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Hidden Gems: Strappy DB’s in Alabama You Need to Know

Hidden Gems: Strappy DB’s in Alabama You Need to Know
CJ Marable
CJ Marable March 21, 2025 @ 09:11 PM
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In this article:

Haven Massengile
Haven Massengile 5'9" | 160 lbs | DB/WR | 2027
AL
Amillion Burt
Amillion Burt 5'8" | 140 lbs | WR/DB | 2027
AL
Elijah Malone
Elijah Malone 5'10" | 165 lbs | DB | 2027
AL
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alabama has long been known for producing some of the top defensive backs in the country, but there are a number of under-the-radar prospects who are quietly making a name for themselves. These strappy defensive backs possess the skills, instincts, and work ethic to become impact players at the next level, yet they've flown under the radar of most recruiting services. In this scouting report, we shine a light on some of Alabama's hidden gems—defensive backs who are quickly gaining recognition for their coverage abilities, ball skills, and leadership on the field. Whether it's their ability to lock down receivers, their willingness to step up in big moments, or their potential for development, these DBs are worth keeping an eye on as they continue to rise through the ranks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1242316"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67de1c45eedb4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Burt is an athletic and versatile defensive back who excels in both man and zone coverage. His quickness and ability to read the quarterback's eyes allow him to make plays on the ball. He has the speed to keep up with fast receivers and the physicality to support the run game. Burt's ability to anticipate routes and break on the ball makes him a threat for interceptions. His football IQ and instincts are growing, making him a top prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Blaine Bowen","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"185","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Winfield City ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67de1c45eef3d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bowen stands out with his high football IQ and ability to lock down wide receivers in tight coverage. His excellent anticipation skills allow him to jump routes and make game-changing plays. He possesses great speed and acceleration, helping him recover quickly if beaten off the line. Bowen is also a strong tackler and isn't afraid to step up in the run game. His leadership on the field makes him a reliable player for any defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Camden Bowen","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"170","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Beauregard HS","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67de1c45ef06f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bowen is known for his length and physicality, making him a tough matchup for opposing receivers. His ability to press at the line and stay in tight coverage gives him an advantage against faster, smaller wideouts. Bowen is also a ball hawk, with excellent tracking skills that allow him to intercept passes. His aggressiveness in both coverage and run support makes him a well-rounded defensive back. His development in footwork and technique continues to raise his profile.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["378357"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67de1c45ef103"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Malone is a quick, agile cornerback with excellent coverage skills on both sides of the field. His speed allows him to stick with receivers, and his quick change of direction makes him hard to beat on crossing routes. He shows strong awareness in zone coverage and has the ability to jump routes for interceptions. Malone's competitive nature and knack for making plays in crucial moments make him a valuable asset to any defensive backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1647172' first='Haven' last='Massengile']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'9u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"155","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"North Jackson High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67de1c45ef20f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Massengile combines physicality and athleticism to dominate in coverage. He uses his size and strength to challenge wide receivers at the line of scrimmage, while his quick footwork allows him to mirror routes effectively. His awareness and anticipation skills allow him to make quick decisions and break up passes. Massengile has the potential to excel in both man and zone schemes. His work ethic and natural instincts make him a player to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Isaiah Davis","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"160","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Clarke County High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67de1c45ef33b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Davis is a tenacious and fast cornerback who consistently excels in high-pressure situations. His quick reflexes and ability to read the quarterback's eyes help him make timely deflections and interceptions. Davis is a strong tackler who isn't afraid to get involved in run support. He uses his agility and footwork to mirror receivers, making him a difficult defender to beat. His leadership and desire to improve make him a valuable asset to any defensive scheme.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jayden Aparicio-Bailey","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"185","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Oak Mountain HS","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67de1c45ef45d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Aparicio-Bailey is a smooth, athletic defensive back with great ball skills. His ability to track passes in the air and make adjustments on the fly allows him to break up passes or secure interceptions. Aparicio-Bailey has an aggressive approach to coverage, making him an excellent press corner. His ability to read offenses and make plays in the open field sets him apart. His growth as a tackler and defender in coverage shows promising potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

Alabama has long been known for producing some of the top defensive backs in the country, but there are a number of under-the-radar prospects who are quietly making a name for themselves. These strappy defensive backs possess the skills, instincts, and work ethic to become impact players at the next level, yet they've flown under the radar of most recruiting services. In this scouting report, we shine a light on some of Alabama's hidden gems—defensive backs who are quickly gaining recognition for their coverage abilities, ball skills, and leadership on the field. Whether it's their ability to lock down receivers, their willingness to step up in big moments, or their potential for development, these DBs are worth keeping an eye on as they continue to rise through the ranks.

Amillion Burt

Amillion Burt

AL
WR/DB
HEIGHT 5'8"
WEIGHT 140
POS WR/DB
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Amillion
Burt WR/DB
Class
2027
Height
5'8"
Weight
140
HS
Leeds
|
AL
Hidden Gems: Strappy DB’s in Alabama You Need to Know
Burt is an athletic and versatile defensive back who excels in both man and zone coverage. His quickness...
Written by CJ Marable
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Amillion Burt

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State: Alabama
School: Leeds
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Highlights

Blaine Bowen

Blaine Bowen

HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 185
POS DB
CLASS 2027

Blaine Bowen

School: Winfield City
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Camden Bowen

Camden Bowen

HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 170
POS DB
CLASS 2027

Camden Bowen

School: Beauregard HS
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Elijah Malone

Elijah Malone

AL
DB
HEIGHT 5'10"
WEIGHT 165
POS DB
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Elijah
Malone DB
Class
2027
Height
5'10"
Weight
165
HS
Gulf Shores
|
AL
Hidden Gems: Strappy DB’s in Alabama You Need to Know
Malone is a quick, agile cornerback with excellent coverage skills on both sides of the field. His speed...
Written by CJ Marable
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Elijah Malone

State: Alabama
School: Gulf Shores
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

<span class="pn-tooltip pn-player-link">
        <span class="name-pointer">Hidden Gems: Strappy DB’s in Alabama You Need to Know</span>
        <span class="info-box not-prose" style="background: linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(193,25,32, 0.95) 0%,rgba(193,25,32, 1) 100%)">
            <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/03/hidden-gems-strappy-dbs-in-alabama-you-need-to-know-2/" class="link-wrap">
                                    <span class="player-img"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/ElijahMalone.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="Hidden Gems: Strappy DB’s in Alabama You Need to Know"></span>
                
                <span class="player-details">
                    <span class="first-name">Hidden</span>
                    <span class="last-name">Gems: Strappy DB’s in Alabama You Need to Know</span>
                    <span class="measurables">
                                            </span>
                                    </span>
                <span class="player-rank">
                                                        </span>
                                    <span class="state-abbr"></span>
                            </a>

            
        </span>
    </span>

Haven Massengile Haven Massengile 5'9" | 160 lbs | DB/WR North Jackson | 2027 State AL

HEIGHT 5'9"
WEIGHT 155
POS DB
CLASS 2027

Haven Massengile Haven Massengile 5'9" | 160 lbs | DB/WR North Jackson | 2027 State AL

School: North Jackson High School
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Isaiah Davis

Isaiah Davis

HEIGHT 5'10"
WEIGHT 160
POS DB
CLASS 2027

Isaiah Davis

School: Clarke County High School
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Jayden Aparicio-Bailey

Jayden Aparicio-Bailey

HEIGHT 6'2"
WEIGHT 185
POS DB
CLASS 2027

Jayden Aparicio-Bailey

School: Oak Mountain HS
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
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