Elite Football Combine: Top 2025 DB Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Time to take a look at the top class of 2025 defensive backs who attended the 2023 Elite Football Combine.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='326628' first='Donivan' last='Taylor'] | Rock Bridge |</strong><br>The outstanding athlete who can play on and excel on both sides of the ball was among the top overall performers regardless of position with his outstanding testing in all events. Donivan ran a 4.77 laser forty, 4.16 pro agility shuttle, 10-foot broad jump and 36.7" vertical jump. The 5'9" 170 transfer from Hickman played cornerback last year and should be an impact player for the Bruins in 2023. He has some nice skill at running back as well, but looks like he can play on a high level at defensive back on the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1118534' first='Jordan' last='Clark'] | Parkway North |</strong><br>I knew the talented Clark had some nice potential, but I did not know just how good of an athlete he was and how skilled he was as a defensive back. Jordan was among the top testers at defensive back with a 4.79 laser forty time, 9'5" broad jump, and 32" vertical. He is physical and focused as a defender and did a great job against some very talented receivers who attended also. He has a good back peddle and hips to turn and run and then the speed kicks in. Look for the 6'0" 170 Clark to make a name for himself this coming season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1117644' first='Michael' last='Crockett'] | Parkway Central |</strong><br>Crockett had picked up an offer from SEMO right before he attended the combine and still came in and competed hard to show and live up to his D1 offer. His 4.76 laser forty was impressive along with his other testing and drills, but he definitely excels in one on ones where he displayed his coverage and pass defense skills that make him a college prospect. Michael is physical and tough and likes to hit from what I saw last season from him on the field. He has continued to have a good spring and summer and also picked up an offer from Northern Illinois following an outstanding Lindenwood performance. Look for his stock to continue to rise this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1118472' first='Matthew' last='Moore'] | SLUH |</strong><br>Another young defensive back talent on the rise who has shown me flashes of what could be for the last two years. He started his high school career at Westminster before transferring to SLUH, where he had 19 tackles and a sack last year. He had an impressive combine performance with his 9'4" broad jump, 4.8 laser forty time and 30" vertical jump. Matthew sticks to receivers like glue in one on ones and uses his quickness and closing speed well on his his 5'11.5" 165 frame.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1118461' first='Ty' last='Griggsby'] | Troy Buchanan |</strong><br>A player I am looking to have a breakout season and be one of the next couple of college prospects from Troy is the 6'0" 165lb Griggsby. Ty had some impressive numbers with his 30" vertical and 4.3 pro agility shuttle. He was also among the top defensive back performers in one on ones and showed his athleticism in drills with his ability to stop and start and make quick change of direction. I also got to see him a little with Boom 7v7 and he continued to show that he is a young defensive back who is ready to step up and have his ability recognized.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>OTHERS WHO IMPRESSED</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='285174' first='Justin' last='Terry'] De Smet</strong> - The 5'11" 160 Terry ran a 4.8 laser forty and 27" vertical. Very good cover skills and is continuing to get better. Look for a big season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Melvin Sledge Hazelwood East</strong> - A talented 6'0" 170 safety who caught my attention during the season last year. Physical defender who can cover a lot of ground. 4.84 laser forty.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->