These Kentucky DBs Are Poised to Elevate this Fall
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When it comes the mental aspects of football, there is likely nothing more detrimental to a defensive unit’s morale than huge “chunk” plays that result either in a fresh set of downs starting in the red zone–or even worse–quick strike…
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Continue ReadingWhen it comes the mental aspects of football, there is likely nothing more detrimental to a defensive unit’s morale than huge “chunk” plays that result either in a fresh set of downs starting in the red zone–or even worse–quick strike single plays that result in touchdowns. Thus, one could suggest that regardless of the respective talent/skill found among a team’s first-or-second-level defenders, it is actually the athletes in the secondary who effectively serve as the “guardians” of unit morale. After all, even in the event of catastrophic breakdowns either on the defensive line or among the linebacking corps, a quality defensive backfield can often clean up an otherwise messy situation and provide enough damage control to give the group another opportunity to get a stop or force a turnover. Likewise, through both run support and pass coverage, the following performers will “have the backs” of their teammates this fall.
Anthony Goodin
Anthony Goodin
While not exactly an accurate reflection of the many roles he plays, listing Goodin as a defensive back is likely as accurate as any other designation, but in truth, he has demonstrated the ability to play on all three levels of the Rockets’ defense. While listed on the roster as a defensive back, in one game, you’ll see him aligned as a linebacker and in another, he actually puts his hand on the ground as an A-gap defensive lineman. Given his skill set and the ways in which his coaches opt to utilize him, maybe we should just list his position as “football player,” because in all aforementioned roles, he demonstrates consistently optimal effort, physicality and productivity. From his various defensive alignments, he collected 26 solo tackles and 16 assists while also creating 7 tackles for loss and 5 sacks. An offensive starter at running back too, he rushed for 297 yards and a touchdown on 60 carries. From week to week, Goodin likely will find himself playing any number of roles, but regardless of where he lines up, he promises to contribute heavily to his team’s fortunes this fall.
Braeden Kelley
Braeden Kelley
A part-time starter who saw a good deal of action in nickel packages during his sophomore season, Kelley exhibits the athleticism and evolving skill set to assume a much larger role in the Eagles’ defensive efforts this fall. Typically aligning in a tight, press relationship with slot receivers, his feet and hands enable him both to disrupt/redirect intended routes and establish outside leverage versus perimeter runs. Over the course of 10 games last fall, he contributed 19 solo tackles and 21 assists while also forcing 1 fumble and sharing a tackle for loss. Also possessing a good deal of potential offensively, he gained just over 100 yards rushing and scored a touchdown on only 12 carries. With two seasons remaining to develop, it will be interesting to see how/where his talents are most utilized in the future.
Aiden Larrison Aiden Larrison ATH Powell County | 2025 KY
Aiden Larrison Aiden Larrison ATH Powell County | 2025 KY
A two-way sophomore starter for the Pirates last fall, Larrison returns for his junior season and projects to play even larger roles on both sides of the football in 2023. Utilizing good speed, active hands and consistently sound pad level, he displays the ability to make plays from sideline to sideline defensively. Primarily aligning as a safety, he collected 17 solo tackles and 6 assists, along with 5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 interception and a fumble recovery in only 7 games. Offensively, he also figures to shoulder a larger role after averaging over 7 yards per touch last year and reaching the end zone 9 times. With his knack for always finishing plays around the football defensively and the ability to impact and finish offensive drives with scores, Larrison figures prominently in the Pirates’ fortunes for the foreseeable future.
As a starting cornerback last season, Mathis proved himself an athletic, fundamentally sound and consistent performer for the Indians’ secondary and projects to develop into one of Kentucky’s top defensive backs over the next two years. With both the speed and technical proficiency to excel when playing to the field and/or the offensive formation’s passing strength, he displays the footwork and efficient change-of-direction mechanics to play excellent man coverage and break on the football from his zone drops. In 11 total games last fall, he produced 15 solo tackles, 8 assists and 1 interception. Also possessing the athleticism to contribute offensively, he averaged almost 9 yards per carry on 21 rushes and scored 1 touchdown.
Aligning as a safety in the Eagles’ 4-3 defensive system, Moore possesses the skill set, fundamental techniques and football acumen to serve as a reliable pass defender, but he truly separates himself with the aggressive, downhill manner in which he attacks the run, both from a conventional deep alignment and when walked up on a slot receiver. In 11 total games last fall, he totaled 21 solo tackles and 13 assists while also securing 2 tackles for loss, forcing 1 fumble and intercepting 1 pass. In addition to his defensive impact, he also exhibits durability and talent as a wide receiver, where he hauled in 25 catches for 415 yards and 3 touchdowns. Already on the radar of several small colleges in his area, with two high school seasons remaining, he is sure to attact a good deal more interest from next-level programs as he continues to develop.
Highlights
Dolton Robinson
Dolton Robinson
Often aligning as a walked up, hybrid safety/outside linebacker in the Pirates’ 3-5 defensive look, Robinson displays the speed and athleticism to make plays as a conventional safety as well as the fundamentals and physicality to provide excellent perimeter run support. From a balanced, athletic starting position, he exhibits disciplined eyes/reads and consistently efficient footwork that enables him to arrive at an assigned spot quickly and establish the leverage necessary to shed blockers and prevent big gains. A very consistent tackler, he produced 13 solos and 11 assists in 10 total games last fall, along with 2 tackles for loss.