Gateway to the West 14U: Best DB's

The Gateway to the West 7-on-7 tournament brought some of the top 14U talent from across the Midwest to battle it out over two days of intense competition. Day 1's pool play set the stage for standout performances, and no position group made a bigger impact than the defensive backs. With speed, instincts, and playmaking ability on full display, several DBs separated themselves from the pack. This evaluation highlights the top defensive backs who showcased lockdown coverage, ball-hawking skills, and the ability to change the momentum of a game.    Dom Tapia, a defensive back from Spirit Elite, showcases an elite break on the ball, allowing him to jump routes and contest passes at a high level. His aggressive mindset makes him a constant threat to disrupt plays, whether in coverage or closing in on ball carriers. He thrives through contact, refusing to be outmuscled and showing a relentless mentality when challenging receivers or making tackles. Tapia's combination of quick reaction time, physicality, and ball-hawking instincts makes him a playmaker in the secondary with the potential to be a lockdown defender.     Khairre Dortch, a standout defensive back for NELITE Gold, is a premier athlete with elite fast-twitch explosiveness and fluid, flexible hips that allow him to change direction effortlessly. His ability to mirror receivers and stay in phase through breaks makes him a lockdown defender in man coverage. As the best DB on one of the top teams in the tournament, he consistently takes on and shuts down top competition, showcasing a high football IQ and elite reactive quickness. His footwork and recovery speed make him a dangerous playmaker, whether breaking on passes or staying sticky in coverage.     Kasyn Larson, a WR/DB for the Sioux Falls Sharks, possesses an impressive combination of size and athleticism that makes him a dangerous two-way player. His agility through route breaks allows him to create separation as a receiver and stay in phase with opponents in coverage. His elite vertical leap was on full display with a highlight-reel jump ball interception, showcasing his ability to high-point passes and make plays in contested situations. With his size, fluid movement, and leaping ability, Larson has the tools to be a playmaker on both sides of the ball.     Matt Mueller, a defensive back for Warren Academy Ignite, showcases strong fundamentals in coverage. His backpedal speed is impressive, allowing him to stay balanced and react quickly to routes. He excels at keeping receivers in front of him, maintaining disciplined positioning to limit big plays. His ability to read the quarterback and anticipate throws was on full display with a game-sealing interception, highlighting his clutch playmaking ability. While further development in physicality and press coverage could elevate his game, Mueller's discipline and awareness make him a reliable presence in the secondary.     Cohen Tupa is a defensive back for Warren Academy Ignite who showcases strong coverage ability and natural athleticism. His fluid hips allow him to change direction smoothly, making him effective in both man and zone coverage. He has the speed to stay stride for stride with most receivers, keeping passing windows tight and limiting separation. His ball skills are also a standout trait, highlighted by an elite one-handed interception in the end zone that demonstrates his ability to track and high-point the football. Tupa's combination of agility, speed, and playmaking ability makes him a defensive asset with significant upside.

The Gateway to the West 7-on-7 tournament brought some of the top 14U talent from across the Midwest to battle it out over two days of intense competition. Day 1's pool play set the stage for standout performances, and no position group made a bigger impact than the defensive backs. With speed, instincts, and playmaking ability on full display, several DBs separated themselves from the pack. This evaluation highlights the top defensive backs who showcased lockdown coverage, ball-hawking skills, and the ability to change the momentum of a game.