2024: Elite Defensive Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These four defensive backs stood out for their ability to shut down opposing offenses passing attack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406963' first='Davis' last='Andrews'] || DB || 6'3 || 195 || American Fork High School || 2024</strong><br>Andrews is a ballhawk who can play anywhere in the defensive backfield. He has exceptional hands and can make contested catches like an elite receiver. Andrews has an exceptionally high football IQ and quickly diagnoses what an offense is trying to do. He can run the routes better than the receivers he's covering and does a great job jumping passes. In addition, Andrews has good hips and elite speed. Our top-ranked defensive back in the class of 2024 is a true shutdown force that will help the Cavemen have one of the state's best defenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406972' first='Nash' last='Taylor'] || DB || 6'2 || 205 || Olympus High School || 2024</strong><br>Taylor was terrific for the Titans on the backend. He loves to hit and comes down in the run game to smash whoever gets in his way. Taylor takes great angles when coming down in run support. He always wraps up and does a good job going low on bigger backs. Taylor also provided outstanding coverage on the backend, where his sideline-to-sideline speed helped him break up potential big plays all over the field. He reads quarterbacks' eyes well, and if they make an errant throw can make them pay for six.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='532686' first='Parker' last='Crum'] || DB || 5'11 || 160 || Duchesne High School || 2024</strong><br>Crum crushed the competition as Duchesne's last line of defense in 2022. His speed, size, and athleticism allow him to make plays that only a few defensive backs in the state can. Crum does an excellent job tracking passes and fights for every ball in the air. He times his pass breakups well to not draw a penalty and can come down with jump balls, thanks to his elite vertical. In addition, Crum is physical and loves to deliver hard hits to running backs and receivers to stop them in their track and force fumbles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='681220' first='Haven' last='Halliday'] || DB || 6'0 || 160 || Timpview High School || 2024 </strong><br>Halliday provides exceptional coverage and is an elite run defender. He shined on the backend of the Thunderbirds defenses, where he can shut down offense deep passing attack. Halliday uses his hands well and does an excellent job tracking passes to bat them away at just the right time. He possesses elite closing speed that allows him to beat running backs to the outside. Halliday's elite quickness helps him fly in to halt bubble screens, and he does a great job evading blockers. His hard hits and big plays in the secondary will make him one of the state's top players in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->