2025 Defensive Back Breakdown: Charlotte Area
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Defensive back is one of the harder positions to evaluate, especially when looking at younger prospects. However, the class of 2025 has several strong DBs, and they’re worth breaking down by area. Here, I’ll take a look at five Charlotte…
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Continue ReadingDefensive back is one of the harder positions to evaluate, especially when looking at younger prospects. However, the class of 2025 has several strong DBs, and they’re worth breaking down by area. Here, I’ll take a look at five Charlotte area defensive backs looking to make an impact in their junior years.
One look at Nixon’s tape and it’s easy to see his versatility. Forced to play defensive end his freshman season, he developed a quick first step that you can notice as he plays safety for the Bulldogs. Nixon’s change of direction and acceleration are well above average and it allows him to make plays even if he ends up out of position.
Ford was extremely productive in pass coverage, mostly at the cornerback position. I like him most in a system that utilizes boundary corners, as he works well in limited space. that also gives him upside at the nickel position. This season I’m looking for him to take a step forward in run defense as he looks to become a complete corner as he gets older.
Despite his smaller stature, Harris is a dog in the running game. He loves to stick his nose in there with bigger players and contribute against running backs and receivers on screens. He has long arms and a frame that suggests he should grow in the next few years. This season, I’m looking to see how he does in more reps against the pass.
Winston is one of the more refined younger defensive backs that you’ll find. He has the ability to play safety or be left on an island at corner, which Providence Day does quite often. Winston has interest from a lot of the bigger colleges in the southeast, and I’m interested to see where he ends up both in terms of school and college position. He’s a big hitter at safety, and very technically sound at corner, giving him excellent positional versatility.
Nicholson is strong for his size, and has a frame to add weight as he gets older. He has good recovery speed and has flashed the ability to cover larger receivers. I need to see a bit more from him and past coverage, but he has plenty of time to put more on film in that aspect of his game.