Underrated DBs from the 2025 Class: Part I

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An inside look at some 2025 defensive backs that are flying under the radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 5'11 175 DB/WR - [player_tooltip player_id='279164' first='Anthony' last='Gengarella'] - Northwest</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you're looking for a tremendous two way player with both speed and athleticism then look no further than [player_tooltip player_id='279164' first='Anthony' last='Gengarella'] of Northwest. On defense, Gengarella is a force to be reckoned with in the secondary, and he'll most certainly handle the most difficult matchups for the Jaguars next season. A lot of Gengarella's defensive prowess comes from his own pass catching experience. He has proven to be an elite slot receiver so far during his high school career, and, while Northwest finished below the .500% mark in 2022, I predict that they finish at least even with that winning percentage this Fall with a player like Gengarella on their roster. DMV scouts must have [player_tooltip player_id='279164' first='Anthony' last='Gengarella']'s name on their watchlists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highlights: <a href="https://t.co/0yosvkxw75">https://t.co/0yosvkxw75</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 6'0 165 DB - [player_tooltip player_id='374420' first='Aydan' last='West'] - Quince Orchard</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='374420' first='Aydan' last='West'] is a tremendous D1 defensive back prospect, and he already has multiple offers from schools such as West Virginia and Marshall. In light of his elite performance last season and incredible offseason work ethic, West has been named as one of the top five most exciting players to return to Montgomery County's 4A Conference in 2023. Quince Orchard has a very strong chance of continuing their dominance deep into next season, and [player_tooltip player_id='374420' first='Aydan' last='West']'s lockdown defense will be integral to the team's overall performance. He's absolutely a Division I level player, and scouts must attend Quince Orchard's games this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highlights: <a href="https://t.co/R58gvbaFdv">https://t.co/R58gvbaFdv</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 6'2 170 DB - [player_tooltip player_id='272352' first='TJ' last='Turner'] - St. Frances Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='272352' first='TJ' last='Turner'] turned a lot of heads during the offseason when he transferred from Boy's Latin to, local powerhouse, St. Frances Academy. This move makes the best defense in the state that much better in 2023, and I truly believe that this upcoming season will be a breakout one for [player_tooltip player_id='272352' first='TJ' last='Turner']. The depth that Turner provides in the defensive secondary for the Panthers makes them a very scary team yet again, and my prediction is that St. Frances Academy will only allow 13 points per game on average this upcoming season. [player_tooltip player_id='272352' first='TJ' last='Turner'] is an extremely elite D1 prospect in Maryland, and that's why he already has an offer from UNLV with many more to come in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highlights: <a href="https://t.co/CkX7XMtcPx">https://t.co/CkX7XMtcPx</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 5'10 175 DB - [player_tooltip player_id='279149' first='Darius' last='Collins'] - Good Counsel</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='279149' first='Darius' last='Collins'] is set to have his best season yet in 2023. He's arguably the best tackling defensive back on this list, and my prediction is that he causes a bunch of turnovers this Fall. Good Counsel's defense remains extremely well-rounded heading into the season, and their secondary will absolutely be one of the best in the WCAC with the tandem of [player_tooltip player_id='279149' first='Darius' last='Collins'] and [player_tooltip player_id='272349' first='Grant' last='Grayton']. It's going to be super difficult to score on the Falcons this year, and I have a gut feeling that opposing quarterbacks will have a tough time keeping their stat sheets clean against this team. [player_tooltip player_id='279149' first='Darius' last='Collins'] is a premier defensive back in the most competitive conference in high school football, therefore it's essential that his recruitment be handled with the utmost seriousness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highlights: <a href="https://t.co/wQjq0Ly56A">https://t.co/wQjq0Ly56A</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 6'3 175 DB - [player_tooltip player_id='272349' first='Grant' last='Grayton'] - Good Counsel</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='272349' first='Grant' last='Grayton']'s elite performance this offseason demonstrates his commitment to the game, and it reinforces the fact that he's a top tier defensive back recruit in Maryland. Grayton has thrived in 7v7s, invitationals, and more, but his dedication is truly what stands out to me. He is a leader for this Good Counsel defense, and I believe it will show with a next level performance during the 2023 season. Grayton also has enough talent as a pass catcher that I wouldn't be surprised to see him thrive on offense as well. It's essential that scouts find themselves in Olney this Fall because [player_tooltip player_id='272349' first='Grant' last='Grayton'] and the Good Counsel Falcons have a very special team that could go all the way in the WCAC this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highlights: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16105055/Grant-Grayton">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16105055/Grant-Grayton</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->