Ball Hawks and Secondary Playmakers Making Plays

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The secondary has been one of the more active groups early this season, with several defensive backs making their presence felt through interceptions, physical coverage and big-time plays. From established names continuing to build their profiles to rising prospects putting themselves on the map, these are some of the ball hawks and secondary playmakers standing out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>&nbsp;(Photo: kmbvisuals1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2140085"],"_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-6aa019c945dbe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jones is gaining major traction following a strong junior season and continues to show why he belongs in the conversation among the better defensive backs in the area. He brings good size for the corner position and uses his length well in press coverage and contested situations. He had three interceptions in his last game and was simply all over the field in a low-scoring win. True impact player whose presence is felt throughout the game. As his technique continues to improve, the tools are there to develop into a reliable D1 defensive back.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2382304,"_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-6aa019c945e56"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Reed has been a problem defensively and brings a ton of energy and competitiveness to the secondary. He came up with two big-time interceptions in Venice's huge win over Lakeland, including the game-sealing pick in the second overtime. Reed was active throughout the offseason, challenging receivers and making plays on the football. The move over to Venice is paying off, and his physical approach and intensity give him a chance to continue developing into a serious defensive playmaker.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1681667"],"_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-6aa019c945eaa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hampton has developed into one of the top corners in Central Florida and is starting to make his presence felt in a big way. He's been a true playmaker, coming up with punt blocks and huge interceptions along the way. Hampton is physical at the line of scrimmage, comfortable playing man coverage and competes with confidence every snap. What stands out most is his urgency. He brings energy to the secondary, provides leadership and isn't afraid to come downhill and lay the wood in run support. He has the mentality and toughness to lock down his side of the field.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2382321,"_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-6aa019c945ef7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fielder is a dynamic athlete who continues to find ways to impact the game. He had over 20 tackles in a close loss to Venice and was simply all over the field, including an interception that helped stall a drive and several touchdown-saving tackles. The quick-twitch ability and instincts stand out, but so does the effort. Whether he's making plays on offense, defense or special teams, Fielder brings a spark every time he steps on the field.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2382322,"_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-6aa019c945f4a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Burgess has turned in one of the more productive starts among defensive backs in the class. He came away with two interceptions in Clearwater's latest game as the program continues to get off to a hot start. He plays with a physical edge, attacks the football and isn't afraid to come downhill and make tackles. That aggressive style helps set the tone for the entire secondary.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2382323,"_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-6aa019c945fbb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Etienne is currently sitting in a six-way tie for second in the nation in interceptions with five, and that kind of production speaks for itself. He has shown strong ball-hawking instincts and a high football IQ, consistently putting himself in position to make plays. He reportedly had four interceptions in one game last week, including a 100-yard pick-six. That's the type of production that gets your attention quickly.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2382325,"_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-6aa019c94600a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I really like this kid on film. Gwinn brings good energy to the program and has shown he can make plays from the DB position with his instincts and athleticism. He's already racked up four interceptions in two games while also showing he can lock up in coverage with multiple pass breakups. There's a lot to like about the way he plays the position.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2382326,"_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-6aa019c94605d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wow. What a way to put your name on the map. Martin is a rising 2029 prospect who just had a monster performance, coming away with three interceptions in one game and taking two of them back for touchdowns in a win. He also showed he can tackle and get involved beyond simply making plays on the football. That's a huge early statement from a young defensive back, and Martin has some serious upside.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->