Kentucky Sleepers to Watch for: Defensive Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In my last post, I listed some less notable sleeper linebackers in the state of Kentucky. Today, we will be listing out some less notable sleeper defensive backs playing in the bluegrass state. Many top-rated DBs in Kentucky usually play multiple positions and get recruited to whatever position they choose to pursue. For example, some of the best defensive backs have also played wide receiver which helps them mirror the anticipated movements of their assigned receivers when on defense. Not only do all these receivers share this type of defensive trait, but they also add unique traits that help them stand out over other players in their positions. Today, I will be listing those players that have received little to no collegiate interest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jonathan Venable","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2023","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'9u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"McCracken County High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Jonathan Venable has elite defensive awareness throughout the entirety of the game. Not only can he anticipate the routes of his assigned receiver, but his QB reads are top-tier accurate. Most of Venable's recorded interceptions come from him accurately reading the quarterback's intended destination to throw the football way ahead of the time he is about to throw. This led to Jonathan getting interceptions and gaining lots of yardage after the turnover due to the opposing team not being in a position to make a stop. Along with that, Jonathan knows the limits towards physical contact with his receiver that does just enough to make a stop without a pass interference from being called. Jonathan's game IQ and on-field awareness are top-tier in his position, and I think more recruiters should look at prospects with those specific player characteristics. Hopefully, there is a future for Jonathan in college football.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14950195/636d601519af8c040464ae42u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"A'Davion Dale","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"Shelby County High School","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_1_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"A'Davion is already at a high level at the DB position despite only playing 1 year of high school ball. The freshman finished the season with 6 interceptions for the Shelby County High School defense. Dale's man coverage is fantastic and it plays into his ball vision as well. It is tough for many athletes to read what exact area the ball will eventually drop to due to wind patterns and trajectory from the quarterback's arm. However, A'Davion locks on to the exact spot every time and comes up with overthrown passes and other inaccurate throws. Along with that, A'Davion's athletic leaping ability helps him knock out incoming passes his way and further helps him come up with interceptions. Another trait that is not looked upon is his tackling ability. The 2026 grad has great footwork to add leverage to his strength to take down the ball carrier. His overall textbook DB mechanics and athletic ability coming into only his freshman of high school football is pretty phenomenal. Recruiters, start taking notice of this young man.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2JpEvJu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["381914"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Brajone is a solid 2-way football player that can get you plenty of touchdowns on the offensive side of the ball, and force turnovers on the defensive side. When playing DB, Brajone is incredible at getting his hands to the football on every attempted reception. It is hard to count how many deflected passes he recorded over the entirety of his junior season, but plenty of those deflected passes led to interceptions. Along with that, Dabney is extremely fast off his feet and his quick reflexes enable him to shift abruptly to match any lateral movements by his assigned receiver. What many coaches can appreciate about Brajone is that he never gives up on the play, even if it seems like it is out of control. The 2024 grad will run across the field to be the one to make the tackle and there are plenty of times when he accomplishes this with ease. With his overall 2-way talent and playstyle on the field, it is shocking as to why there have been no reported offers/interests from collegiate schools for Brajone. This should change over the coming year.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2JGDNgu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["517206"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"When you line up with Kayden 1v1 as a receiver, you're most likely setting yourself up for failure. The Junior specializes in locking down his opponent and granting no room for his assignments to run and catch the football. If the ball gets thrown to his target, Crowell can position himself at the right spot to either deflect the football, pick off the pass, or take the defender down immediately if the angle to make an incompletion is not there. Kayden perfected the ability to faceguard his opponent enough to quickly react to incoming throws to not get flagged. That very trait alone is difficult for many DBs to have as many either get called for the defensive PI if making contact or get lost on the pass and make it an easy catch for the receiver. Another amazing defensive trait is his ability to gain extra yards after the catch for his interceptions. Despite being a primary defensive back, whenever Crowell comes up with the pick, he can improvise and make impressive lateral cuts and use his defensive teammates as blockers to gain as many yards as possible. Kayden is another shocking case that puzzles me as to why he has not gotten any offers/interest from college schools. I believe this will change since he has more than enough qualities to play at the next level.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2Jsa5uu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["505844"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Brody makes the game of football look too easy when he is intercepting the football after getting past the opposing receiver. The senior had an impressive season for Butler County, recording 7 interceptions including a pick-six in 11 games played. Hunt has fantastic field vision and can depict way ahead of time where the play is going to go. Furthermore, his QB reads off those plays are nearly always accurate which helps him make it easier to make stops and even get unanticipated interceptions. Brody also has freakish athleticism that can help him match up with any receiver taller than him no matter the height. Since he is good at playing running back on offense, it is safe to say his ability to add extra yardage after defensive turnovers are superior to others. What I like the most about Brody is his ability to play help defense for his teammates when he reads where the ball is going to be thrown. If he can make it to that spot in time, Brody will take the risk of running away from his target to make the defensive play where the ball is going to be thrown at. Although Brody just finished his senior year, I hope some recruiters see the talent he has so they can give him an official offer to play at the next level.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2JnLCZu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63d1ff474ae3c"} /-->