2025 Rankings: Defensive Back Stock Risers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have broken down over 600+ prospect tapes from their junior seasons over the last several months.&nbsp; With that a new Prep Redzone Illinois Rankings has been released!&nbsp; Here is a look at a few of the prospects that made significant moves up the rankings in <strong>2025 Rankings: Defensive Back Stock Risers</strong>!<br><br><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1292071' first='Charleston' last='Coldon'] (Belleville Althoff – 6'1” 180)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Previous Ranking: NR<br>Current Ranking: #58</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='379856' first='Andrew' last='Pohlman'] (Oswego East – 6'3” 180)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Previous Ranking: #150<br>Current Ranking: #100<br><br>Pohlman is a big strong safety at 6'3" that could slide down to play some outside linebacker as well.&nbsp; Covers ground on the backend with solid range, but is at his best being aggressive in the run game.&nbsp; He takes good angles and has closing speed to the ball.&nbsp; Quick reads diagnosing the play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1292111' first='Jermaine' last='Jones'] (Bolingbrook – 5'11” 180)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Previous Ranking: NR<br>Current Ranking: #101</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This 5'11" corner has long arms and good athleticism.&nbsp; Solid technique with his footwork and hands.&nbsp; Good tackler that is willing to come up in the run game to tackle. Committed to Cincinnati.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1292113' first='Rico' last='Clay'] (Quincy – 6'3” 180)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Previous Ranking: NR<br>Current Ranking: #102</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The cornerback who is committed to Illinois State had 32 tackles along with 5 interceptions as a junior.  The size and length at 6'3" are what standout the most.  He cuts so well on short routes intercepting passes in stride and going the other way for pick 6s.  Anticipates routes very well.  Fluid back pedal and feel for finding the ball in the air.  Comes up well in run support from his corner spot tackling well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1292120' first='Xzavier' last='McGruder'] (Simeon – 6'2” 190)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Previous Ranking: NR<br>Current Ranking: #105<br><br>McGruder is a corner that had 7 interceptions as a junior.&nbsp; He has excellent size and 6'2" 190 pounds with the ability to consistently make plays on the ball.&nbsp; Fluid in coverage and knows how to use his length.&nbsp; Good feel for adjusting and staying with his man downfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->