2024 Breakout Players: Defensive Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These four defensive backs can shut down receivers and quarterbacks play after play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='834059' first='Hunter' last='Clark'] || DB || 5'11 || 170 || Deseret Hills || 2024</strong><br>Clark's footwork is fantastic. He can quickly change direction with the receiver he's covering and doesn't get crossed up. Clark is patient in coverage and doesn't overreact early to short routes to avoid being beaten on double moves. He can come down and play close to the line of scrimmage to support the run while still having the speed to get back in coverage on run fakes. Clark's closing speed is impressive, and it helps him to break up passes or forced fumbles. His fantastic football IQ will help him have another exceptional season this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='875585' first='Bransen' last='Thatcher'] || DB || 6'2 || 175 || Copper Hills High School || 2024 </strong><br>When a defense's back is against the wall, the best is required from its individual player's get their team out of this tricky spot. In these tough spots, Thatcher came up big for the Grizzlies in 2022. He plays the ball incredibly well in the air; batting passes away in the red zone repeatedly. Thatcher is an elite athlete with an impressive vertical. He can get in receivers' faces and press them at the line or is comfortable lining up five years or more off the ball. Look for Thacther to break up plenty of big plays in 2023. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='875587' first='Aunese' last='Tuatagalo'] || DB || 6'0 || 173 || Ben Lomond High School || 2024 </strong><br>Tuatagalo has speed for days, allowing him to keep up with some of the state's fastest wideouts. He has excellent hips and often runs the route better than the receiver he's covering. Tuatagalo fights for every ball in the air and can make contested interceptions. He possesses exceptional body control that helps him keep his balance on the outside—allowing him to keep a foot in bounds when securing a tough takeaway on the sideline. Tuatagalo's closing speed is elite, enabling him to make timely plays for Ben Lomond. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='875520' first='Tyler' last='Hunter'] || DB || 6'0 || 150 || Timpanogos High School || 2024</strong><br>Hunter is a pass-breakup machine. He uses his long arms and quick reactions to bat balls away at just the right time. Hunter is exceptional at defending the pass and run. Hunter is a physical tackler who takes excellent angles when closing in on running backs. His play recognition skills are outstanding, and he does a good job wrapping up when approaching pass catchers or backs. Hunter has elite hands and can make diving interceptions. He fills well and will undoubtedly make more big stops for Timpanogos this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->