Sooner Shootout: Best 12U DBs

The Sooner Shootout brought together some of the top 12U talent from Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, and Nebraska for a fast-paced, two-day 7-on-7 showdown. With elite young athletes competing at a high level, the tournament showcased standout performances on both sides of the ball. While offensive playmakers put up big numbers, it was the defensive backs who made the biggest impact with lockdown coverage, key pass breakups, and clutch interceptions. This report highlights the best DBs of the weekend—players who displayed elite instincts, athleticism, and ball-hawking ability throughout the tournament.    Jackson Sipes is a highly competitive defensive back who excels in coverage, consistently staying with quality receivers and contesting every pass in his vicinity. His ability to read routes and maintain tight positioning makes him a difficult matchup for opposing wideouts. Sipes demonstrates strong footwork and fluid hips, allowing him to mirror receivers effectively and disrupt passing lanes. His instincts and reaction time give him an edge in breaking on the ball, making him a reliable playmaker in the secondary. While his physicality and ball skills stand out, continued development in run support and tackling technique could elevate his game even further.     Chino Conchitias, a cornerback from Muskogee, showcased elite lockdown ability throughout the weekend, proving he could thrive on an island with no safety help. His combination of good size, speed, and an impressive vertical jump allowed him to challenge receivers at all levels of the field. He excelled in man coverage, using his fluid hips and quick closing speed to shut down slant routes and disrupt timing. His ability to mirror receivers and contest passes made him one of the best defensive backs at the event, showing he has the tools to be a true shutdown corner at the next level.     Josiah Martin is a dynamic defensive back for the Diamond Boyz, showcasing impressive fluidity in his hips that allows him to change direction smoothly and stay tight in coverage. He has a knack for making game-changing plays, as evidenced by his clutch interception that sealed a victory in pool play. His ball skills stand out, highlighted by an incredible one-handed interception that demonstrated his elite hand-eye coordination and athleticism. Martin's ability to read the quarterback and make instinctive plays makes him a valuable asset in the secondary, with the potential to develop into a lockdown defender.     Cayson George is a defensive back for the Diamond Boyz who has shown strong playmaking ability in tournament settings. He has good instincts in coverage, reading the quarterback well to put himself in position for takeaways, as evidenced by his impressive interception in tournament play. His ball skills allow him to capitalize on mistakes, and he shows confidence when challenging passes. George's ability to make impact plays suggests he has solid potential as a defensive back. Continued development in footwork and technique could elevate his game even further.     Jaztus Fisher, a defensive back for the RedWolves, possesses good size for the position, allowing him to match up well against bigger receivers. During pool play, he showcased his ball skills with a beautiful interception, demonstrating strong awareness and natural playmaking ability. His length and positioning help him disrupt passing lanes, making him a threat in coverage. While his physical traits provide an advantage, continued refinement in footwork and reaction time could elevate his game further. With his size and instincts, Fisher has the tools to develop into a reliable defensive presence in the secondary.     Amir Roland is a tough and resilient defensive back who thrives in high-pressure moments. He has excellent concentration on pass deflections, consistently disrupting throws and making life difficult for receivers. His ability to high-point the football was on full display in tournament play, where he secured a key interception. Roland's toughness is unquestionable—despite sliding into a fence during the semi-finals, he continued to play at a high level, showing both physical and mental grit. In the championship game, he stepped up when it mattered most, delivering clutch performances that helped his team succeed.     KB McGee is a free safety for BCE Factory who, despite his smaller size, makes up for it with elite athleticism. His great vertical allows him to contest passes effectively against taller receivers, and his quick change of direction keeps him glued to his assignment in coverage. McGee's instincts and ball-tracking skills were on display in tournament play, where he secured a key interception. His ability to read the quarterback and react swiftly makes him a disruptive presence in the secondary, and while his size may be a limitation against bigger targets, his agility and timing help him remain highly effective in coverage.     Mason Armstrong of the Motion Boyz showcased his playmaking ability at defensive back with a clutch interception to seal a crucial pool game, demonstrating his ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure moments. He displays strong situational awareness and ball-tracking skills, allowing him to make key plays when it matters most. His instincts and reaction time enable him to jump routes effectively, putting him in position to disrupt the passing game. While his overall skill set is still developing, his ability to step up in critical situations suggests a natural competitiveness and confidence that will serve him well at the next level.

The Sooner Shootout brought together some of the top 12U talent from Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, and Nebraska for a fast-paced, two-day 7-on-7 showdown. With elite young athletes competing at a high level, the tournament showcased standout performances on both sides of the ball. While offensive playmakers put up big numbers, it was the defensive backs who made the biggest impact with lockdown coverage, key pass breakups, and clutch interceptions. This report highlights the best DBs of the weekend—players who displayed elite instincts, athleticism, and ball-hawking ability throughout the tournament.