A Camp Competition: DBs from the Stock Up Showcase 2024

The showcase had a plethora of talent at all positions. However, only 4 defensive backs were in attendance. There 4 made the most of that opportunity, taking in the individual coaching and showcasing their skills during the drills. I added a linebacker who I believe has the athletic ability to switch to safety and dominate.    The MVP of the DB was impressing me throughout the day. Whether it was in the individual drills, or against wide receivers, he was giving it his all each time. There wasn't a lot of DBs, so Mbamarah got a boat load of the work in drills. He killed it every time. Measured in at 6'0 157 pounds. Cristian was sticky like super glue to the receiver. He wouldn't allow them to create separation, making the QB throw it above them. He thrives in physicality. Jamming the WR at the line of scrimmage, he used his hands to keep fighting the WR getting them off their game. Mbamarah has very good acceleration, speed, and jumping. He was stride for stride for the DB. Good ball tracking skills, and turned his head around to track the ball. Good habit to have so he doesn't get pass interference in game. Cherokee Trail has a good one on their hands. They've got a budding secondary who I believe will blossom next season.     Another defensive back out of Cherokee Trail, Cole caught my eye due to his scrappy behavior. Throughout the individual drills and 1 on 1's he played with a chip on his shoulder. Measured in at 5'11 140 pounds. Cole used his very good athletic ability to stay stride for stride with the receivers all day. What stood out to me what his competitive toughness and jumping. He has very good jumping, able to elevate himself and knock the ball out of the air. If he got beat on a play, he came back the next like nothing ever happened. Cole has very good reactionary skills, and very good mental processing. He kept his eyes on both the QB and WR to see where the ball was going. He has good man coverage skills, and a good back pedal as well. Cole is another name to watch in CT's secondary. Him and Mbamarah make a fantastic duo.     Thomas had an excellent performance at the combine. The 5'11 157-pound defensive back was locking down receivers throughout the camp. He has very good athletic ability to keep up with the athletic wide receivers at the event. During the individual coaching, Thomas showed his attentiveness and learning ability. He also shined in the 1 on 1 drills. Whether it was off coverage or a press jam, he showed his physicality with the receivers. He has a very good back pedal, and good ball tracking skills. He always keeps his eyes on the ball. Thomas was good in both zone and man coverage; however, his man coverage was shown more due to the nature of the drills. He had a great performance, and I'm excited to watch him perform next year for Pueblo West.     Berninzoni really caught my eye during the Stock Up Showcase. Measuring in at 5'11 150-pounds, the 2026 DB made a name for himself at the combine. Berninzoni was making plays all afternoon during the 1 on 1 drills. He has very good athletic ability due to very good jumping, acceleration, good speed and change of direction. Gavin showed his ability to stay physical throughout the route, without causing pass interference. He'd jam the receiver at the line of scrimmage, and stay stride for stride in man coverage. He'd swat the ball away, or pick it off. He got himself an interception. Berninzoni has a good back pedal, and keeps his eyes on where the ball is always. Very good ball tracking skills. A couple of times Gavin got beat, however he kept fighting resulting in an interception. He's a scrappy corner who fights through the whistle. Great job from the Ponderosa corner!     Even though Ibarra won the MVP of the LBs, I believe he could make the transition to safety seamlessly. Measuring in at 6'0 205-pounds, Ibarra has the size to jump to safety. He has very good athletic ability due to this very good speed, acceleration, change of direction, and jumping. He also has very good lateral agility and that was on full display throughout individual drills. He has the athletic ability to stay up with wide receivers. Very good in zone coverage. He has very good mental processing and consistently watches where the QB's eyes are. Ibarra has good catching, and plucks the ball out of the air. Very good ball tracking skills as well. I think if Ibarra made the switch to safety, he'd continue to dominate. He has the athletic ability to track very athletic wide receivers, and has the tenacity a safety needs. Great job from the LB MVP.

The showcase had a plethora of talent at all positions. However, only 4 defensive backs were in attendance. There 4 made the most of that opportunity, taking in the individual coaching and showcasing their skills during the drills. I added a linebacker who I believe has the athletic ability to switch to safety and dominate.