2025 Prototype Defensive Backs – Round 2

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first analysis and review of the top secondary players in Kansas covered five athletes earlier this week who met the criteria for being considered a <em>"prototype defensive back"</em>. This report is the follow-on article that will provide coverage for some of the additional apex athletes at these positions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As a reminder, a <em>prototype defensive back</em> is a multi-positional, top-end athlete who is long, has reach, speed, quickness, is a ball hawk, tackles well in the open field and has demonstrated success at the varsity level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hardly a skill set combo that is readily available...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But the more I looked, the more apparent it became that Kansas has some significant talent balling across the Sunflower state. There are quite a few <em>"prototype"</em> safeties and corners that most everyone is aware of, but in doing a deep dive I was pleasantly surprised to see there are a number of lower profile playmakers flying just under the radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As an example, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1115466' first='Jason' last='Smart']</strong>, 6'2, 165, CB/S, <strong>Parsons</strong>, is a name that may not be known state wide, but it is just a matter of time before he changes all that. A lockdown cornerback who reads the quarterback and flies to the ball exceptionally quick, he is coming off a standout junior season when he picked off five passes and added 29 tackles and a pair of fumble recoveries. He is currently ranked <strong>#66</strong> in the 2025 rankings but looks to move up in short order.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The <em>"Prototype Defensive Backs" </em>in this report are as follows:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='866507' first='Joshua' last='Mackiewicz']</strong>, 6'2, 205, DB, <strong>Shawnee Mission Northwest</strong>, is the highest ranked prototype defender in this review at <strong>#21</strong>. A consensus all-state defensive back who can play anywhere, he is coming off a junior campaign when he racked up a staggering 106 tackles and blocked two kicks. Playing free safety like a centerfielder, he reads the field and breaks on the ball with lightening speed. He is both effective in taking out the offense's top receiver as well as collapsing on the ball to lower the boom on the run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1115466' first='Jason' last='Smart']</strong>, 6'2, 165, DB, <strong>Parsons</strong>, as mentioned above is currently ranked <strong>#66</strong> but will be looking to quickly climb the ranks. A turnover machine on the field, he can play any of the defensive back positions. He has a knack for being in the right place at the right time and has no problem blowing up the run game on the perimeter. Additionally, he is a suffocating corner, has quick feet, loose hips and can bump and run with the best receivers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1115464' first='Jace' last='Midgett']</strong>, 6'2, 175, DB, <strong>Columbus</strong> is close behind ranked at <strong>#79</strong>. Another athlete who can play both the smothering corner and the high-flying safety, has excellent wheels and is smoothly athletic. His combination of size, speed and ability to play multiple positions on both sides of the ball will be a key differentiator in elevating his talents to the next level. Coaches will love his ability to play multiple positions and provide game-changing results.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Joseph "JoJo" Arnold</strong>, 6'2, 175, DB, <strong>Blue Valley West</strong>, is ranked <strong>#127</strong>. He is coming off a disappointing junior season that was unfortunately shortened due to injury. However, before he was injured he had already piled up 31 total tackles, intercepted a pair of passes and recovered a fumble. A physical, imposing threat in the secondary, he closes exceptionally quick on the run game and will deliver a blow. When the ball is in the air he goes to the highest point of the pass and has soft, supple hands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='873154' first='Gabe' last='Spiess']</strong>, 6'2, 190, DB, <strong>St. Thomas Aquinas</strong> is ranked <strong>#194</strong>. An exceptional defensive back who is coming off a stellar junior season for coach Randy Dreiling's state-champion Saints. A rock-solid defender who reads the play fast and closes quickly, he is a physical playmaker in all aspects of the game. He has a nose for the ball whether it is in the air or tracking down speedster running backs trying to hit the corner. Look for him to climb the rankings in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you have other candidates for what is considered to be a <em>"Prototype Defensive Back"</em> DM me on X <em>@cargile_wade</em> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->