2025 PrepRedzoneMN Stock Up Showcase: Stickiest DBs

Sunday, December 14th, 2025 will be a day marked in PrepRedzoneMN history. On this snowy, ice-cold, wind-slicing icicle of an afternoon, nearly 150 wide receivers, tight ends, quarterbacks, and tight ends congregated on the Brooklyn Park Sports Dome for a day of testing, technique, and competition. There were so many prospects, players, and standouts that PRZMN is still chugging along with our coverage, which has rolled onto your writer's favorite position groups: the defensive backs. Comprised of a talented and competitive group of sticky cornerbacks and safeties, the PRZMN Stock Up Showcase had more than it's fair share of defensive back standouts, and we have your exclusive coverage and recap of the action below! Dig in, and Happy Holidays!   --   Top Performers   [player_tooltip player_id='1557087' first='James' last='Gibson'] (Blaine) 2027. 5'9, 158 lbs. 5'11" wing.   The Blaine Bengals had a STRONG showing during the PRZMN Stock Up Showcase, especially during competition, and junior James Gibson may have been my favorite defensive back of the entire showcase. Rocking a noticeably cut up and muscular upper body, Gibson was a First Team All-Eye Test selection who backed it up during every portion of the Showcase. Highlighted by his 4.8 40, 4.6 shuttle, 9'2" broad, and 7.13 L-drill, Gibson's athleticism translated well to his deep speed, as there didn't seem to be a WR in attendance who could beat Gibson vertically. The Blaine product's closing speed was also in the spotlighted, as he made some great breaks and ensuing PBUs on a multitude of different routes, and I liked his physicality, strength to melt WRs into the sideline, and 50/50 ball skills. He's competitive at the catch point and took a ton of reps during 1v1 competition, never letting off the brake and keeping his performance consistent and productive. Easy selection for Best on Best reps to end Session 2 of the PRZMN Stock Up Showcase.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/111-James-Gibson.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2086674" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='1557087' first='James' last='Gibson'] 2027</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1715731' first='Xavier' last='Bailey'] (Hopkins) 2028. 6', 178 lbs. 6'1" wing.   A First Team All-Testing selection from the former Classic Lake Conference heavyweight Hopkins, I'm very excited about 2028 SAF [player_tooltip player_id='1715731' first='Xavier' last='Bailey'] and his projection to the next level. Bailey was also a First Team All-Eye Test pick, already holding up at a 6A-worthy 6', near-180 with noticeable length and a ton of room to continue filling in. With a 4.7 flat in the 40, a 4.5 shuttle, and 9'5 broad, the athleticism was more than evident during 1v1 competition, where he was effective and physical in coverage out of the slot against some extremely quick slot receivers and big-bodied TEs. With impressive 6A varsity experience already under his belt, Bailey made some great breaks on the ball throughout the day, had noticeable contested catch capability, sticky burst out of his breaks, patience at the top of the route, and the pace to hang with any and every streaking wideout trying to work vertically. High ceiling for the impressive SAF out of Hopkins High School's 2028 class.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/177-Xavier-Bailey.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2086732" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">177 - [player_tooltip player_id='1715731' first='Xavier' last='Bailey'] 2028</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='2078929' first='Arman' last='Rice'] (Brooklyn Center) 2029. 5'6, 141 lbs. 6' wing, 8.5" hands.   One of plethora of talented up-and-coming Brooklyn Center Centaurs underclassmen, freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2078929' first='Arman' last='Rice'], like many of his teammates, came alive during 1v1 competition and when the lights were the brightest. Already well-versed and experienced against varsity WR competition from around the Metro, Rice stood out for his eye discipline, smooth footwork, loose hips, and overall technique. Rice rarely fell for double moves or twitch at the top of the route, and he also displayed great balance. The freshman was smooth, steady, and consistent at getting into a wideout's pocket, mirroring when they fake drop their hips, and staying hip-to-hip for the eventual break, and he was also patient, and did a great job of getting hands on without hacking or potentially drawing interference. He showed he make up speed to play aggressively as well as stay on top of most vertical routes, and I loved how to he stayed square and never opened the gate in off man coverage and deep into a route. Double-digit winner during 1v1s who was impressively sticky against a variety of different route runner and pass catching bodies. Rice earned Best on Best selection by the college coaches in attendance working the event, earning a Top Performer nod in his first-ever PRZMN Showcase!   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/91-Arman-Rice.