Georgia Future Stars Breakdown: 2027 Defensive Backs
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The Georgia Future Stars program continues to stand the test of time on recognizing the best talent in their area to compete. The coaching and the players never disappoint on showing high quality football at the youth level. There is…
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Continue ReadingThe Georgia Future Stars program continues to stand the test of time on recognizing the best talent in their area to compete. The coaching and the players never disappoint on showing high quality football at the youth level. There is a long list of successful alumni and some of these defensive backs have an opportunity to be a a big part of the culture.
There is an untold philosophy behind closed doors among coaches, and that is “D-Backs are the most athletic players on the field.” I have also heard that defensive backs with a running back background are different animals too. Well Messiah is 2 for 2 if any of these statements are true. He checks off every box in becoming an elite DB: size, athleticism, physicality, range, ball skills, hips and speed. When you have all this going for you, it seems easy to flip flop on both sides of the ball and be affective. The same effortless speed Messiah uses to get behind linebackers during route running is the same speed he displays to keep the ball in front of him on defense. If your lucky enough to get behind him, don’t count you chickens yet because just when you thought you had separation, he will close the gap faster than a cheetah leaving you scratching your head on a contested incompletion. I really like his ball skills and excited to see how he will fill out his Varsity uniform next year
National watchlist player who shines at cornerback. His instincts are very solid at this age. So much so, young quarterbacks have been baited by Austin to make a routine throw that ends up in a pick. If given an open field you might as well call it a pick 6 because he has the fastest man type speed. I also highly suggest that you don’t assume he’s an undersize cover DB at 5’7. His agility is off the charts and he can climb the ladder on a 6 foot plus receiver to contest the deep ball. In conclusion, let’s just all agree that this athlete is a playmaker and it’s in the offensive coordinators best interest to know what side he is on.
It is safe to say big things can come in small packages at this position. Just ask NFL veteran Mark McMillian who was nicknamed Mighty Mouse playing corner at 5’6. Jerome Anderson III Jerome Anderson III DB Newton | 2027 GA carries the same chip on his shoulder but he’s not done growing. This kid plays with passion and holds himself to a different standard. He breaks on the ball without hesitation and plays through the arms of the receiver he’s guarding with tenacity. He’s also not afraid to come up to make 1 on 1 tackles or engage with a blocker to keep containment. High School coaches heads will turn out the gate once you have a chance to see him get after it.
This 5’8 well rounded athlete is one to know and love. You can be the best at one thing or very good at a lot of things. Standifer is very sound in all techniques needed to stand out at corner. You can try all the double moves or re-stem at the top of your route and Standifer will still be in your back pocket. This kid is patient and shows a ton of maturity at the cornerback spot. Don’t sleep on his acceleration through the ball. Notice I said “through” and not “to” the ball, because this young player attacks with a purpose.
Highlights
Rahj Rowe | 5’4, 130 lbs. | DB
Size is needed for this sport, absolutely. However, I would rather coach a kid with a huge heart, rather than a Goliath that will not bust a grape. Rahj is fearless and when you really watch him compete, he gets the job done. His football IQ is an advantage going up against taller receivers. He knows how to position himself to breakup passes and will come up versus the run to chop down ball carriers.
Deric Ingram Jr. | 5’8, 130 lbs. | DB
At 5-foot-8 and 130 pounds, Ingram Jr. wasn’t the fastest athlete at tryouts by any stretch. But the kid plays with some aggression and is always looking to make the big play. Georgia always has alpha male athletes–that’s never an issue. But a kid like Ingram Jr. who is willing to do the little things is something that could prove to be a difference-maker.
Michael Jackson | 5’7, 165 lbs. | DB
To my knowledge, I don’t think PRZ Next staff has seen Jackson play live…and we’re excited to. At 5-foot-7 and 165-solid pounds, he has better size than a lot of linebackers at this age. Yet, he can also run like most skill guys with a 5.18 in the forty at the Savannah tryout. With his build and size I’m interested to see how he plays in space; Or if he’ll used like an extra linebacker in the box on third down situations, when the other team could throw or run.