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Ballhawks on the Rise: Defenders Forcing Takeaways

Ballhawks on the Rise: Defenders Forcing Takeaways
Robert Davis
Robert Davis September 18, 2025 @ 08:13 PM
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In this article:

Benjamin Blanco
Benjamin Blanco 6'0" | 175 lbs | LB | 2026
CO
Vince Basham
Vince Basham 6'1" | 170 lbs | DB | 2027
CO
Brycen Crabb
Brycen Crabb DB/WR | 2027
CO
Donovan Nesladek
Donovan Nesladek 5'10" | 155 lbs | DB | 2026
CO
Jacob Dunning
Jacob Dunning 6'4" | 160 lbs | QB/P | 2027
CO
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today we will be taking a look at some defensive backs that are forcing turnovers and turning heads in the process. These are the players you will need to know as we progress further into the season. If you are new and looking to subscribe use the code: Davis30 for a 30% discount off of your first subscription. If you are returning and want 30% off of the monthly subscription use code: DavisPRZ30 for a discount.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1893496"],"_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-68cadd1797d39"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nesladek has been one of the most reliable ballhawks to open the season. With three interceptions, he has shown excellent vision and the ability to read quarterbacks' eyes, putting himself in position to disrupt passing lanes. Beyond his coverage ability, Nesladek brings toughness with 16 total tackles and one tackle for loss, proving he is not afraid to step up and finish plays. His instincts and anticipation make him an impact player in the secondary, while his physicality ensures he can handle run support as well. Nesladek is emerging as a complete defensive back to keep firmly on the radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1894164"],"_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-68cadd1797dda"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Few defenders have been more consistent in coverage than Crabb. He has already come down with three interceptions, a reflection of his ability to stay hip to hip with receivers and anticipate routes. Crabb excels in man coverage, taking away passing lanes while also being physical enough to finish tackles with 12 total on the year. His quick breaks on the ball and knack for disrupting throws give him the potential to flip possessions at any moment. With his natural cover skills and ballhawking mentality, Crabb is becoming a dangerous weapon in the secondary that opponents will need to account for.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1894171"],"_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-68cb0dd8ac60f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Even on a winless team, Basham has been a clear standout on defense. His 90-plus yard pick six showcased not only his hands but also his open field speed, turning defense into offense in dramatic fashion. Basham has the ability to mirror receivers and play sticky coverage, being lined up at corner or safety. He brings versatility to the secondary and is not afraid to support in the run game with physicality. His ability to create turnovers while also being reliable against the run makes him a valuable piece for his team. Basham is a bright spot worth monitoring moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1894181"],"_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-68cb0dd8ac691"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Blanco has embraced the hybrid role in his defense, and the results have been impressive. With 22 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss and 3 interceptions, Blanco's versatility stands out. He plays sideline to sideline with speed and awareness, giving him the ability to cover receivers, step up against the run or make plays in zone coverage. His instincts allow him to anticipate and disrupt, and he has consistently proven to be a player around the ball. Blanco is a defender who can impact every level of the field, making him a name that could rise quickly as the season progresses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1626001"],"_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-68cb0dd8ac713"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dunning may have built his name on offense, but this season he is proving to be just as dangerous on the defensive side of the ball. With 10 total tackles and 3 interceptions, Dunning is making his presence felt in the secondary. His size and speed give him the tools to match up with different receivers while also providing physicality in run support. As a player already ranked among the top 50 in his class, his growing impact on defense only boosts his overall stock. Dunning is emerging as a true two-way threat who will grab scouts' attention.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

Today we will be taking a look at some defensive backs that are forcing turnovers and turning heads in the process. These are the players you will need to know as we progress further into the season. If you are new and looking to subscribe use the code: Davis30 for a 30% discount off of your first subscription. If you are returning and want 30% off of the monthly subscription use code: DavisPRZ30 for a discount.

Donovan Nesladek

Donovan Nesladek

HEIGHT 5'10"
WEIGHT 155
POS DB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Donovan
Nesladek DB
Class
2026
Height
5'10"
Weight
155
HS
Broomfield
|
CO
Ballhawks on the Rise: Defenders Forcing Takeaways
Nesladek has been one of the most reliable ballhawks to open the season. With three interceptions, he has...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Donovan Nesladek

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Broomfield
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Brycen Crabb

Brycen Crabb

POS DB/WR
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Brycen
Crabb DB/WR
Class
2027
HS
Fruita Monument
|
CO
Ballhawks on the Rise: Defenders Forcing Takeaways
Few defenders have been more consistent in coverage than Crabb. He has already come down with three interceptions,...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Brycen Crabb

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Fruita Monument
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Vince Basham

Vince Basham

HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 170
POS DB
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Vince
Basham DB
Class
2027
Height
6'1"
Weight
170
HS
Chaparral
|
CO
Ballhawks on the Rise: Defenders Forcing Takeaways
Even on a winless team, Basham has been a clear standout on defense. His 90-plus yard pick six...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Vince Basham

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Chaparral
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Benjamin Blanco

Benjamin Blanco

HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 175
POS LB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Benjamin
Blanco LB
Class
2026
Height
6'0"
Weight
175
HS
Rangview
|
CO
Ballhawks on the Rise: Defenders Forcing Takeaways
Blanco has embraced the hybrid role in his defense, and the results have been impressive. With 22 total...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Benjamin Blanco

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Rangview
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Jacob Dunning

Jacob Dunning

CO
QB/P
HEIGHT 6'4"
WEIGHT 160
POS QB/P
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Jacob
Dunning QB/P
Class
2027
Height
6'4"
Weight
160
HS
Lamar
|
CO
Ballhawks on the Rise: Defenders Forcing Takeaways
Dunning may have built his name on offense, but this season he is proving to be just as...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Jacob Dunning

State: Colorado
School: Lamar
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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