2025 Prototype Defensive Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is the first in a series that will be devoted to defensive back play and performance as it relates specifically to class of 2025 athletes. In this day and age of dangerous offenses and standout athletes at the skill positions it is more critical than ever to have loaded defensive backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Additionally, it is not just about sticking some fast guys back there and hope they can hang. The size, speed and athleticism of the offensive machines today makes it particularly important to have safeties and cornerbacks who are not only quick and fast, but are also long, explosive and are supreme playmakers to offset the threat. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These d-backs are the <em>prototype defenders</em> that the top schools are looking for.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this report we will focus on the first five of 10 stellar defensive backs from the class of 2025. The criteria for making this list is length and reach, speed and prior season success. This does not diminish the need or ability of smaller defensive backs, but they will be covered in a different reporting format.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first athlete on the list is junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442661' first='Jace' last='Adler']</strong>, 6'3, 180, DB/ATH, <strong>Andover Central </strong>who hit the rankings this year at <strong>#147</strong> but will be accelerating up the leaderboard in a hurry. He comes from a talented family of multi-positional athletes and is more than living up to the family legacy so far in his high school career. As one of the state's top defensive backs, he can play lockdown corner as needed or as a center fielder ball hawk like he was last year helping himself to seven interceptions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The rest of the initial <em>"Prototype Five" </em>are listed below:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1115460' first='Parker' last='Lindman']</strong>, 6'3 175, DB/ATH, <strong>Blue Valley Northwest</strong> is the highest ranked defensive back in this report at <strong>#16</strong>. Another long, rangy athletic safety who has a knack for finding the ball, finishing last season in the top four in the state with six interceptions. On the offensive side of the ball is a playmaking tight end and slot receiver, so he anticipates well from the secondary. His instincts knowing where the receivers will be and also the ability to react instantaneously to the run and come up and deliver a blow are some of the skills that sets him apart.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1115465' first='Cole' last='McGrath']</strong>, 6'3, 170, DB/ATH, <strong>Ottawa </strong>is ranked <strong>#57</strong>. Possessing all the attributes of an upper-echelon defensive back as well as a deep threat receiver, he uses his size and reach to out-maneuver even the most talented wide outs. Additionally, coming off a standout junior season, his ability as a playmaker in the secondary, his closing speed, overall quickness and great hands is positioning him for a breakout senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1115467' first='Branden' last='Wilson']</strong>, 6'3, 170, DB/ATH, <strong>Shawnee Mission West</strong> is ranked <strong>#59</strong> but will probably move up quickly during the 2024 off-season. An aggressive defensive back who has all the tools for being one of the best in the state. Coming off a junior year where he blew up plays from his safety position, he is particularly impressive anticipating plays, fighting through blockers effectively and being a smothering tackler.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442661' first='Jace' last='Adler']</strong>, 6'3, 180, DB/ATH, <strong>Andover Central </strong>is ranked <strong>#147</strong> as mentioned above but won't be there for long. He is probably as gifted a defensive back as there is in the state this year and that is saying a lot considering the talent level. His ability to find the ball and not just make the play, but turn the play into something special for his team is one of his top differentiating attributes . All State on offense, defense and special teams last year, he is one you don't want to miss in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1115735' first='Ethan' last='Luck']</strong>, 6'3, 175, DB/ATH, <strong>Lyons</strong> enters the 2025 rankings this year at <strong>#247</strong>. Another long athletic defensive back with good instincts who showed a ton of potential last season. He finished in the top three in the state regardless of class in total interceptions last year with seven and is being counted on to take his talented skill sets as a play disrupter with a nose for the ball to the next level this coming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The next round of <em>prototype defenders</em> will be selected and reported in the coming week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->