NJ's Shutdown DBs Ready to Ball Out

Out of all of the position groups at next weekend's Who's Next Exposure Camp, the defensive backs are the unit I am most excited about. The DBs are talented, simply put. I have seen every one of these players on the list live and I am very confident in saying that these are the names you're going to hear about for years to come in New Jersey and beyond. With less than a week before the event, it's time to talk about arguably the best position group heading to Jackson, NJ.    [player_tooltip player_id='1396263' first='Haiden' last='Redman'] is a defensive back who thrives on the outside as a true corner and continues to separate himself every time he steps on the field. The reigning MVP of last year's spring event, he beat out every 2029 prospect to earn the title, and this will mark the third time seeing him compete. Simply put, he is the best middle school defensive back I have evaluated since [player_tooltip player_id='916571' first='Phoenix' last='Evans']. Haiden plays with confidence and consistency, routinely taking on top receivers and eliminating them from the game plan.   In coverage, Haiden sticks to receivers like glue, showcasing some of the cleanest footwork you will find in the secondary at any level. He is extremely shifty and sticky, with elite reaction skills that allow him to change direction on a dime. It is exceptionally difficult for receivers to create separation or find any sustained success against him. With an argument for the highest ceiling of any player heading into this event, Haiden is the type of prospect you circle ahead of time. Expect a standout performance and another strong statement from one of the premier defensive backs in his class.     E'san is a high-impact athlete I've seen live, and his film only reinforces what shows up in person. He has the versatility to shine on either side of the ball, bringing real value wherever he lines up. Offensively, he is an explosive wideout with quickness off the line and a physical edge that makes him comfortable fighting through contact to win the ball. On defense, those same receiver traits translate seamlessly, as he plays with strong awareness, reacts quickly in coverage, and moves fluidly in space while tracking the football. His ability to play through the catch point gives him a real playmaking presence in the secondary, and it would not be surprising to see him come down with multiple contested interceptions next weekend.     [player_tooltip player_id='1590596' first='Brice' last='Johnson'] is another high level athlete who can be lethal on either side of the ball and continues to trend upward with every evaluation. He impressed the last time he took the field at a Next event and is widely viewed as a future star in the secondary. Defensively, he shows advanced anticipation paired with excellent size, drawing comparisons to Sauce Gardner with his long, disruptive frame. His length and extended arms shrink throwing windows, and when combined with his quick footwork and fluid hip movement, it can quickly turn into a frustrating day for opposing passing games. There is little doubt he will see reps on offense as well, where his skill set as a receiver should offer another glimpse into just how dynamic and well-rounded his game truly is.     Matthew was last evaluated at the Jersey Shore All Star tryouts in the fall, where his movement skills immediately stood out. He is a very natural mover with impressive attention to detail in his footwork during individual drills, showing polish beyond his age. His acceleration back upfield is sudden, allowing him to drive on shorter routes and arrive just in time to disrupt the play. What really separates him is his ability to close space, even when a receiver gained a slight edge downfield, Matthew consistently displayed strong recovery speed to get back into position and compete at the catch point. With those traits, he projects as a reliable defensive back and is another athlete who could also thrive offensively as a wide receiver.

Out of all of the position groups at next weekend's Who's Next Exposure Camp, the defensive backs are the unit I am most excited about. The DBs are talented, simply put. I have seen every one of these players on the list live and I am very confident in saying that these are the names you're going to hear about for years to come in New Jersey and beyond. With less than a week before the event, it's time to talk about arguably the best position group heading to Jackson, NJ.