Class of 2025: Top Defensive Backs in WNY
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The last line of defense can be the most critical part of the game. These are the Cornerbacks and Safeties that will get a lot of looks their way as seniors in 2024. Tray Thompson NY #162 ATH #28 HEIGHT…
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Continue ReadingThe last line of defense can be the most critical part of the game. These are the Cornerbacks and Safeties that will get a lot of looks their way as seniors in 2024.
The most explosive player on this list, Tray Thompson Tray Thompson 5’9″ | 185 lbs | ATH Lockport | 2025 State NY had a monster junior season racking up 61 tackles, 5 interceptions, a fumble recovery and 2 defensive touchdowns. He is very versatile as he can play deep like a Safety or man up on a WR. Thompson has excellent awareness and can track the ball in the air better than anyone. Making All-League, All Western New York and All-State honors in 2023, Tray Thompson Tray Thompson 5’9″ | 185 lbs | ATH Lockport | 2025 State NY is poised for a great senior season. He should get several high-profile collegiate offers.
Highlights
One of the more consistent high school prosects in Western New York, Reid Ciocca Reid Ciocca 6’0″ | 160 lbs | DB Williamsville East | 2025 State NY enters his senior season with 161 career tackles, 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles and 5 fumble recoveries in 2 seasons. A two time All-League selection, Ciocca is a physical player that can play either Safety position; whether he is playing “centerfield” or coming down to make a tackle in the box. Reid takes on blockers with force and sheds very well.
Kyler Lee Kyler Lee 5’10” | 185 lbs | DB Starpoint | 2025 State NY is the complete package at the Cornerback position. He has a high football IQ and his read and react timing is excellent. Lee can play man or zone; he can press or play soft coverage and his closing speed is spectacular. With 76 tackles and 4 interceptions in 2 years, Kyler Lee Kyler Lee 5’10” | 185 lbs | DB Starpoint | 2025 State NY has been overlooked by the All-State and All WNY committees but the tape doesn’t lie. This is a player to watch out for in 2024.
After a solid sophomore season, Noah Irby Noah Irby 5’9″ | 155 lbs | ATH Maryvale | 2025 State NY played a significant role as a junior, earning him 1st team All-League honors and All WNY honorable mention. Irby is a good cover corner with solid hands and great awareness. Noah has the determination and heart to keep going until the play is over. He was also a major contributor to Maryvale’s Special Teams unit. Noah Irby Noah Irby 5’9″ | 155 lbs | ATH Maryvale | 2025 State NY enters his senior year with 67 tackles, 5 interceptions and 2 touchdowns to his credit.
Highlights
Cory Holleran Cory Holleran 5’11” | 180 lbs | DB Salamanca | 2025 NY really made a name for himself as a Junior with 79 tackles and 4 interceptions; earning him 1st team All-League and 2nd team All-State honors as well as being a Big 30 All Star selection. Holleran is a sound tackler with good hands. He is fast and his football instincts are impeccable. He is a fierce defender and is seemingly always around the ball.
Highlights
Gavin Dundon Gavin Dundon DB Iroquois | 2025 State NY is an extraordinary athlete; in addition to his Safety duties, Gavin earned 1st team All-League and 2nd team All WNY honors as a Kick Returner. He has an unique combination of speed, agility and toughness. Dundon loves contact. As a Safety, he plays a lot of deep zone but he is at his best when he comes down to make a tackle. Gavin Dundon Gavin Dundon DB Iroquois | 2025 State NY has accumulated 156 tackles in just 18 career games.
Ben Hansen Ben Hansen 5’9″ | 145 lbs | DB Williamsville North | 2025 NY is the quintessential Free Safety. He rarely gets beat deep and loves to play the ball as shown by his 6 career interceptions. Hansen will come down and make a tackle when needed with 82 tallies recorded in 2 seasons. Ben Hansen Ben Hansen 5’9″ | 145 lbs | DB Williamsville North | 2025 NY has a slender build so he will need to bulk up to compete at the next level. He does have the talent to do so. As a three sport athlete, he should get quite a bit of collegiate attention in his senior season.