Five Defensive Backs That Caught My Eye

We’re moving forward as I continue my series on players that caught my eye this fall. The feedback and engagement on this series has been awesome, so as always, if you have players you want me to evaluate don’t hesitate to direct message me on Twitter (@whelms21). If you missed any of the first six parts you can find them below: <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2021/12/five-quarterbacks-that-caught-my-eye/">Quarterbacks</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2021/12/five-skill-players-that-caught-my-eye/">Skill Players</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2022/01/five-offensive-linemen-that-caught-my-eye/">Offensive Linemen</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2022/01/five-interior-linemen-that-caught-my-eye/">Interior Defensive Linemen</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2022/01/five-edge-rushers-that-caught-my-eye/">Edge Rushers</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2022/02/five-linebackers-that-caught-my-eye/">Linebackers</a> As we near the end of our series, I’m taking a look at one of the most intriguing position groups, the defensive backs. <strong>Dorian Daniels, 6’1 190, 2023- Monroe</strong> Daniels is instinctive and versatile as a defender, playing in the slot, in the box and as a deep safety. He projects best as a strong safety at the next level, with good reactions and the ability to make a play when the ball is in the air. He really came into as a defender in 2021 and could be in for another breakout year as a senior. He has good size and a frame to add more weight making him an excellent college prospect. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="45000" first="Zymill" last="Patterson"], 6’ 170, 2023- Weddington</strong> Patterson has bounced around positions and has frankly played quite well at all of them. That being said, I think his future is at corner, though he has yet to play extensively there. On the offensive side of the ball, he’s an excellent route runner with good hips, which should translate well to corner, where he’ll play this season. On the offensive side of the ball, he caught everything thrown his way, while he showed good anticipation and reactions on defense. I’ll be watching closely to see how he makes the transition to corner as a senior. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="285780" first="Taivon" last="Derisma"], 6’1 175, 2023- Chase</strong> It’s hard not to be impressed by a guy that pulled down nine interceptions in a single season, especially when that guy also excelled on the offensive side of the ball. I have him pegged as a defender in college as I really like his <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2GPHug">range and length as a deep safety.</a> Chase often plays a 3-safety look that allows Derisma to sit back and read the quarterback. He checks a lot of boxes and if some of his athleticism translates to skill in man coverage he’s somebody I’m looking at as a future FBS defender. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="148054" first="Ajay" last="Coverdale"], 6’1 185, 2023- Glenn</strong> Some guys just look the part and Coverdale is one of them. He looks like a linebacker and runs like a corner from his safety position. I really like his motor as he always looks like he’s running around at 100 percent. Like a lot of the other guys on this list, he does a lot of things well and isn’t afraid to stick his head in there and help out in the running game. As a return specialist alone, he’s worth a look, but there are <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2GVFK0">so many ways he can help a team</a> that he should soon have a lot of Division 1 interest. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="149087" first="Brody" last="Barnhardt"], 6’ 175, 2024- Providence Day</strong> We have Barnhardt listed as an athlete because truthfully, he could make it to the next level on either side of the ball. That being said, his upside as a safety or even corner excites me. He’s so athletic that he’s winning mostly by <a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/9988747/619d3e343dea810894f91cb1">outrunning and outjumping</a> opposing receivers but as the year went on, it became obvious that the experience at safety was starting to pay off. He has good instincts and has a good feel for reading the offense. He’s young and his potential is incredible, so he’s a guy I’m watching over the next few years.