The Shutdown DBs from Saturday in New Jersey

This past Saturday in New Jersey, some of the state's most promising middle school football talent came together for the Who's Next combine, a showcase of speed, skill, and raw talent. Young athletes took the field to prove themselves in drills, live action matchups, and position specific challenges, all vying for a chance to stand out among their peers. In this article, we're taking a closer look at the top defensive backs of the event; players who impressed scouts with their technique, athleticism, and playmaking ability, and who may very well be the next wave of stars in New Jersey football.    [player_tooltip player_id='1396263' first='Haiden' last='Redman'] was the standout defensive back of the combine, and it was no surprise when he walked away as the MVP. Since last spring, he's clearly gone through a growth spurt, so much so that it took a moment to recognize him, but the added size has only strengthened his game.   Haiden has developed into a polished shutdown cornerback, pairing his added weight with the quickest feet of any DB at the event. His change of direction is seamless, moving with fluidity through every drill, and he consistently excelled in man to man coverage. A true pass disruptor, Haiden battled the top receivers at the event and came out on top in every matchup, proving he can dominate against the best competition.     [player_tooltip player_id='1653753' first='E'san' last='Stokes-Rider'] showed significant physical development since I last saw him in Jackson, NJ, coming into the combine noticeably stronger and more refined. From the start of the morning, he consistently delivered great reps, quickly establishing himself as one of the top defensive backs in attendance.   In live drills, he showcased his playmaking ability by picking off a route against a receiver, highlighting his instincts and awareness. What sets E'san apart is his sticky, disciplined coverage; he stays patient, doesn't over-pursue, and is unfazed by stutter steps or flashy footwork, making him a reliable and technically sound presence in the secondary.     [player_tooltip player_id='1590596' first='Brice' last='Johnson'] immediately draws comparisons to Sauce Gardner, and it's easy to see why. He has the rare combination of size and athleticism that allows him to completely blanket a receiver and compete for the ball as if it were thrown directly to him, making him an extremely difficult defender to throw towards. On the field, Brice's backpedal is natural and smooth, keeping his chest over his toes and maintaining perfect positioning throughout. When needed, he can explosively step up the field to close distance or break up a pass, showing both athleticism and timing. Brice played lights out all day, consistently demonstrating why he is such a disruptive presence in the secondary.     Jeremiah is another star in the making on the defensive side of the ball. Although he was listed as a wide receiver, he immediately caught the attention of scouts with his natural athleticism on defense. From the start, he stood out in individual DB drills, showcasing advanced technique and staying low and balanced in his backpedal. His quickness in the hips allows him to mirror receivers with ease, and he has the rare ability to take the ball out of the air, snatching it away from even the most talented pass catchers.     [player_tooltip player_id='2098643' first='Jaylen' last='Davis'] may not have taken home MVP honors, but he was right in the mix, competing with the best at the event and easily had my vote. He showed very quick recovery and explosive acceleration, particularly shining once we moved into live action against receivers and quarterbacks. While his shoulders occasionally rose in his backpedal and he had some minor hiccups with change of direction, his overall athleticism and potential are clear, and he's someone who could develop into a top-tier defensive back with continued growth.

This past Saturday in New Jersey, some of the state's most promising middle school football talent came together for the Who's Next combine, a showcase of speed, skill, and raw talent. Young athletes took the field to prove themselves in drills, live action matchups, and position specific challenges, all vying for a chance to stand out among their peers. In this article, we're taking a closer look at the top defensive backs of the event; players who impressed scouts with their technique, athleticism, and playmaking ability, and who may very well be the next wave of stars in New Jersey football.