2025: Skilled Defensive Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These four defensive backs can shut down receivers, and offenses play after play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='698327' first='Aiden' last='Cage'] || DB || 6'3 || 180 || American Fork High School || 2025</strong><br>Cage is a ball hawk. He's got quick feet that help him change directions, and he can stick to some of the class's fastest wideouts. Cage also possesses good speed and can stay with receivers on deep routes. He plays the ball in the air exceptionally well and can bat passes down to break up potential big plays. Cage uses his hands well, not just to knock down balls but to take them away as well. The American Fork defensive back has elite closing speed and should have another standout season for the Caveman.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='698329' first='Taaniela' last='Makasini'] || DB || 6'2 || 170 || Timpview High School || 2025 </strong><br>Makasini quickly recognizes and reacts to what an offense is trying to do. He quickly sniffs out run fakes and can get back to make sure receivers don't get behind him. Makasini makes play after play in the open field, where he is an exceptional tackler. He can break down and corner ball carriers or fly in to take them out like a heat-seeking missile. Makasini does a great job watching quarterbacks' eyes and has the speed to break up plays on either sideline.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='698342' first='James' last='Schlendorf'] || DB || 5'11 || 150 || Olympus High School || 2025 </strong><br>Schlendorf can shutdown receivers playing any type of coverage. He can play in wideouts' faces and jam them at the line or quickly close on slant routes when playing off coverage. Schlendorf quickly mirrors the movements of the receivers he's covering and can stick to them like glue. He's an elite athlete who can get jump with anyone in the state on the outside. Schlendorf also does a great job concentrating on the ball, helping him to make incredible interceptions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='698249' first='Robert' last='Young'] || DB || 5'7 || 145 || Roy High School || 2025 </strong><br>Young is an elite open-field tackler. He takes excellent angles when closing on the ball and does a great job wrapping up. Young possesses elite speed and play recognition, allowing him to be one of the first players to meet ball carriers or pass catchers on the outside. On bubble screens, he does an excellent job evading offensive linemen before dropping receivers. Young also makes plays on offense and special teams, where his quickness and physicality aid him well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->