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2086655" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='2078929' first='Arman' last='Rice'] 2029</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1542298' first='Jackson' last='Boyer'] (Maple Grove) 2028. 5'9, 151 lbs. 6' wing.   A unanimous Best on Best selection from the talented DB group, Boyer is an exciting name-to-know coming out of the LOADED Maple Grove Crimson underclassmen ranks, and he sure made an impression on December 14th in Brooklyn Park. Boyer showed off that high-level coaching he's receiving with the Crimson early, displaying a patient, yet strong & effective press in man coverage, loose hips that helped him in his man and zone turns, and he's strong enough to cover and stick to TEs and bigger SBs down the seam but quick and nimble enough to lock down WRs on the perimeter and in the slot. That balanced skillset led to some head-turning wins and in particular, finishes at the catch point, and with the pedigree that Maple Grove DBs are graduating with as of late, I'd keep an eye on Boyer as he attempts to rise through the ranks.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/125-Jackson-Boyer.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2086686" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='1542298' first='Jackson' last='Boyer'] 2028</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='2081494' first='Larry' last='Smith Jr']. (Brooklyn Center) 2028. 5'9, 164 lbs. 6'1" wing. 8.25" hands.   I know we can't stop talking about the Brooklyn Center Centaurs, but I'm sorry, they can't stop balling out! [player_tooltip player_id='2081494' first='Larry' last='Smith Jr']. is the heart of the Centaurs roster, manning the QB and SAF spots with toughness and playmaking ability rep after rep after rep, and he did a good job of showing off his special dynamic ability while running with the DBs in Brooklyn Park at the PRZMN Stock Up Showcase. Smith Jr. is a dog, with that obvious ability to flip a switch and really battle in competitive settings, and he also happened to be one of the twitchiest defensive backs in attendance on the 14th. Plus, he was arguably the best press-man corner in attendance, with a real knack for getting hands on opposing wideouts effectively while maintaining his balance and good body position. I like how he projects to defensive back at the next level but this kid has a heckuva lot of football left in front of him as well as a plethora of experience already under his belt. That all combined for a Top Performer selection from the 2025 Stock Up Showcase.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/135-Larry-Smith-Jr.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2086695" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='2081494' first='Larry' last='Smith Jr'] 2028</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1242809' first='Grady' last='Freelove'] (Faribault) 2028. 5'10, 134 lbs. 9" hands.   Strong performance from 507 product and sophomore Faribault Falcon [player_tooltip player_id='1242809' first='Grady' last='Freelove'] at the PRZMN Stock Up Showcase! Greelove had one of the better and more memorable reps of the afternoon's Session 2, reading, reacting, and triggering with a beautiful angle on a deep slant for a great PBU deep downfield and on a rocket of a throw if I may add. This kid played fast, something his combine numbers somewhat articulate, but he was playing fired up and with some real juice that resulted in exciting PBUs and noticeable fight rep after rep. Also was one of the better pressers in attendance, with solid size for his age and position. Fun name to know from Fbo.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/137-Grady-Freelove.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2086697" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='1242809' first='Grady' last='Freelove'] 2028</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1880410' first='Trey' last='Schoenfelder'] (Cannon Falls) 2028. 5'9, 153 lbs. 5'11" wing.   Not sure why, but I always seem to have a soft spot and eye out for Cannon Falls Bombers prospects, and I was happy to see a young underclassman from the 507 Class AA competitor making a name for himself up in the Metro at the PRZMN Stock Up Showcase. Schoenfelder had the best defensive back play of the day, in my opinion. The sophomore made a perfectly-timed, perfectly-read break on a deep slant for a diving, highlight-reel-worthy INT that created an audible gasp from his peers and the parents in attendance. Not only cold he bring some playmaking ability to the position, Schoenfelder was one of the faster DBs in attendance, and owned some of the better hands to boot. Lots to like in the rising upperclassman DB.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/140-Trey-Schoenfelder.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2086699" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='1880410' first='Trey' last='Schoenfelder'] 2028</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='2075778' first='Javon' last='Robinson'] (Prior Lake) 2027. 5'11, 154 lbs. 6'1" wing, 9" hands.   