Ohio’s Top Defensive Backs in 2022

Ohio’s 2022 class of defensive backs is impressive. Most of these top six can play either side of the ball put will end up as defensive players at the collegiate level. This group of defensive backs have attracted attention or offers from major D1 schools and have bright futures in front of them. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34377" first="Jyaire" last="Brown"]    6’0” 170     Lakota West</strong> Brown is the best corner in the state in his class. Excellent in man coverage whether in press, off man, or when bailing. In press technique, Jyaire use his hands well in denying the receiver an easy release. Quick in the hips, he can change direction instantly whether breaking on the ball or closing to make a tackle. Brown is physical for his size and makes sure tackles in space. Jyaire is also a talented punt returner who makes the first man downfield consistently miss. Brown is already committed to Ohio State University upon graduation. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34385" first="Alex" last="Afari"]    6’2” 205     Lakota West</strong> It’s not often you find a high school with two future Division 1 corners on the same team, but Lakota has that luxury in 2022 with Brown and [player_tooltip player_id="34385" first="Alex" last="Afari"]. Similar in some ways, Afari is bigger in stature but equally as quick and agile. As a defensive back, Afari has great range to go along with his speed and quickness. He tackles more like linebacker and really drives his legs on contact. He demonstrates exceptional leaping ability when going up to make the interception or when breaking up the pass. Afari uses his hands to strike and disengage blockers in the openfield. Alex already has multiple D1 offers. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34383" first="Delian" last="Bradley"]     6’0” 190     Springfield</strong> Bradley is the entire package as a free safety. He can cover the deep middle and then close to the football like a rocket. Extremely physical when supporting on perimeter runs, he often completely dislodges the ball carrier from the football. Reads and recognizes offensive schemes, whether run or pass immediately, he quickly transitions to close on the ball. Bradley is a threat to return an interception all the way due to his speed and ability to accelerate. It’s no surprise Bradley was the conference defensive player of the year. Delian already has committed to the University of Kentucky where he will most likely see playing time as a freshman. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34412" first="Aveon" last="Grose"]     6’0” 180     Mansfield Senior</strong> Aveon is a true lockdown corner who displays great vision and eye discipline. He completely dominates the receiver by staying on the wideouts inside hip and using his own body to leverage the receiver into the sideline. Grose gives outstanding effort along with taking excellent angles in pursuit, even from the backside third. Grose is a rangy defensive back that is versatile enough to play man and zone coverages with equal proficiency. Aveon is currently committed to play for the Pitt Panthers at the next level. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91485" first=[player_tooltip player_id="91485" first="Delaney" last="Wilburn"]     5’11” 185     Groveport Madison</strong> Delaney is one of the most physical safeties in the state and loves contact. He really packs a punch as he seeks and destroys the ball carrier. He brings his whole body when coming up on run support to make a tackle He is equally effective in coverage whether from the deep middle in cover three or in halves coverage. Delaney displays both speed an acceleration once he gets hands on the football when making a pick or scooping up a fumble. He is gifted enough athletically to play either safety or corner at the collegiate level. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91486" first="Eli" last="Coppess"]     6’2” 200     Pickerington North</strong> Quicker than fast, Eli attacks the ball carrier downhill when playing middle or down safety. He demonstrates good inside-out leverage on the ball when supporting to the perimeter. Eli that is a sure that makes solid chest up hits on the runner. He makes quick breaks on the deep pass and denies the reception. Coppess is a confident punt returner that isn’t afraid to catch the ball in a crowd, put his foot in the turf, and head north and south. There is a good chance Eli will play outside linebacker or strong safety at the next level.