2025: Shutdown Defensive Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These four sophomores shined at shutting down signal callers and some of the state's top offenses last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brock Jacobsen || DB || 5'7 || 160 || North Sanpete High School || 2025 </strong><br>Utah is loaded with talented signal callers and receivers who aren't easy to contain. Most seniors struggle to keep these offenses in check, but Jacobsen provided elite backend security as just a sophomore in 2022. He shined at safety for the Hawks, where he broke up numerous big plays downfield. Jacobsen does a good job reading quarterbacks' eyes and has the speed to cover both sidelines deep. In addition, he has good hands and can capitalize on errand throws by creating turnovers. Heading into 2023, Jacobsen should be one of the Hawks top players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='698539' first='Siosaia' last='Hifo'] || DB || 5'8 || 170 || Provo High School || 2025</strong><br>Hifo provided lockdown coverage on the outside for the Bulldogs last season. He makes excellent plays on the ball and adjusts to passes in the air like a receiver to intercept them. Hifo can quickly close on passes and receivers when they come back to the ball. He loves to hit and is a strong run defender on the outside. Hifo does a great job fighting through blocks before smashing into running backs. He's also a skilled blitzer who disguises his rushes well. Hifo times his pass breakups exceptionally well and does a good job being physical without drawing flags.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='698403' first='Charger' last='Doty'] || DB || 6'0 || 190 || Bingham High School || 2025</strong><br>Doty decimated offenses with timely plays on the ball. He can come down and cover receivers or patrol the backend. Doty quickly reacts to plays and has good hands he uses to knock down passes or pick them off. He's an exceptional athlete with excellent hips that help him change directions quickly. Doty does a great job jarring the ball out with big hits to disrupt deep completions. In addition, he does a great job playing in the box and taking out ball carriers in goal-line or short-yardage situations. Doty will be one of the state's top defensive backs sooner rather than later.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='705844' first='Malu' last='Lumpkins'] || DB || 6'1 || 195 || Northridge High School || 2025 </strong><br>When the game gets tight late, you need players ready to step up and embrace the moment. Lumpkins is one of those players who will step up no matter where he plays. At safety, Lumpkins provides great physicality, whether it's locking down the back half of the field or making plays in the box. Lumpkins is a strong tackler who takes excellent angles when closing in on running backs. He plays both ways, also shining at receiver, and puts those pass-catching skills to good use on defense. Lumpkins doesn't wear down and is going to have a big 2023 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->