PRZMN really has our eye on Prior Lake's [player_tooltip player_id='2075778' first='Javon' last='Robinson'] after the December 14th Stock Up Showcase in Brooklyn Park. Coming in with an 11.2 100M PR already under his belt, Robinson popped off a near sub-4.7 in the 40, plus a 9'2" and 9' broad with a 4.59 shuttle, and his Big School experience and high-quality competition/coaching at the Lakers program did him justice during 1v1s. Robinson always seemed to maintain good position, stayed patient and kept the gate closed, and did a good job with his eye discipline when reading and reacting to wideout's routes. Sticky once he got to the hip, no one was beating Robinson deep, and he was dominant throughout portions of 1v1s, not to mention locked in, competitive, and coachable. I would certainly keep my eye on Robinson this all-important junior year offseason and summer camp circuit, this kid could make himself some scholarship dough.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/159-Javon-Robinson.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2086717" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='2075778' first='Javon' last='Robinson'] 2027</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='2081496' first='Rodney' last='Pierce-Tyler Jr']. (Brooklyn Center) 2028. 5'11, 158 lbs. 6'1" wing, 8" hands.   One of my picks for most improved, [player_tooltip player_id='2081496' first='Rodney' last='Pierce-Tyler Jr']. is another important and athletic piece of the Brooklyn Center Centaurs roster going into next season, but in the meantime, he did a great job of improving and raising his stock from the 2024 Stock Up Showcase to the 2025 iteration. With great length, Pierce-Tyler Jr. was one of the best press-man corners in attendance, with a strong punch, noticeable patience, and impressive physicality, and the speed to stay with faster-paced wideouts when going vertical. Additionally, the sophomore was doing a good job of anticipating and reacting to wide receiver's routes mid-rep, and was physical and effective at the catch point, where his length aided him as well. Good showing in BP from the BC soph.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/170-Rodney-Pierce-Tyler-Jr.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2086726" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='2081496' first='Rodney' last='Pierce-Tyler Jr']. 2028</figcaption></figure>   Honorable Mentions   [player_tooltip player_id='1246782' first='Lamar' last='McInnis Jr']. (Elk River) 2027. 5'9, 162 lbs. 5'11" wing, 8.5" hands.   A multi-time PRZMN Showcase participant and standout, I found myself impressed with McInnis Jr.'s improvement, gains, and physical strides in this past calendar year, and his performance at the 2025 PRZMN Stock Up Showcase was a good one! McInnis Jr. was all over the field during 1v1s, popping off PBU after PBU on a variety of different routes and against a variety of different receivers. His quickness, especially out of his breaks, was notable, and his closing speed was particularly effective on shorter and intermediate routes. Good versatility as both a corner or safety to boot.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/11-Lamar-McInnis-Jr.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2086579" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='1246782' first='Lamar' last='McInnis Jr'] 2027</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='2079693' first='Ezra' last='Konkel'] (Spring Grove) 2028. 5'6, 140 lbs.   Really liked the showing from 9Man underclassman [player_tooltip player_id='2079693' first='Ezra' last='Konkel'] in all three phases of the PRZMN Stock Up Showcase. It takes a lot of grit to come into a massive offseason event like this, as a sophomore, who plays a smaller 9Man field, but Konkel showed he is comfortable in big moments and bright lights of competition, even if it's 11-man settings. Konkel, who tested well during the combine portion of the Showcase, particularly in the shuttle and L-drill to show off that quickness, but he also proved he had the long speed to take on larger upperclassmen receivers working deep during 1v1s. Comfortable tracking and playing the deep ball, physical at the catch point and at the top of the route, and proved he could stay on top vertical routes and hang in there and battle with larger receiving bodies from the 11-man and Big School ranks. Spring Grove always seems to have tough competitors.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/99-Ezra-Konkel.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2086664" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='2079693' first='Ezra' last='Konkel'] 2028</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='2073718' first='Elijah' last='Anglo'] (Johnston, IA) 2027. 5'9, 143 lbs. 6' wing, 9.25" hands.   