Chicago Public League: Eight DBs You Need To Know

The rise of 7-on-7 and the ariel evolution we’re witnessing in today’s football has undoubtedly changed the way we look at defensive backs. I’ve noticed a trend where teams are beginning to emphasize the importance of having versatile defensive backs who can hold their own in man coverage. [player_tooltip player_id="20843" first="Malik" last="Elzy"], [player_tooltip player_id="139450" first="Logan" last="Lester"], and [player_tooltip player_id="137042" first="Charlie" last="Newton"] are a few of the premier receivers in Chicago’s Public League. When these prospects step on the field, you must have a competent defensive back matchup or you’re asking for your defense to get compromised. So without further ado, let’s get to know eight defensive backs from Chicago’s Public League who you NEED to know... <hr /> <h5><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id="266078" first="Jaykwon" last="Armour"] | Phillips ’23</em></strong></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-57519" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/10/Jaykwon-Armour-300x248.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="248" /> Armour has the requisite skillset to be one of the top safeties in the Public League this season. He plays the game with a see-ball-get-ball mentality and consistently finds himself around the ball and is also capable of covering the field from sideline-to-sideline. Flashes superb hip mobility and body control when isolated on a receiver and is more than reliable in run support. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="266075" first="Kiwaun" last="Davis"] | Morgan Park ’23</strong></em></h5> I’ve had the privilege to see Davis in person on multiple occasions and I can vouch that his "exponentially" rising stock is justified. Flashes great instincts while in man coverage and At 6’3", Davis has excellent height for a defensive back and is an interception/PBU threat with his excellent wingspan. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="20844" first="Andre" last="Crews"] | Simeon ’23</strong></em></h5> Crews exemplifies the old saying of being "Chicago Tough." He’s one of the toughest, yet skilled prospects I’ve evaluated in Chicago’s Public League. He’s got the speed and agility to turn and run with most receivers and the physicality that enables him to excel in press coverage. Crews is also one of the surest tacklers in the state from the defensive back position. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="130591" first="Tysean" last="Griffin"] | Morgan park ’24</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-127468" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/04/IMG_5212-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> Griffin is by far one of the most electric offensive players the state of Illinois has seen in recent years. But let’s not forget he’s just as productive on the defensive side of the ball. As a freshman I saw him hold his own and frustrate on the top receivers in the state. Displays excellent speed and quickness and great lateral movement which allows him to cover shifty receivers and excel in man coverage. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="160515" first="Chris" last="Durr"] Jr. | Morgan Park ’24</strong></em></h5> Durr is a prospect who I believe is in line for a breakout season this upcoming fall. He’s a heavy contributor on both sides of the ball, but for the purposes of this article, we’ll just focus on his role as a defensive back. Flashes exceptional speed and has great foot quickness which enables him to change directions quickly and cover the field from sideline-to-sideline. He’s an interception threat as the last line of defense and is an even greater threat to take a pick to the house with his natural running ability. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="278165" first="Angelo" last="Stockstill"] | Simeon ’23</strong></em></h5> Stockstill is another Public League defensive back that has seen his stock rise to the tune of four division 1 offers over the past few months. Still early in his development, Stockstill is a versatile defender who at 6’4" can consistently disrupt passes thrown his way with his impressive wingspan. Not shy to come up and make his presence felt in run support and should be one of the more exciting players to watch in the Public league this upcoming fall. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="271279" first="Anthony" last="Hood"] | Young ’24</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-218587" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/10/IMG_5794-rotated-crop-3024x1986-1634491290-300x197.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> Hood first jumped on my radar at one of our Prep RedZone showcases. On display was his athleticism, explosiveness, and versatility to be a productive defensive back and receiver. If I had to project him at the next level, I could definitely see him moving over to a full-time defensive back role with the speed and athleticism he flashes. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="139454" first="Kahlil" last="Tate"] | Kenwood ’23</strong></em></h5> One of the Public League’s premier prospects is the true definition of what it means to be classified as an ATH. He can literally line up anywhere on the field, but the defensive side of the ball is where I think he’ll be featured at the next level. On defense he finished his junior season with 63 tackles, 5 INT, 2 FF, an was able to rack up a ton of offers as result. I got the chance to see him in person on multiple occasions and he’s definitely worth the price of admission. Built like a linebacker and hits like one as well, but has all the qualities you would want to see in top tier defensive back.