First 4 Games Underclassmen DB Film Spotlight

Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!   The Stock Up Showcase is Returning to West Virginia on January 3rd in Bridgeport! Use Code SUWV25OFF for a 25% off discount at checkout! Register <a href="https://events.prepredzone.com/e/2594/register/stock-up-showcase-west-virginia">HERE</a>   The first four weeks of the season give us a good look at which players are making an early impact and putting themselves on the recruiting radar. For seniors especially, this stretch of film is essential, as college coaches evaluate current-season tape to see how prospects perform against live competition and whether their game translates to the next level. This spotlight takes a closer look at players with film from their first four games that colleges need to check out.    2028 DB Kolby Walker has made a strong early impact for Martinsburg, already recording 16 tackles and two interceptions through three games. Walker is a physical safety who also plays well in coverage, giving the Bulldogs a multi-faceted defensive back to utilize. He's a good athlete with good recovery speed and the burst to come downhill and support the run. He also plays with good instincts, reading plays quickly and consistently getting himself into position to make a play. With some big names around him at Martinsburg, Walker may still be flying under the radar, but he's a talented young defender who deserves recognition in his own right.      Shannon Mitchell has taken another noticeable step forward this season, building on his sophomore flashes and the attention he earned during the offseason. The 2028 DB is a dynamic, twitchy athlete with great burst and speed, and he's turned those traits into big plays at corner and on special teams, including two punt-return touchdowns. Mitchell's quick feet and fluid hips allow him to mirror receivers in coverage, and he's quick to recognize the ball and close on it when it comes his way. That same playmaking ability makes him a threat to score anytime he touches the ball. Mitchell is an instinctual defensive back with one of the highest ceilings in the 2028 class at the position.      Gaige McClellan is another 2028 defensive back we expected to have a breakout season, and the Huntington safety has flashed through the first four weeks. His 6'3 175 frame immediately stands out, but McClellan also has the athleticism and speed to make that length a real problem for opposing passing games. He can affect passing lanes from the back end, making it difficult for quarterbacks to layer the ball over him, and his closing speed allows him to get to the football quickly in coverage or in downhill support. McClellan has also seen some reps at outside linebacker this season, and that could become an interesting long-term option as he continues to add size and develop. There are a lot of tools to work with, and McClellan is one of the more intriguing LB/DB prospects in the 2028 class.      The growth in George Mamakos' game has been noticeable, and the 2028 DB has continued to develop into a well-rounded football player for Linsly. He's starting at corner again for the Cadets and has the skill set to slide to safety at the next level. Mamakos is a tough competitor who plays with a high motor and brings a physical edge to the secondary. He's a very good tackler for a corner, and his wrestling background shows up in the way he handles contact and finishes plays. Mamakos has contributed more offensively this season as well at running back as an all-around athlete who just makes plays.      The move to South Charleston has given 2028 WR/DB James Lowe a chance to show a different side of his game, and he's stood out at safety for the Black Eagles. Lowe is listed in our rankings as a receiver, but his athleticism has translated well to the back end of the defense, where he's quick, agile, and comfortable playing in space. He has the speed and quickness to close on the football and fly around making plays, and he's not afraid to get downhill despite his smaller frame. Lowe is still physically maturing, but he has the athletic traits and a lot of the qualities you want to see in a defensive back.      The progress 2028 WR/DB Tiler Clemons has made since we first saw him as a raw freshman has been easy to see, and that development is starting to translate into more impact on both sides of the ball for John Marshall. He's starting at both receiver and corner as a junior and has made some nice plays at each spot through four games. Clemons has a developing 6'3 frame and has made clear physical strides over the years, but his growing understanding of the game has been just as noticeable. He's still developing, but the athleticism and physical tools are there for him to keep progressing at both spots. Clemons continues to show the same potential that caught our attention early in his career, and this season is another step forward in his development.      Buffalo has an under-the-radar 2028 defensive back to keep an eye on in Noah Randolph, who has shown some intriguing traits early in his development. The 6'0 DB has good length and speed at safety, but he's also comfortable coming down into the box and has seen a lot of reps at linebacker as well. That could become an even better fit as Randolph continues to fill out his frame and develops the strength needed to play closer to the line of scrimmage. The athleticism is already there, and he has the athletic traits that can be molded as he continues to develop. He's a young defender worth keeping on the radar as he grows into his frame and gains more experience.      After flashing as a freshman last season, 2029 DB Tayten Nelson has taken another step forward for Cabell Midland and is starting to look comfortable at the varsity level. He's moved from safety to corner this season, and his athleticism gives him a strong foundation for the position. Nelson has good burst and speed out of his backpedal, showing the fluidity to turn and run with receivers stride for stride. He gives up some length at corner, but he sticks with his man well, and his experience playing safety makes him a quality tackler. Nelson is still learning the position, but the athletic traits and early varsity experience give him good potential and upside.      After making a strong impression on the younger squad as a freshman, 2029 WR/DB DJ Neal has quickly earned a starting varsity role for Wheeling Park as a sophomore. Neal is now starting at corner for the Patriots, and the athletic traits we saw from him last year are already translating to the varsity level. Neal has good burst and speed when transitioning out of coverage, allowing him to close quickly and get involved in support. He's still physically maturing, but the athletic foundation is there for him to keep developing into a standout defensive back in time. Neal's early jump to the varsity level is a strong sign of where his game can go.      Williamstown's Daniel Cunningham is another young defensive back to tuck away for later. The 2029 DB is a smaller, twitchy athlete who also sees time as a scat back for the Yellowjackets, and his agility and speed show up at both spots. Cunningham can change direction quickly, accelerate in space, and make plays with the ball in his hands, which translates well to both sides of the ball. He gives up some size right now, but his athletic traits help him overcome that limitation. If Cunningham continues to develop physically and adds size, he could become a notable prospect in the 2029 class.

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