Young DB’s to Remember This Fall

Santino Bernal January 2, 2025 @ 06:18 AM

The start of the new year is a time filled with optimism. It can be looked at as a clean slate from the previous year, and folks are often eager about what the new year has in store. It's an especially exciting time in the scouting world.   With the book essentially closed on the current senior class, it's a great oppportunity to look ahead at the underclassmen in the state and highlight their potential. Between the current sophomore and freshmen classes, there's a lot to be excited about.   One position group in particular that showed promise during the '24 campaign were the defensive backs. It's still very early for most DB's from the Class of '28, but there were a few that made an impact during their first high school season. For the Class of '27, there's already several DB's in our rankings, and there were even some that received All-State recognition. Here's a look at five underclassmen that folks need to remember come early September.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of ‘27</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1352560' first='Braesyn' last='Williams'] – Derby, 6'2”, 165   With the way Williams played in 2024, Derby is looking like they may have another top prospect on their hands. The 6-foot-2 sophomore started opposite of [player_tooltip player_id='1380100' first='Martel' last='Jackson'], and showed flashes of being a lockdown corner like Jackson. Williams earned a 6A All-State Honorable Mention nod after tallying 30 total tackles, two interceptions, and one forced fumble. He has a case to be considered one of the top defensive backs in the Class of '27.   [player_tooltip player_id='1591357' first='Jaxon' last='Pollard'] – Lansing, 6'0”, 185   Pollard of Lansing put together a phenomenal sophomore season in 2024. He received multiple postseason accolades for his standout play on both sides of the ball, but in this report we're highlighting his achievements at safety. His final numbers were 48 total tackles with one interception returned for a score. Pollard received 5A All-State honors at safety, and was selected to the All-Simone Team which recognizes some of the top players in the Kansas City metro. He's arguably one of the top athletes in the sophomore class.   [player_tooltip player_id='1592178' first='Deontae' last='Fields'] – Labette County, 5'10”, 155, Unranked   Fields is currently on the outside looking in for the Class of '27 rankings, but that will change in the next update. He ended the '24 campaign as the interception leader for the sophomore class, as he managed to pick off five passes. Fields also recorded 37 total tackles and 15 pass breakups. Quarterbacks in Class 4A should think twice before throwing to Field's side this year.   [player_tooltip player_id='936547' first='Malachi' last='Brunk'] – Inman, 6'0”, 160   For right now Brunk is in our database as a quarterback. However, he may start drawing interest for his play at safety. Brunk put together a strong season in the back end of Inman's defense, as he accumulated over 50 total tackles, two forced fumbles, two interceptions, and nine pass breakups. This not only earned him 1st Team All-League honors, but All-State honors as well. He plays with a ball hawk mentality, which could potentially lead to more interceptions during his junior year.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of ‘28</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1544685' first='Darion' last='Myrick'] – Harmon, 5'6”, 155   Myrick was one of the 60 freshmen in the state to earn a spot in the first Class of '28 player rankings update. His debut in the rankings came after a solid first season starting at the varsity level. The freshman tied for his team lead with two interceptions, and he recorded 29 total tackles. Myrick went on to receive a 1st Team All-Meadowlark Conferecne selection and a 5A All-State Honorable Mention nod. This early success at the varisty level is an encouraging sign, and it should give him a ton of confidence ahead of his sophomore year.

The start of the new year is a time filled with optimism. It can be looked at as a clean slate from the previous year, and folks are often eager about what the new year has in store. It's an especially exciting time in the scouting world.