Mid-Season Monsters: Defensive Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are now at the half way mark of the regular season in the state of Illinois.&nbsp; Time to look at some of the prospects that are shining as we reviewed their mid-season film in <strong>Mid-Season Monsters: Defensive Backs</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DB [player_tooltip player_id='1107589' first='Will' last='Fidler'] (Prospect – 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 5'10” 170 pound defensive back plays all over in the secondary.&nbsp; Very good instincts on the back end.&nbsp; As a corner he tracks the ball and makes plays when the ball is arriving.&nbsp; Runs right with the wide out.&nbsp; Tackles well in space.&nbsp; Has tremendous knack for breaking up passes especially when playing safety.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DB [player_tooltip player_id='1280429' first='Maxwell' last='Bell'] (Montini – 2025)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defensive back high points balls on the back end.&nbsp; Has a knack for making plays on the ball.&nbsp; This 5'11” 173 pound corner is a fluid athlete that can cover along with coming up in run support.&nbsp; Gritty tackler that sticks his nose in tackling and wrapping up well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DB [player_tooltip player_id='1564057' first='Matthew' last='Shelton'] (Wheaton North – 2025)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shelton is a corner that makes plays on the ball.&nbsp; High points interceptions and blows up passes for a pick 6 to a teammate.&nbsp; Very good body control while breaking up passes without getting PI.&nbsp; The length plays really well on the perimeter at 6'3”.&nbsp; Physical tackler with sound technique.&nbsp; Brings some value in the return game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DB [player_tooltip player_id='1312740' first='Wade' last='Bushur'] (Effingham – 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 5'11” 165 pound safety had a big game in week 4 recording one interception, 1 force fumble, and 3 tackles.&nbsp; Shows range on the back end.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DB [player_tooltip player_id='1292120' first='Xzavier' last='McGruder'] (Simeon – 2025)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Long and lanky 6'3” corner had a good game against Phillips. He had an interception in zone coverage, big hit on the quarterback, and broke up a pass downfield.&nbsp; His size and length along with his fluidity make him so intriguing.&nbsp; Typewriter footwork!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DB Devin May (O'Fallon – 2025)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Safety that comes up playing physical in run support.&nbsp; Sets the edge and doesn't allow back to get outside.&nbsp; Best as a safety that can come down in the box for tackling.&nbsp; Through four games he has 22 tackles, 2 TFL, and 1 fumble recovery.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DB [player_tooltip player_id='1292177' first='Charles' last='Smith'] (Simeon – 2025)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith is a 6'1” 190 pound strong safety for the Wolverines that half way through the season has 33 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble.&nbsp; Old school safety with the power that he hits with.&nbsp; Lays the hammer on opposing offensive players.&nbsp; Accelerates to the ball and can really fly running.&nbsp; Might transition to linebacker at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DB [player_tooltip player_id='1585301' first='Vince' last='Prikos'] (Glenbrook South – 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prikos is a 6'1” defensive back with versatility playing safety and corner. Can run with slot receivers downfield and make a play on the ball. Also showed flashes as&nbsp; corner with&nbsp; nice back pedal and reaction to the throw.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DB [player_tooltip player_id='299531' first='Coen' last='Godenschwager'] (Downers Grove South – 2025)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The safety runs well toward the ball going sideline to sideline.&nbsp; In pass coverage he makes plays on the ball over the middle showing a good back pedal, changes directions, and flips his hips.&nbsp; Also contributes as a blocker on punt returns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->