Six DBs to watch on Thursday of Week One

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A handful of teams had an early start to the season, but the majority of the programs in the state will kick off the season this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the first games of week one starting on Thursday, this article will take a look at six lesser-known defensive backs who possess the potential to make big splashes this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>RJ Hines </strong>| Smoky Hill | 2024 CB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hines is a radar low-flyer with impressive technique at the cornerback position. He has explosive acceleration that allows him to move with receivers at the release without giving up space, while his overall speed makes him difficult to outrun. Hines popped up on the radar during the offseason by showcasing his talents at a college camp, making him a player to keep tabs on throughout the fall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Kellan Brockway </strong>| Centaurus | 2024 DB/WR</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brockway is a 6-foot-3 corner who does an excellent job playing with a low pad level. His movements are surprisingly fluid for a defensive back of his height, a testament to his athleticism and willingness to develop his craft consistently. Brockway is a two-way player whose abilities as a wide receiver, mixed with his defensive techniques, make him a viable option to play as a safety at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='716018' first='Amani' last='Vegas'] </strong>| Denver South | 2024 CB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vegas is another tall defensive back with great length and range in coverage. His wingspan helps him force receivers off their routes and keep them from stacking back on top. Vegas has the potential to develop into a cornerback that can lockdown a traditional X-receiver in one-on-one coverage, especially in jump ball situations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='143643' first='Wesley' last='Wright'] </strong>| Vista Ridge | 2024 CB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wright is an athlete whose development has continued to improve every season. His technique and athleticism help him move smoothly in coverage in a variety of schemes. He does a fantastic job at playing through the hands of the receiver and finishing reps with intensity. Wright is the type of player who stands out by flying all over the field and making plays while giving great effort.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='404946' first='Brandon' last='Kahre'] </strong>| Grandview | 2025 FS</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kahre is a downhill player who does not shy away from contact. He is a physical safety who is willing to come down and hit, giving him an advantage against underneath passes and making him a great addition to the run defense. Kahre showed an impressive mixture of technique and effort last season, making him one to watch Thursday night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='448875' first='Mason' last='Smiley']</strong> | Broomfield | 2025 DB/ATH</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smiley is poised for a breakout junior season as a new addition to the secondary of the reigning 4A state champions. He was a do-all athlete at the junior varsity level on both sides of the ball last year, helping him earn the starting cornerback job on varsity. Smiley is a speedster who reads the field like a safety while playing the physicality of a linebacker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->