his backpedal. Can cross-over run and collapse onto comeback routes, showing effortless transition into his breaks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->