Underclassmen DBs On The Rise

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Returning to spotlight a group of underclassmen defensive backs, these 2026 and 2027 athletes have showcased a blend of potential and natural skills throughout the year. These young talents have stepped up significantly for their respective western PA squads this season. Specifically, these DBs have all demonstrated their abilities on tape during the 2023 season. Without further delay, let's dive into the highlights.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/prince_22__/status/1723413048503771461","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/prince_22__/status/1723413048503771461 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["647586"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Tarrant plays the game with grit and toughness. He has sharp footwork and mechanics in general. He doesn't step outside of his body frame when breaking on the football. He's skilled in press or off-man coverage. Prince excels at snagging INTs at the highest point. He's a versatile DB that can play CB or Safety. Tarrant's route recognition and quickness to trigger in run support highlight his football intelligence and toughness. He's a fundamental player that excels playing safety in two-high coverages. I'm excited to see what he can do on offense next season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65651efa07780"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Los_Diggs1/status/1721309474160292101","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Los_Diggs1/status/1721309474160292101 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["388167"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Diggs is a solid DB whose toolbox of skills will continue to grow. He plays at a nice, low, desired pad level, which allows him to break quickly when contesting passes. He displayed a lot of man and zone coverage skills this season. He's a competitor that plays with good fundamentals, quick twitch and route recognition. He's especially skilled at squeezing the receiver to the sideline on fade routes. He's a tough special teams player that gave top effort all year.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65651efa077ea"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/pook_shiesty/status/1722613170668499026","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/pook_shiesty/status/1722613170668499026 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1156194' first='Qalil' last='Goode']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Aliquippa","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Goode is a tough underclassman that's gaining valuable game experience. He's fast with playmaking ability on both sides of the football. He's another versatile athlete with a DB build that plays with moxie. Goode's footwork allows him to trigger fast, breaking on the ball and to assist in run support. He showcases above-average ball skills at DB and WR. He's an aggressive tackler who's physical enough to log LB reps for the Quips. Qa'lil is quick in and out of his breaking points, displaying athletic ability and explosion at WR. He looked explosive on his pick 6 TD return this season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65651efa07917"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/MrMace6/status/1719857160882946426","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/MrMace6/status/1719857160882946426 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402454"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Maceo is a sophomore prospect capable of playing the safety and cornerback positions at a high level. He's an intelligent player who reads his cues quickly. He's a good tackler who triggers fast to run the alley in rush support. At CB, he shows good footwork pedaling in coverage. Watkins has the height at 6'1.5 to contest deep throws to big possession outside WRs. He looked very physical as the hold corner on special teams this past season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65651efa079a7"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/GavinWilcox_13/status/1719795613972230291","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/GavinWilcox_13/status/1719795613972230291 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1158287' first='Gavin' last='Wilcox']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Aliquippa","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Wilcox is another young, versatile athlete at Quip's disposal. Gavin has coverage skills and competes hard in general on the gridiron. He displayed the ability to play man coverage and contest passes at nickel back in the slot. His versatility allows him to play the cornerback and safety positions fluidly. One of the biggest upsides Wilcox possesses is his effort and playmaking on special teams. He's a physical gunner and hold-up corner on punt return. Gavin logged a lot of successful coverage snaps this season for Aliquippa.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65651efa07a4c"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/TheNelsRCole/status/1718408134845190456","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TheNelsRCole/status/1718408134845190456 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["671840"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Coleman is another promising underclassman in the 2027 class. He's a very instinctual DB that competes hard in coverage naturally. He has good off-man and zone coverage footwork. He plays with a low center of gravity, which allows him to have body control. He has good ball skills for a freshman and does a good job breaking up the WR's arms during his PBUs. Nelson is physical in press-man technique and skilled at using his offhand to defend passes on fade routes. Coleman showed his playmaking ability early in the year with a pick-six on an underthrown pass.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65651efa07aa0"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Damondtaesteve2/status/1700594562115174868","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Damondtaesteve2/status/1700594562115174868 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["855327"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Damondae is a hard-nosed DB who isn't afraid of contact. He plays with a low pad level, which allows him to properly form tackle ball carriers. He's an active player that does a good job of being in the right place at the right time. He showed decent ball skills on his INT and competed hard in coverage when tested. Stevens forced a fumble and had a fumble recovery with 68 tackles in 2023.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65651efa07af1"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BallHawkMedia1/status/1725861498252034447","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BallHawkMedia1/status/1725861498252034447 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["388163"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Josiah is a solid overall player with a lot of upside. Mathis is a versatile athlete who plays the game with toughness. He displays a lot of athleticism with the ball in hand. He's a willing tackler that has reliable form with pop. His DB footwork is good and will continue to improve. He's a smart, fundamental DB with good route recognition. He displayed the ability to catch and run at WR. Mathis plays at a good pad level and showcases quick twitch with body control. He has good speed and future special teams potential.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65651efa07b4a"} /-->