2024 Defensive Backs I’d Offer Right Now

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The state of Illinois' 2024 class is deep and the defensive back group is no exception. The prospects featured here had terrific junior seasons, but are still flying under the radar a bit. I loved what I saw on tape and I'd pull the trigger with an offer to get ahead of the curve.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As always, If you have someone you think I need to see, please DM them to me on Twitter at @hsfbscout!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Harlon May, 6'1" 180, Carmel</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>May has the length, instincts, zone coverage awareness, and ball skills of a big-time defensive back prospect. He breaks through a receiver in man, sinks &amp; looks to give help if no other threat presents itself, and has plenty of recovery speed if beat downfield. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Devion Reynolds, 6'2" 175, Carmel</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another taller prospect with long arms, outstanding closing speed, and can play field or boundary corner. He's quite physical as a tackler, he passes off-route concepts in zone and sees through three-step in quick game. Devion bates quarterbacks into poor throws and has strong hands for making a play on 50/50 balls. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Matt Marusich, 6'2" 175, Barrington</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marusich has exceptional ball skills, he identifies pass concepts and then immediately drives on the football. He knows how to widen a receiver's downfield release to make throws tougher on opposing quarterbacks. He's got terrific leaping ability, he leans &amp; locates the football like its second nature and can provide run support in space. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='511577' first='Jayden' last='Jones'] 5'11" 160, Macomb</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An intelligent cornerback with loose hips, plenty of top-end speed, and a clean backpedal. Jones can track the deep ball and make a play on it, he's an electric return man with great balance and is a maestro using his off-hand jam in press coverage. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='354253' first='Carter' last='Barenbaum'] 6'1" 185, Grayslake North</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A free safety with great range who anticipates throws and can make a play on the football. He's tough as nails as a run-stopper, he speeds his feet through tackle attempts, and has a sense of urgency coming out of his breaks. Carter also has a knack for dislodging the football away from opposing targets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Zachary Clark, 6'3" 175, St. Rita</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's not every day you can find a 6'3" corner that transitions well, has playmaking traits, and overall solid athleticism. Clark is extremely effective as a zone corner, he's physical when asked to reroute in cover two and can overlap to give help on the number two receiver. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->