Defensive Standouts from AIT x DC5 WRxDB Camp

In today’s piece, we will highlight the top defensive performers from last weekend’s AITxDC5 WRvDB camp. This will be the final piece from said event. The defensive backs were the group that left me impressed. The DB’s were loaded with talent top to bottom, with every prospect making their mark at some point during the event. Fisher, Chatfield, and Strader take the top three performers but the other DBs mentioned still outplayed numerous offensive prospects. Again, the disparity between the "top" performers and the prospects below is almost little to none. The piece is done this way for structural purposes. Pharoh Fisher Pharoh Fisher 6'0" | 190 lbs | DB Serra Catholic | 2022 State PA | 6’0, 190 | DB | Serra Catholic | 2022 The smooth and well-seasoned , a top 100 player in his class, was the most consistent prospect in the event’s entirety. What you see on film is what you got on the field. Absolutely love when the tape aligns with what you see in person. Fisher was a pleasure to watch. Consistent technique at every positional drill, consistent technique when breaking down in the open field. Consistently physical in one-on-one matchups. Glad to see his recruitment continue to heat up, it’s well deserved. When you can find a corner of this size, who can move his feet effortlessly, you have better get on him quick. One trait I loved when watching Fisher on 1-on-1s, was his poise and his ability to not panic when initially beaten with speed downfield. This is an advanced trait that not too many high school defensive backs can say they have. Fisher never got too high or too low, that combination of calmness and confidence will bode well when at the next level. The talented senior will be announcing his commitment next month. We wish him the best!

Daiquan Chatfield Daiquan Chatfield 5'9" | 155 lbs | DB Serra Catholic | 2023 State PA | 5’9, 155 | DB | Serra Catholic | 2023 The first two prospects mentioned happen to both play in the same secondary. Serra Catholic will have senior on one side, and on the other, a junior who looked clean and quick as a whole. Chatfield is slightly undersized in both height and weight. This doesn’t act as a detriment to his game in the slightest, as Chatfield boasts quick feet and solid hip-flip ability. The junior, who just debuted at the 175 spot on our rankings, showed great break-on-ball ability coming downhill. I really liked how he consistently maintained a good shoulder level throughout positional drills. Chatfield didn’t back down from any matchup, he brought energy with every rep. More reps, as well as additional film, is what can take Chatfield to the next level, as he isn’t holding any offers as of the writing of this piece. He’s got the raw traits to get him on the map, the sharp cuts out of his stance, the quick hips, and feet, as well as the confidence needed at the corner position. It’s time to put it all together this coming fall.

Raion Strader Raion Strader 6'0" | 170 lbs | DB Penn Hills | 2023 State PA | 6’0, 160 | DB | Penn Hills | 2023 was another last-second addition to our 2023 rankings, much like Chatfield. I was surprised to see both of them attend the event, as both of their games were relatively new to me. Strader possesses the prototypical build you want from a defensive back. Long arms to deter passes and stay in phase, as well as long legs to help his stride and catch-up ability. Strader came on as the event progressed, getting better and better with each rep. This kid wants to be physical, he showed that physicality and good hand usage on 1-on1s time and time again. The performance from the Penn Hills junior had me rethinking the 155 spot on our rankings. I see a potential FBS corner in Strader if he can put on more weight. His height is great as are his limbs and overall build. The ball skills may be the best of this group. The confidence and desire to play physically is there, I worry if his slight frame may leave him overmatched at times. A bulk-up in the weight room might be all that’s holding Strader back from being a top 100 player in his class.

Worth Mentioning Marco Mongelluzzo | 6’0, 165 | DB | Latrobe | 2022 I love to travel and get my boots on the ground for one reason above all and that’s to find new names and faces of prospects who aren’t getting the recognition they deserve. I admittedly hadn’t come across Marco Mongelluzzo’s name before the event. The senior isn’t on our rankings or watchlist, which is going to change based on his performance and further film study. His measurables don’t do him justice, as he looked a good deal bigger than 165 in person. I like Marco as a potential safety/OLB hybrid which is where Greater Latrobe prefers to utilize him.

Asahn Bey Asahn Bey 6'2" | 185 lbs | ATH Seton La Salle | 2022 State PA | 6’2, 185 | ATH | Seton La Salle | 2022 has floated around the bottom of our senior rankings since February. I loved what I saw from Bey athletically speaking. Great build suitable for physical play. I was impressed by Bey when the 7on7 portion of the event began. He showed off his natural instincts to play the position, anticipating routes before they are ran and using his strength to make separation tough for opposing pass-catchers. Bey’s versatility and size really stood out to me, those are the traits I’d bring up if asked about the senior.

Jermiah Johnson Jermiah Johnson 5'11" | 175 lbs | DB Valley | 2022 State PA | 5’11, 175 | DB | Valley | 2022 Cruce Brookins Cruce Brookins 6'2" | 180 lbs | ATH Steel Valley | 2023 State PA | 6’1, 175 | DB | Steel Valley | 2023 I tend to value a new name bursting on the scene rather than a known name showing what I already knew. This is the case with both and . I have cycled through a good amount of high school and 7v7 film on both of these players, so much so that I was comfortable when watching in person. I loved the confidence out of Jemriah Johnson in person. His vocality was great, he isn’t afraid to stir the pot with any opposing matchup. With his physical demeanor and his weight being just under 180, I could definitely see safety in his future. He’s got the overall understanding of the secondary down. Brookins was, much like , as advertised. Incredibly smooth and poised. Awesome height/weight ratio. He played some safety on the 7on7 portion, which I don’t believe showcases his strengths. It wasn’t a spectacular day for the junior but was by far a bad day. Can’t wait to see both of these players this fall.