Junior DB’s On the Rise Heading into 2025

Santino Bernal December 24, 2024 @ 06:14 AM

We've given pass catchers a lot of praise over the past few weeks, and for good reason too. A number of those prospects excelled during the '24 campaign. But their counterparts also performed at a high level this past fall.   The secondary has been a position group that's consistently produced next-level talent during my time scouting at Prep Redzone. This group's production also has no signs of slowing down either. The Class of '25 for example has a few defensive backs D-I bound, and more are sure to commit over the next month. Following behind this year's senior class is another promising bunch of defensive backs.   Over the next few reports we'll be taking a look at these junior DB's and the All-State caliber seasons they manufactured. The first group consists of five Class 6A prospects, with four determined to join the rankings.   [player_tooltip player_id='1402698' first='Rashawn' last='Johnson'] – Wichita South, 5'7”, 160   Johnson had a phenomenal junior season and was a big reason why the Wichita South Titans improved this year. While his all-around play was very impressive, we're here to give him praise for his play in the secondary. He earned an All-State Honorable Mention nod after racking up 58 total tackles, three interceptions, three pass breakups, and one forced fumble. He's a gifted athlete that has the potential to have a monster senior season next year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1587813' first='Scotty' last='Hadley'] – Maize, 5'9”, 155, Unranked   Hadley was a prospect that built on the success of his sophomore year during his junior season. He was a solid contributor in 2023 but proved to be much more impactful this year, as he led Maize with three interceptions. The junior also recorded more total tackles and broke up more passes compared to a year ago. He's likely to have a busy offseason between preparing for his senior year and his upcoming junior season on the diamond.   [player_tooltip player_id='1587815' first='Max' last='Moser'] – Blue Valley NW, 6'0”, 170, Unranked   Despite missing the final two games of his junior season, Moser put together a breakout year and established himself as one of Blue Valley Northwest's top defenders. He finsihed the '24 campaign as one of the Huskies' leading tacklers with 53 total on the season, and collected one interception and one forced fumble. He's a safety that possesses great instincts and great closing speed.   [player_tooltip player_id='1587817' first='Malahchi' last='Murph'] – Topeka, 6'0”, 195, Unranked   Of these five defensive backs Murph is arguably the most physical one. He'd make his presence felt in games by stonewalling ball carriers or laying the wood on pass catchers over the middle of the field. Murph is capable of making momentum changing plays whether it be defending against the pass or the run. He'll be a prospect to look out for in the Topeka area during the '25 campaign.   D'Anthony Rivera – Wichita NW, 5'8”, 145, Unranked   We close this report out with Rivera of Wichita Northwest. In his first season starting for the Grizzlies he was arguably their top defensive back. He tied for the team-lead with two interceptions and led the Grizzlies with three pass breakups. Rivera also chipped in 39 total tackles. He's a corner quarterbacks will want to avoid in 2025.

We've given pass catchers a lot of praise over the past few weeks, and for good reason too. A number of those prospects excelled during the '24 campaign. But their counterparts also performed at a high level this past fall.