Defensive Backs Putting in the Work to be Elite

After initiating an on-going series of reports on positional groups earlier in the week, we were able to work through a small cross-section of offensive and defensive linemen and then followed up with an initial look at the lethal linebackers and edge rushers in the state.   The remaining positions will be covered in the coming weeks.   As a reminder, for the two-way ballers, in these reports I am focusing on one side of the ball for emphasis - essentially the side you feel represents your game the best and/or what you want to play at the next level.   Your other positions won't be swept under the carpet, but only mentioned so we use the limited space for adding a sentence or two of information aimed at what seperates you as a baller of note.   It's a minor adjustment and we'll see if it even deserves being mentioned.   Also, I won't be working methodically through the defensive positions and then go on to offense, rinse and repeat; rather the intent will be to mix it up and try to align the postings with what is going on in the position world as proclaimed by social media and from miscellaneous coach/scout ground chatter.   Hmmm...this might get interesting.   With that said, in this report we will continue the theme by checking out some of the top returning ballhawk safeties and shut-down corners in the state. These guys are not only all athletic and have definitive next-level DB traits and skill sets, but are driven to focus on the process of becoming elite.   This translates to playmakers who are willing to commit 24/7 on reaching their goals and achieving the best they can be by continuing to get even bigger, faster and stronger this off-season.   So, without further adieu, let's check out what these guys have been doing so far in 2026:   [player_tooltip player_id='1612742' first='Joseph' last='Mortensen']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/joseph-mortensen/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/joseph-mortensen/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/joseph-mortensen/"></a> , DB/KR/ATH, 5'11, 185, Manhattan, '27, first up is a guy who is not only a 6A State Champion but an all-state caliber player in all three phases of the game. He is a grinder who has the drive & balance to make the grind work for him to achieve his goals. In this report we are focusing on his defensive prowess, which includes a next-level blend of lock-down corner and ballhawk safety. He has had a busy off-season to say the least, as he is playing 7v7 with GrindTime and helped them to a runner-up finish last weeked in OKC, as well as fitting in school visits. He is also road tripping from Manhattan to Salina (160m round-trip) to work out with his Dad / Sharp @sharp_spelite in the evenings (with a shout out to work-out partners: King, Amari and Griffin). He also plans on running track this spring along with continuing to get in 7v7 action and hitting most of the major camps in the region. This guy is one of the rare force multipliers on a team ready to defend it's title. Get your popcorn ready...   [player_tooltip player_id='1351253' first='Carter' last='Raney']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/carter-raney/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/carter-raney/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/carter-raney/"></a> , 5'10, 175, LB/SS, Spring Hill, '28, the first sophomore to step up in this report is a guy who is bent on having a sizzling junior year this fall after getting warmed up last year. I was shocked he wasn't all-state in some capacity on defense...but I guess all in due time. For his part, he waved it off and immediately got to work to show the state he is a gifted defensive back who was overlooked. He is a versatile player with seasoned read and react skills that he uses whether the ball is in the air or the offense is pounding the rock. Once the season ended he shifted gears into establishing the off-season grind working on DB mechanics with Coach Harper of @HarperIsland24, speedwork with @Gridiron_Fit three days a week and even started powerlifting and recently was the runner-up in the Lansing Meet. The Bronco's were 8-2 last year and with young guns like this guy returning they are in good hands this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1590403' first='Braylen' last='Dold']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/braylen-dold/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/braylen-dold/"></a> , 5'11, 175, RB/DB, Garden Plain, '28, next up is a 3-way baller who can play numerous positions on both sides of the ball. On offense he can play RB or receiver and is probably going to be moved to QB to take advantage of his speed and athleticism. On defense he can play anywhere in the secondary and is a dangerous return man. When the season was over he had racked up all-state honors on both sides of the ball as a flex-back on offense and a suffocating d-back. From there he went right into playing basketball and lifting during the week, while working with @sharp_spelite on the weekends. His camping plans for this summer are still being considered. He is one of those rare hybrid defenders who can play CB or safety; and has a nose for the ball with instincts and read and react skills that he uses to pound runners on the perimeter or shut down the pass game from the secondary. This guy is gonna be en fuego this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1161942' first='Keon' last='King']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/keon-king/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/keon-king/"></a> , 6'0, 170, WR/DB, Blue Valley NW, '27, up next for the seniors-to-be is a guy I have been following since he was a freshman who has unfortunately been snake-bit with injuries, first blowing out his knee early in the '25 season, ending his year. Then, he recently dislocated his elbow, which required more surgery, but the good news is he will be cleared to participate shortly and will be 100% for this fall. Once he gets back in the groove he is going to remind scouts and coaches what all he has to offer as an athletic, versatile three-way baller. On offense he is a wideout with soft hands, burst and is a big YAC guy. On the other side of the ball he plays in the secondary as well as returning kicks. Currently, he continues to train despite the injury and is looking for a trainer to help fine-tune his skills before this fall. He is also juggling school visits and deciding which camps to hit once cleared. Fingers crossed this guy gets to show his stuff in '26.   [player_tooltip player_id='935500' first='Timi' last='Moronfolu']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/timi-moronfolu/"></a> , 5'11, 175, DB, Eisenhower, '27, the final playmaker from this class is one I saw play several times last fall and he has continued to impressed me more each time. He is another battle-tested secondary baller who can play any of the d-back spots but has been particularly effective as a glove-like CB who can get in the receiver's grill, pound him in the chest plate and then immediately flip and mirror the WR's route. Last year he shut down activity on his side, piling up 42 tackles, intercepted a pass, had a pair of fumble recoveries and numerous PBU's. He is getting ready to wrap up powerlifting and his training to get bigger and faster than last year is already paying off with PR's in the vertical (36") and 40 (consistent 4.6's). He is also another baller working out with Coach Tabor and PIA and intends to hit the camp-combine circuit this summer to fine-tune his skills further. If you like CB play get out and see this guy in action.   [player_tooltip player_id='1649519' first='Mason' last='Arndt']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/mason-arndt/"></a> , 5'10, 185, Aquinas, DB/RB, '29, last and not least we have the lone class of '29-guy who started the season with little fanfare as a freshman who's older brother happened to be school legend, running back Calin who finished his high school career as one of the most prolific backs in the state. This may be one of the last times he gets introduced in this manner as he is off and running establishing himself as one of the rising star d-backs across the state among freshmen. He started the year by quickly dominating in JV action before getting his shot on varsity late in the season, which he parlayed into a starting position for the powerful Saints as they rolled into the playoffs. Once the season ended he went into hoops and is training 3-4 days a week with Joseph Potts at Topspeed, and continues hitting PR's in his training: 38" vertical, high 4.5's in the 40 & sub-4.2's in the 5-10-5. He is still undecided on summer camps, but you can bet he will be ready to dominate this fall.   <a href="https://x.com/willxmcmonagle"></a>In conclusion, get out and see these guys this fall, you will not be disappointed. Also, if you know of any players not getting any/not enough coverage that they deserve, please feel free to DM me via X so we can take care of that!   And, most importantly...   Keep Grindin'

After initiating an on-going series of reports on positional groups earlier in the week, we were able to work through a small cross-section of offensive and defensive linemen and then followed up with an initial look at the lethal linebackers and edge rushers in the state.