PRZ Steel City Collision 7v7: Top Performers 15U DBs Pt. 1

The PRZ Steel City Collision lived up to its name, as wide receivers and defensive backs battled all weekend long. With so much talent on display, it's only fitting to kick off a multi-part series highlighting the standout cover guys I saw in action. The fluctuating temperatures provided an extra challenge, allowing me to evaluate not just skill but also the mental toughness needed to perform regardless of the conditions. Every defensive back highlighted in this series proved they could compete and win in coverage. As a former DB and passionate advocate for the position, I'm excited to dive into this breakdown.    Jasani was easily one of the most impressive 15U defensive backs I watched all weekend. His size and ability to cover ground stood out, making him a force in the secondary. He has great instincts and a knack for tracking throws with too much air, allowing him to play like a true ballhawk. His route recognition and quick reaction time consistently put him in position for interceptions or pass breakups. Though AITFam East fell short in the championship, Brown's playmaking ability throughout the competition was undeniable. He already holds a couple FBS offers, and if he continues to compete at this level, even more will surely come his way.    Maddox Twigg was a standout two-way performer at the 15U level, leaving a lasting impression on both sides of the ball. At free safety, he showed impressive range and instincts, breaking on the football with speed and precision. On offense, he showcased his arm talent as a true gunslinger at quarterback. One of his most impressive plays came in the 15U championship when he broke from the post area to make a spectacular interception along the sideline. He's a high-motor competitor with natural instincts and a relentless drive on every rep. I'd love to see his leadership qualities in action in a traditional football setting. One thing is certain—every time I watched Twigg compete, he played like a Division I prospect.    The DMV Attack had several defensive backs who stood out this past weekend, and Jenkins was certainly one of them. He proved he could not only hold his own in man coverage but also be physical in press situations. One of his most impressive plays was a well-timed interception, where he showcased his break on the ball and strong anticipation. Braylon also looked sharp at wide receiver, displaying solid route running and adequate speed—something that will only improve with time. I'm excited to see how much his game evolves by the end of the 7v7 season.    Taylor showcased his versatility on defense at the Steel City Collision, competing hard at multiple positions. One of the most impressive things I saw from him was his ability to play man coverage effectively from the nickel position. Pressing from the slot is no easy task, as the receiver has room to release in either direction, but Taylor handled it with confidence and skill. He has quick feet and stays disciplined in his breaks, never overextending himself. I'll definitely be keeping an eye on Tarojay next season.    Karic is a prospect I've written about before, and he continued to impress at the PRZ Steel City Collision event. Playing cornerback, his height immediately stood out—at 6'2 and 170 lbs, he brings a rare physical profile to the position. His hips and footwork are already solid, and his long wingspan allows him to be effective in press coverage. He competed hard on both sides of the ball throughout the event, showing his versatility. While he already showcased his skills as a wide receiver for Sto-Rox during the season, he looked sharp at defensive back in the 7v7 setting.    Odubo looked like a seasoned player in this setting, showing composure and confidence throughout the event. His pad level and footwork are solid for his age and will only continue to improve. He excels in off coverage and has the speed to stay with receivers on five-step routes. His natural athleticism gives him an edge when breaking on the ball, allowing him to make plays in key moments. At 6'0 and 175 lbs, he has the size to compete with taller wideouts on the outside. Odubo played a key role in leading his team to the championship, though they ultimately fell short of victory.      I noticed a trio of standout defensive backs from the Legacy squad based in Columbus, OH. First off, Elijah Marshall and Ayden Dunlap both looked sharp in press-man coverage. Marshall, playing the nickel position, gave slot receivers problems all day, consistently making plays on outbreaking routes like flag and bench patterns. His experience as a two-year varsity starter showed in key moments, as he remained poised and decisive.   Dunlap, playing outside at cornerback, was just as impressive in coverage. He displayed patience in press and had the speed and quickness to stay on top of receivers on fade routes. At 5'10 and 155 lbs, with three full seasons left in his career, he has plenty of time to refine his already impressive skill set.   Jalen also stood out with his ball skills and foot speed, key traits for an effective safety. He made a nice interception on Sunday, showcasing his ability to track the football and capitalize on mistakes. A 5'10, 2027 prospect, I have no doubt he competes just as hard when suited up in full pads.   All three of these Ohio products came ready to play this past weekend, proving they are names to watch moving forward.    Ethan's build at 5'11 and 175 lbs is well-suited for his position. His wingspan was a clear advantage in press coverage, allowing him to get hands on receivers early and disrupt routes at the line of scrimmage during the Steel City Collision event. He competed hard throughout and consistently showed his ability to make plays on the ball. Newton plays with confidence and will only continue to refine his athleticism as his career progresses. Given his size and natural physicality, there's a chance he could develop into a safety before his high school career concludes. Among the playmakers on the Syracuse Elite team, Ethan was undoubtedly one who stood out.

The PRZ Steel City Collision lived up to its name, as wide receivers and defensive backs battled all weekend long. With so much talent on display, it's only fitting to kick off a multi-part series highlighting the standout cover guys I saw in action. The fluctuating temperatures provided an extra challenge, allowing me to evaluate not just skill but also the mental toughness needed to perform regardless of the conditions. Every defensive back highlighted in this series proved they could compete and win in coverage. As a former DB and passionate advocate for the position, I'm excited to dive into this breakdown.