2025 Film Evals: Southern Illinois Defensive Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Next up in our evaluations of the class of 2025 are the defensive backs.&nbsp; We will take you around the state looking at all the corner backs, safeties, and slot corners across the state in the rising senior class!&nbsp; Here is <strong>2025 Film Evals: Southern Illinois and Central Illinois Defensive Backs</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='176242' first='Charles' last='Bass'] (East St. Louis – 6'2” 180)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bass is a 6'2" strong safety or slot corner.&nbsp; He is a strong and super athletic prospect that lays the hammer with his hard hitting.&nbsp; Reacts so fast to plays and is a physical tackler in the open field or in the run game.&nbsp; Makes plays on the ball and has a nose for getting turnovers.&nbsp; Also is an impactful special teams player in a variety of ways!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='188603' first='Mekhi' last='Mixon'] (East St. Louis – 5'11” 190)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mixon is a physical strong safety that lays the hammer in the run game.&nbsp; Excellent in run support.&nbsp; Chases and pursues ball carriers.&nbsp; Good blitzer and comes around the edge with ferocity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1292071' first='Charleston' last='Coldon'] (Belleville Althoff – 6'1” 180)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coldon's older brother was a standout DB at Wyoming and Oklahoma.&nbsp; Charleston has showed potential as both a WR and DB.&nbsp; Size and range as a corner that can also play some free safety.&nbsp; Fluid athlete that high points the ball in the air.&nbsp; Like his long arms and how well he tackles in space.&nbsp; Lot of upside here!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='830848' first='Wyatt' last='Mueller'] (Quincy Notre Dame – 6'2” 190)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This central Illinois DB had 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, and 57 total tackles on the season.&nbsp; Brings versatiliy being able to play strong safety, slot corner, or even some OLB at 6'2".&nbsp; Technically sound player that is solid in coverage and can recover.&nbsp; Good length helps him on the back end.&nbsp; Doesn't give up on plays.&nbsp; Probably best in the run game at this stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='831099' first='Andruw' last='Ellis'] (Roxana – 6'1” 180)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This 6'1" Roxana well built corner reacts well to the ball and breaks hard on it.&nbsp; Anticipates very well when it is in the air.&nbsp; Blows up bubble screens and impacts on short routes.&nbsp; Solid in run sport on the perimeter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->