2025 Defensive Backs Looking For Some Spotlight

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are a number of standout defensive backs in the 2025 class who are getting serious attention from the top football schools in the country. Guys like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442661' first='Jace' last='Adler'], Andover Central</strong>, a long, fast, versatile athlete who can play anywhere on the field; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='866507' first='Joshua' last='Mackiewicz']</strong>, <strong>Shawnee Mission Northwest</strong>, a headhunter of a safety who blows plays up in a hurry; and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1115460' first='Parker' last='Lindman'], Blue Valley Northwest</strong>, a rangy, athletic playmaker with a nose for the ball, to name a few.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These guys and a handful of others are coming off springboard seasons a year ago that enabled them to vault to the top of recruiting lists and command the lion's share of the attention. But, if you take a closer look at the football being played you quickly realize there is a ton of defensive back talent in the Sunflower State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And, there is a select few from that talented group seeking to challenge the frontrunners for a share of the defensive back attention that are getting positioned to make some noise this fall. The five guys below may be flying under the radar to some extent, but they won't be for long. Let's take a closer look at the guys in search of some spotlight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1159647' first='Jaden' last='Cohens']</strong>, 5'10, 175, DB, <strong>Goddard</strong>. He is coming off a good start to his high school career as a versatile athlete who is getting ready to bust out this fall. He is versatile enough to play any number of positions on the defense but is gaining a reputation as a smothering cornerback who can play bump-and-run with the opposing team's top receiver. He has a low center of gravity with good knee bend, hips lowered and smooth body lean lining up in coverage. He has outstanding closing speed and takes effective angles tracking down ball carriers. His top-end read and react skills enable him to break on the ball exceptionally fast. He is also a good open-field tackler and hits like a hammer when he gets to the ball. This guy is the real deal, get out and see him while you can.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='352357' first='Ashton' last='Morgan']</strong>, 5'10, 175, DB, <strong>Blue Valley North</strong>. He is coming off a solid junior season when he established himself as a rising star defensive back. He lines up as a cover cornerback who can turn and run with speedy receivers in man coverage or sink in zone and bait the quarterback into throwing his way. He has a strong, compact build and fights through blockers effectively when collapsing on the ball. He is an aggressive open-field tackler, and once he reads the play he flies to the football and delivers a torpedo-like hit. He has outstanding football instincts and a nose for the football when shutting down the perimeter on sweeps and options. With a successful season under his belt and a strong off season in preparation for his senior year he is positioned to star this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='141077' first='Clayton' last='Sondgeroth']</strong>, 5'10, 170, DB, <strong>Mill Valley</strong>. He is coming off an outstanding junior season as playmaker just coming into his own on a state championship team. A highlight-reel ready to happen at any time, he is a versatile performer who can play lock-down corner or as a ball-hawk free safety. He can also play wide receiver and is especially dangerous as a return man. He is one of those old-school players who one minute runs a kick back, the next he downs a punt on the one-yard line and then a split-second later is a heat-seeking missile destroying the other team's kickoff return. As a defender he is an excellent open-field tackler and has standout closing speed. He has good instincts, reads the quarterback and schemes well and always seems to be making something happen around the ball. Get your popcorn ready, this guy is for real.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='873154' first='Gabe' last='Spiess']</strong>, 6'2, 195, DB, <strong>St. Thomas Aquinas</strong>. He is coming off an excellent junior season when he made a name for himself as one of the top defenders on a state championship team. He is a versatile defender who can play any of the defensive back positions, from shutdown cornerback to either safety, but is particularly effective as a rock-solid centerfielder free safety using his outstanding read and react skills to fly to the ball. He sees the field well, and once he collapses down on the play, he is a piledriver of a hitter. He has good speed and burst, flips his hips well reacting to misdirection and closes fast on the ball carrier. He has a nose for the football and is an excellent open-field tackler. He has been hard at it in the off season, so expect to see him rise to the occasion this fall and ball out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In conclusion, these guys won't be flying under the radar for long. Get out and see them take their game to the next level this fall. And, as always, if you know of anyone deserving who is not getting any attention or want to bring any standout players to my attention, feel free to give me a shout via DM on X.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->