2025: Sharp Defensive Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensive back is one of the hardest positions to play on the field. Most seniors struggle to consistently lock down receivers, but these sophomores provide sound coverage all game long.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='698329' first='Taaniela' last='Makasini'] || DB || 6'2 || 170 || Timpview High School || 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Makasini takes great angles when flying in to make tackles and break up passes. His timely stops saved numerous touchdowns on the season for the Thunderbirds defense. In addition, Makasini impresses with elite closing speed. He can fly across the field to make a big tackle or disrupt a potential big play. Makasini can shine at safety or come down and cover slot or outside receivers. He has excellent hips and changes direction in the blink of an eye. Makasini is an elite athlete who is always at his best in the game's biggest moments. His Versatility will make him one of the state's top defensive playmakers in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='698342' first='James' last='Schlendorf'] || DB || 5'11 || 150 || OLympus High School || 2025&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Schlendorf excels at slowing down explosive receivers. He can run stride for stride with anyone on the outside and will fight for the ball like he's the quarterback's intended target. Schlendorf possesses elite ball skills and had some of the state's most impressive interceptions in 2022. He can high-point passes with his impressive vertical and maintain difficult catches even when offensive players interfere with him. In addition, Schlendorf doesn't lose jump balls, where he does a great job getting in front of receivers to knock balls away.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='698538' first='Moses' last='Vaenuku'] || DB || 6'0 || 185 || Provo High School || 2025&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some defensive backs prefer to avoid stepping into the box, but Vaenuku relishes in any opportunity he can to make plays. The Bulldogs dynamic free safety does a great job in short-yardage situations of avoiding blockers and making plays at the line of scrimmage. In coverage, he reads quarterbacks like a book and has the athleticism to zoom across the field to make game-changing interceptions. In addition, Vaenuku has great hands and quickly reacts to plays. He can fly down to make timely tackles or drop into coverage to prevent big plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='698249' first='Robert' last='Young'] || DB || 5'7 || 145 || Roy High School || 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Young is a dynamic playmaker who makes things happen no matter where he lines up on the field. He plays both ways, where his impressive ball skills help him make or break up potential big plays. Young is one of the class's fastest players, and when he turns on the burners after picking off a pass, he can take it back for six. On-screen passes, he does a great job dodging offensive linemen before making tough tackles. In addition, young has excellent hips and can shine in any type of coverage. He made some of the Royals biggest plays in 2022, and this year will be no different.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->