Shutdown Stars: Defensive Backs Ready to Dominate This Fall!

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alabama is home to some of the country's top defensive backs- here we are checking out some of the top DBs throughout the state, and man, these guys are hard to beat!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["790739"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66564efd73e9e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='790739' first='Timothy' last='Merritt']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/timothy-merritt/"></a> is a super-talented defensive back out of Parker that has been a big playmaker in their secondary over the last few seasons. Standing at 6'2 185, Merritt is a big, physical corner that can provide lockdown coverage all over the field. Merritt is a heck of an athlete that utilizes his size and speed greatly when in coverage. He wears down smaller wide receivers and frequently breaks up/intercepts passes by using his long arms and consistent hands, making it really hard for offenses to pass on his side of the field. In addition to his coverage skills, Merritt is also a great tackler who flies from sideline to sideline to track and take down receivers/ball carriers. Recently, Merritt has picked up a bunch of high-level offers from schools like Alabama, Miami, Florida State, and more. Keep an eye on him this fall, he's one of the best DBs in the state!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["856586"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66564efd73ef5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='856586' first='Jermaine' last='McCree']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jermaine-mccree/"></a> </em>has developed into a very reliable defensive back for Williamson and had himself a heck of a sophomore season last fall. McCree is a dominant coverage corner that can line up against a wide variety of receiver types and provide lockdown coverage. Frequently on tape, McCree makes some terrific plays on the ball. He routinely baits opposing quarterbacks into bad passes and capitalizes by either breaking them up or picking them off. In addition to his play against the pass, McCree does a lot in run support as well- he's a physical player that doesn't shy away from contact and can wrap up and deliver big hits to the ball carrier. Throughout his sophomore season, McCree had a great year that featured him recording 42 tackles(25 solo), one forced fumble, 2 interceptions, and 18 pass breakups on the season. McCree has been heating up on the recruiting trail over the last year- listing offers from Florida State, UAB, Alabama State, and more! Keep an eye on him this fall, he's set up for a big junior year!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["350223"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66564efd73f36"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='350223' first='Julius' last='Lane Jr.'] is a really talented defensive back out of Pike Road who has come a long way in his development as a prospect. Lane is a seriously talented coverage corner that thrives on the outside and in clutch situations. Frequently on tape Lane impressed me with how well he was able to cover and break up passes in the end zone- play after play he makes touchdown-saving plays and puts his team in a great position to succeed. In addition to his coverage skills, Lane is a really intelligent and instinctual player who never seems to get lost- he's always in the right position to make plays and rarely ever gets beat for big gains. Last fall Lane had a really productive season where he recorded 14 total tackles (10 solo) and 4 pass breakups on the season. Lane has seen his recruitment open up a lot recently, he's picked up offers from UNLV, West Virginia, Austin Peay, and more! Keep an eye on him this upcoming season, he's got a lot to offer!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1213561"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66564efd73f75"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1213561' first='Zyan' last='Gibson']</strong> is a seriously talented defensive back prospect out of Gadsden City coming off a fantastic sophomore season where he built up a lot of interest in the recruiting world. Gibson is an incredibly reliable player in coverage that can line up both inside and outside to match up well with a wide range of receivers. Gibson is highly athletic and has great size, speed, hands, and instincts that make him a really valuable asset for their defense. He reads and reacts to plays very quickly, rarely gets beat downfield, and has the ability to make a big impact in man and zone coverage. Last fall Gibson in addition to his coverage work, Gibson ended up recording 17 total tackles (11 solo, 1 for loss) and one fumble recovery on the season. Gibson has seen his recruitment pick up a ton in the last few months- he lists offers from LSU, Miami, Alabama, and tons of other top tier programs. Keep an eye on him going forward, he's one of the top DBs out there right now!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->