Undervalued '25 Defensive Backs in Iowa

A month-long recruiting dead period kicked off Monday. It closed the book on this year's two-month evaluation period. A lot of prospects found college homes during the stretch, joining guys that did so earlier on in the process.   Still, plenty more seniors can help on the next level. That's especially true in the secondary.   Here's a group of defensive backs available to programs at the next level:   [player_tooltip player_id='1278914' first='Dominic' last='Salibi'], 6-1, 180, Iowa City High   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16114660/6563869090ef3803e4d39433">Junior Highlights</a>   Salibi delivered four interceptions as a junior, also helping out by carrying and catching the ball on offense. His versatility is derived from athleticism and a good feel for the game. Salibi's hand-eye coordination makes him a key player for the Top 10 Little Hawk baseball team, too. On the gridiron, Salibi is plenty fast enough to make all of the plays. He could end up at cornerback in college but safety also is a possibility in some schemes. A place on offense also shouldn't be ruled out.   [player_tooltip player_id='1105158' first='Dane' last='Milton'], 6-0, 180, Sioux City East   <a href="https://sc.hudl.com/video/3/16103107/6552ab0f64ea2a0c180c55d6">Junior Highlights</a>   As a junior, Milton registered 40.5 tackles (28 Solo 0.5 TFL) with four interceptions and two fumble recoveries. He probably fits best at safety on the next level, but he covers well enough to play slot or zone corner. Safety fits Milton when you watch his read-and-recognition skills while lining up in the back end. His interceptions and pass breakups occur in large part because of preparation allowing him to be in the right place at the right time. Milton also brings special teams' value as a return man.   [player_tooltip player_id='1280079' first='Sam' last='Sandvig'], 6-2, 183, Ankeny   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16572258/65c6b618bed7450050b02ed0">Junior Highlights</a>   Sandvig filled an important role for the Hawks during their run to the Class 5A state championship game in '23. He contributed 55.0 tackles (31 solo) with an interception. Sandvig shines as a physical safety that excels in run support. He diagnoses plays quickly and finds his way to the ball. He's a sure tackler that can thump on arrival. Sandvig also runs well in coverage and closes quickly on throws in his area. His skill set could work at linebacker in some defensive systems, especially when his frame fills out in college.   Matthew Elbert, 6-0, 185, Central Lyon/George-Little Rock   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15628116/6570cf517bd33c0bac9becd4">Junior Highlights</a>   Elbert has been a key part of the Lions' recent success across multiple sports. He stands out in basketball, baseball and football. During his junior year on the gridiron, he contributed both ways in a run to the state title game last fall. Elbert delivered 51.0 tackles (35 solo, 1.5 TFL) with an interception as a junior in '23. He plays physical football, seeks out contact, and does a nice job wrapping up and finishing plays. Elbert's athleticism helps him stick in coverage. He would help on special teams, too.   [player_tooltip player_id='1279618' first='Kaden' last='Hills'], 6-1, 185, Southeast Polk   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16076157/Kaden-Hills/highlights">Junior Highlights</a>   Hills is a bit of a mystery in that video highlights of him posted online are limited. What we can find reveal a pretty talented athlete flying under the radar. Hills misses out during some of the summer football evaluation periods because he plays outfield for the Rams baseball team. He helped Southeast Polk football win its third 5A state title in a row last fall with 24 solo tackles and three interceptions. Hills is a versatile defensive back best suited for safety or zone corner on the next level.   [player_tooltip player_id='1280034' first='Brady' last='Vreeman'], 5-11, 170, Spencer   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16383748/6574f865b0191c08f0a01c68">Junior Highlights</a>   Vreeman missed the first four games of last season due to a broken jaw. He returned to contribute eight solo tackles, a tackle for loss and an interception as a cornerback. Vreeman shows he's capable covering receivers in zone or man defenses. A varsity basketball player, he brings agility and quickness from the court to the football field. Vreeman plays a physical-brand of corner, making him a factor against the rush, too. Special teams also seems like an area where his skill set will be an asset.   [player_tooltip player_id='252346' first='Tatum' last='Wilken'], 5-11, 170, Akron-Westfield   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/6352328/654038300c5e68041086d041">Junior Highlights</a>   Wilken is a well-rounded athlete that contributes all around the field on both sides of the ball for the Westerners. Tucked away in the northwestern part of the state, Wilken caught and ran for touchdowns, intercepted three passes and returned kicks. The broad set of skills make him a candidate for different positions in college. He'll bring toughness wherever he lines up. Wilken reports a 4.75-second, 40-yard dash, a 11.89 in the 100 meters and looks football fast. He lists is vertical jump at over 33 inches.

A month-long recruiting dead period kicked off Monday. It closed the book on this year's two-month evaluation period. A lot of prospects found college homes during the stretch, joining guys that did so earlier on in the process.