In the Lab: Building the Perfect DB Recruit

<p>Building the perfect DB is no easy task. In this article we are going to combine the CBs and safeties into one article so there are some traits that matter more for each group. When put together the goal is to have the most perfect S/CB hybrid that a team could utilize anywhere on the field and succeed. From size, to range, to tackling, to zone and man coverage. It takes a lot to build this perfect prospect. Let's get into the lab!</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Frame Build</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">We are going for the biggest and baddest athlete that we can build, so the 6'2" 200 lbs safety for Shawano Community was a quick choice when comparing him to other safeties and corners from across WI. The Winona State commit has build a frame ready to handle to physicality at the next level, yet still has the flexibility to be able to move with ease in the secondary. I really like this frame selection to build our Perfect DB around.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Reactive Athleticism Build</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">When it comes to the ability to mirror/match movements there isn't a better athlete to copy our game after than [player_tooltip player_id='642456' first='Marion' last='Moore']. Marion has an outstanding blend of instincts, recognition, and physical tools to be able to react and stay in position to make plays in coverage. Marion's quick feet, loose hips, and ability to change direction and burst are elite. Give our DB those traits and you will be able to line him up anywhere and in any type of coverage. The physical tools are so impressive and make it seem like he almost knows what is coming. NDSU has a good one coming to campus.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Man Coverage Build</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Of all the CBs I went through it is clear that Izayah has the most experience and the most success and possibly the most natural talent in man coverage. Throughout his highlights you will see him press with strength and confidence at the line. He trusts his instincts and his reactive athleticism to be able to run stride for stride throughout the entire route. Angeles does a great job of staying glued to his receiver's hip and when he can will also run the route for them on the way to grabbing an INT or at least breaking up the pass. We need this type of man coverage talent in our Perfect DB.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Zone Coverage Build</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Tre has made a strong case for the best player in the state of Wisconsin. A big part of his success is the way he plays zone coverage. He is so quick to read the QB or routes in front of him and react. He knows where to get himself to make a play on the ball. The footwork is there for him to be to quickly transition from a backpedal or change direction to go and attack the ball. Tre also has shown elite range in zone coverage where he has made plays across the field. Tre is one of the best DBs to come out of WI in a long time, so he is a must in this article.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tackling Build</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Evrett actually spent the year playing LB for Regis, and that alone is a great reason why we are going to use the senior's tackling ability for our Perfect DB. The senior closes quickly, strikes hard, wraps up, and runs his feet through his hits. Tait also will take the opportunities to really lower a shoulder and lay a hit on a ball carrier when he can. Plus the senior DB does a good job of trying and succeeding at getting the football out while tackling. I'm excited to watch him go back to DB at NDSU.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Range Build</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Grant was a cheat code for this article. He is so versatile that we could have slotted him into a few of these categories. However, when watching through his tape the thing that stood out the most from the others is the speed, play recognition, and range that the senior plays with. Over and over you see him go from 12-15 yards deep and making the tackle at the line iff scrimmage or behind it. His acceleration and closing speed give him a huge advantage to be able to get anywhere on the football field before the ball arrives. Plus the way he diagnoses plays gives him another head start on the field. Having our DB roam the field like Dean does is a huge advantage and need.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Instincts/Play Recognition Build</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Junior safety [player_tooltip player_id='1188748' first='Dominick' last='Walters'] was a quick choice for this category. The '26 was all over the field and seemed to be playing at a different speed than everyone else. On so many of his plays you see him attack faster and sooner than the rest of the defense. His ability to read the field or QB and also find the ball is at a special level. To build a perfect prospect at DB you need someone who can process information like Dominick can.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ball Skills Build</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Another easy choice in this article is [player_tooltip player_id='1069250' first='Casey' last='Quam'] and his ball skills. The uncommitted senior has 15 career interceptions. 4 this season and 10 coming in his junior season. The 6'3" 180 lbs DB does a great job of tracking the ball in flight and getting in position where he can become the receiver and high point it. The senior does a great job of adjusting his body and timing his jumps. Plus he is a hands catcher who secures it with strong hands. This type of career production is a must for our Perfect DB.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Three Level Player Build</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Nolan has proven he can be a three level defender. He can play at the short, intermediate, and deep levels of the field. The senior can also be asked to play in the box vs the run with his physicality, in the slot in coverage, or in a deep zone where he can sit back, read the field/QB, and then attack and close quickly on the ball. Nolan can play in coverage and will also deliver hits that you remember on Saturday morning. His versatility is something we drastically need when building the perfect DB recruit.</p>

Building the perfect DB is no easy task. In this article we are going to combine the CBs and safeties into one article so there are some traits that matter more for each group. When put together the goal is to have the most perfect S/CB hybrid that a team could utilize anywhere on the field and succeed. From size, to range, to tackling, to zone and man coverage. It takes a lot to build this perfect prospect. Let's get into the lab!