Dominant Defensive Backs due for a Big Fall

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With offenses growing more dynamic by the day, having a good corps of defensive backs to slow down wideouts is virtually a necessity in today's day and age. In this list, I will be looking at some of Missouri's finest in coverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["126221"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"A senior safety out of Eureka High School, [player_tooltip player_id='126221' first='Aidan' last='Crews'] is a ballhawk who racks up tackles through his constant commitment to the pursuit of the football. Since he has the whole field of play sprawled out in front of him every snap, Crews is able to read offenses and react accordingly, either dropping into coverage or flying up the field to get the ballcarrier. When he gets to the runner, he wraps up and keeps his legs chopping, using his powerful 6 foot, 190 pound frame to bring them to the ground. Thanks to his superb tackling, Crews gets plugged in at outside backer in some packages, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up for the fall.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["322613"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"The second cog in the dynamic duo out of Eureka, [player_tooltip player_id='322613' first='Allen' last='Brown'] is the more laterally quick, dynamic playmaker compared to his partner in crime. He is a contributor basically everywhere on the field, and his defensive prowess is something to see. The pursuit angles Brown takes are not only efficient, but also very accurate, and he's saved plenty of touchdowns from this paired with his blazing speed. Since he also plays wideout, his understanding of coverage is great, and he can high point the ball with the best of them in order to snag interceptions on what would usually be 50-50 balls. This guy returns kicks and punts, catches passes, and plays defensive back at a very high level. These type of athletes that can help in all three facets of the game are incredibly hard to come by, and Brown's senior season should see him wowing crowds with his feats of athleticism once again.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["181558"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Arguably one of the best and most well rounded defensive backs in the entire state of Missouri, [player_tooltip player_id='181558' first='Jacobi' last='Oliphant'] has been a two way varsity contributor since his sophomore year. The Saint Louis University High School product uses every inch of his 6-foot-5 frame to blanket his assignment, nullifying them for as long as he sees fit. If quarterbacks do take the risk and throw at Oliphant, he punishes them for it, closing the distance between his receiver and snagging the ball out of midair before they can do anything about it. Despite his long frame, he has a surprising amount of strength, and can square up stout, powerful running backs on his own and pull them to the turf. A complete player through and through, Oliphant already has plenty of FBS interest, and his senior year should only serve to increase the buzz around his name.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["172153"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"A breakout star from last year who thrusted himself into the conversation as one of the best players in the state, [player_tooltip player_id='172153' first='Thomas' last='Pulliam'] is a pure athlete that can tuhe tide of a game from anywhere on the field. An all-conference nominee in his first year of varsity at strong safety, the rising senior out of St. Dominic High can stuff the run or pick off a pass. He is physical in coverage while still being able to run stride-for-stride with any vertical threat an opponent has. If Pulliam needs to make a stop, he is great at breaking down and wrapping up, which is especially important for him considering his position is usually one of the last lines of defense. At 6 feet tall and 185 pounds, he has been working hard to beef up in the weight room so far this offseason, and the extra strength he'll gain from this should only serve to sharpen his already superb skillset.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["126277"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"A major contributor for Francis Howell, [player_tooltip player_id='126277' first='Kendall' last='Gurley'] is a shutdown corner who is dangerous in space. His speed is his greatest asset, as it allows him to play man coverage and be at least five yards off his assignment. If the route is headed deep, he has plenty of time to get into position to pursue. If his receiver tries a short route underneath, he can close the distance in a flash and make the tackle. To add on to Gurley's already impressive resume, he also returns kicks and plays wideout, with these contributions paying dividends on defense too. If he gets an interception, his vision, athleticism, and understanding of space will grant him at least a handful of yards on the return, and the potential for a house call is always there. Gurley's game changing ability helped send Francis Howell to the state semifinals for the first time since 2014, and this upcoming season will be his last chance to help bring his school a championship.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-644bcd25a1608"} /-->