Hawkeye/Cyclone State product Anglo made the 3 1/2 hour drive north to Brooklyn Park and really made the drive worth it, representing his home state well on the road in all three phases of the PRZMN Stock Up Showcase. One of the twitchiest DBs in attendance, Anglo was a lockdown CB who was extremely comfortable in 1v1 man coverage out on the perimeter and in space. His 4.8 40 speed meant he was rarely threatened deep, which allowed him to play aggressively on first and second level routes, even comebacks and digs, especially with that 6' wingspan. I liked his focus, coachability, and competitiveness during 1v1s, and you could tell he didn't come to play around. I'll make sure to tell our PRZIA guys about the performance.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/112-Elijah-Anglo.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2086675" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='2073718' first='Elijah' last='Anglo'] 2027</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='2073717' first='Jobe' last='Saimon'] (Fridley) 2027. 5'8, 166 lbs. 6' wing, 8.25" hands.   I'm pretty familiar with Fridley DB [player_tooltip player_id='2073717' first='Jobe' last='Saimon'] already, thanks to his consistent performances with traveling 7v7 squad MN Go Get It, and the speedy rising senior popped off an impressive performance in Brooklyn Park at the PRZMN Stock Up Showcase. First off, the dude can fly, and nearly went sub-4.7 in the 40 to kick off the combine portion of the event, and he was versatile and aggressive in man coverage throughout 1v1s. I'd love him at nickel at the next level!   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/113-Jobe-Saimon.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2086676" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='2073717' first='Jobe' last='Saimon'] 2027</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1584468' first='Christian' last='Richardson'] (Two Rivers) 2027. 5'8, 160 lbs. 5'10" wingspan.   Representing Mendota Heights and Two Rivers High School, Richardson was one of the more aggressive coverage corners in attendance, and his notable and impressive quickness helped him shoot out of his breaks like he was shot out of a cannon, especially when he recognized, read, and identified opposing routes mid-rep. Two Rivers has been producing some really effective college players and prospects as of late, is Richardson up next?   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/122-Christian-Richardson.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2086683" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='1584468' first='Christian' last='Richardson'] 2027</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1023125' first='AJ' last='Howard'](St. Paul Johnson) 2027. 6', 145 lbs. 6'1", 9" hands.   The 651 was represented strong by [player_tooltip player_id='1023125' first='AJ' last='Howard'], who doubles as a prolific hooper with the Govs in the winter. Every time I looked over to check on Howard his his DB peers, the STP product seemed to be a making a play. PBU, PBU, INT, PBU, it never ended! Howard was sticky, long, and showed off some of the best ball skills in the building, no doubt thanks to that hoops background. Wish I got to watch him work more at Brooklyn Park, but I hope to see him on the offseason recruiting trail and summer camp circuit. Kid can ball!   [player_tooltip player_id='1893472' first='Edward' last='Benson'] (Totino-Grace) 2028. 6'3, 201 lbs. 6'8" wing! 10" hands!   Benson was maybe the freakiest DB in attendance, measuring in at a legit 6'3", 200+ with a TON of room to fill into that 6'8" wingspan. I can't lie, thanks to that pterodactyl-like length, Benson looked like a grown up playing against high schoolers, and although I like his man coverage ability on the perimeter, which is definitely present and one I've seen in both padded and unpadded settings, it's hard not to think about Benson moving down to the second level of the defense to play some 'backer. Either way, his size, frame, and mobility, not to mention explosiveness and dynamic ability at his size, allow him to play as a mismatch and physical presence no matter where he aligns. The size/length/athleticism combo also puts him in good position more often than not when it comes to the catch point, and Benson can simply make defensive plays in the secondary that many DBs physically can't. Can't wait to get this dude on the 2028 Big Board!   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/233-Edward-Benson.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2086783" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='1893472' first='Edward' last='Benson'] 2028</figcaption></figure>   --

Sunday, December 14th, 2025 will be a day marked in PrepRedzoneMN history. On this snowy, ice-cold, wind-slicing icicle of an afternoon, nearly 150 wide receivers, tight ends, quarterbacks, and tight ends congregated on the Brooklyn Park Sports Dome for a day of testing, technique, and competition. There were so many prospects, players, and standouts that PRZMN is still chugging along with our coverage, which has rolled onto your writer's favorite position groups: the defensive backs. Comprised of a talented and competitive group of sticky cornerbacks and safeties, the PRZMN Stock Up Showcase had more than it's fair share of defensive back standouts, and we have your exclusive coverage and recap of the action below! Dig in, and Happy Holidays!