2027 Watchlist DBs Ready to Ball Out
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The final Watchlist players to cover in this 2027 series, the DBs of 2027 are some of my favorite in the class. Gaining some of the most experience at the varsity level in 2023, I believe these players have put…
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Continue ReadingThe final Watchlist players to cover in this 2027 series, the DBs of 2027 are some of my favorite in the class. Gaining some of the most experience at the varsity level in 2023, I believe these players have put themselves in a position to shine as sophomores in the fall.
One of the top NJ DBs in the class in my opinion, Luca Saurman Luca Saurman 5’10” | 180 lbs | ATH Pennington | 2027 State NJ is a defender I expect to rise quickly in the rankings. With the ability to line up anywhere in the secondary but really thriving as a free safety, Luca is a big time presence floating around in coverage. Intercepting the ball at the varsity level in 2023, Luca is one of the most experienced DBs in the 2027 class. Luca’s safety skills are impressive in multiple ways. In coverage, he tracks the ball extremely well and understands the flow of the play early on after the ball is snapped. He is also extremely quick in recognizing a run, darting up field, and breaking down to execute the tackle. Luca will be delivering punishing hits all season long in 2024.
Highlights
Arguably the most impressive freshman season in 2023 on the defensive side of the ball, Luca Lentini Luca Lentini 5’10” | 150 lbs | DB Haddonfield | 2027 State NJ was an absolute turnover machine for Haddonfield in 2023. Picking the ball off 3 times and forcing 2 fumbles, Luca was able to keep the play in front of him and take the ball from out of the air before the receiver had a shot at it. Catching the QB off guard with his quickness to the ball, Luca is sure to continue to pile up the turnovers in 2024. Lastly, offenses need to worry when Luca starts taking the ball the opposite direction. He is elusive enough to return the ball all the way to the end zone with any opportunity he gets.
Highlights
Part of arguably the best young team in the state, Glassboro’s Kenny Johnson III Kenny Johnson III 5’10” | 150 lbs | DB Glassboro | 2027 State NJ is another piece of the puzzle that could take this team to a state championship in the very near future. Racking up 19 tackles and forcing 2 fumbles in 2023, Kenny is another quick twitch safety that can close in on the outside quickly and punish the runner attempting to break free. Don’t be surprised if Kenny helps shape a dynasty in Glassboro over these next few seasons.
The lone cornerback on the list, Joshua Collier Joshua Collier 5’9″ | 145 lbs | DB Camden Catholic | 2027 State NJ has the potential to be a focal point of Camden Catholic’s defense in 2024. Returning an interception for a touchdown in 2023, Joshua’s fast footwork allows him to keep up with quick maneuvers out of receivers and stay hip to hip with them. With quick play recognition and change of direction capabilities, it is tough for a receiver to lose Joshua on a route. A swift tackler as well, Joshua is the type of defender that sweeps in low and gets the runner down to the ground extremely quickly.