Leverage
Defensive Backs – Development
Defensive Back Training Academy
Instruction and a mastery of the fundamentals of playing defensive back at a high level, is the mission behind the Leverage Defensive Back Academy (DBA). DBA is designed for 8th-12th grade student athletes who are seeking to improve footwork, man-2-man press and loose technique, zone coverage keys/reads and skills along with learning the “ins and outs” of being a skillful/technical defensive back.
Yesterday, I invited some of the area’s top QBs and WRs out to put in work vs. the defensive backs I train weekly. This was the 5th of 8 training sessions for the defensive backs and it was time to see them with the live bullets flying. Again, I repeat, they battled against some of the best around. Some D1 signees, some with multiple D1 verbal offers and some are getting major D1 attention.
I wanted to see exactly where we were as a unit and whether or not the DBs would take a step back or use the training and tools I have been giving them.
As a whole, they responded like champs. Made some excellent plays, used their technique, competed and learned from their mistakes. Below is a brief breakdown of their progress.
I would like to start with my students who get lots of attention, because I do not want to focus on them extensively for the same reason. But, it is not fair to leave them out just because they are popular players.
Vernon Hargreaves
Wharton, CB, 2013
Yesterday was Hargreaves first session with us, so there is not must I can say. But the obvious is the truth. He is very skillful and very fast. More to come once I have had more time with him.
Leon McQuay
Armwood, S, 2013
“L3” as the Hillsborough County football world calls Leon, Is a great story. Leon will enter the summer as one of the Nation’s top prospects, but what is not obvious is how much better he has gotten in just 4 sessions. His press technique has evolved from a “muscler” to a “reactor.” He is starting to feel routes and uses great hands once the receiver declares his release. I think he can smell how high his ceiling really is. He is not just accepting coaching, but wants the coaching!
Richard Benjamin
Tampa Bay Tech, ATH, 2013
So much has been said about Benjamin in a positive and negative manner. But, Richard is a kid who any coach would love to have their hands on…when he is locked in. That’s the focus right now for Benjamin and its coming. This is Richard’s 2nd week with me and in just a short period of time, he has eliminated one negative aspect in his game and it seems as though he has made his mind up that he is going to put in the work to get the results he wants. For example, on his 1st rep yesterday, he misplayed a route just because he did not have his eyes fixed on the hips of the receiver. After that, he was locked in and tough to beat the rest of the outing. That’s not a credit to me; he made his mind up that he didn’t want the same thing to happen again. Problem fixed!
Calvin Pringles
Clearwater Central Catholic, CB, 2013
Pringles can compete for a starting position in a CCC secondary that returns pretty much intact. Calvin is another example of a player that picks up quickly and retains information. Besides his physical attributes, Pringle is great in our football classroom. Before each session, we spend 30mins on the board indoors and Pringles is called on for answers the majority of the time and usually gets the answers correct. Pringles has a solid frame and has really improved on his footwork along with his anticipation.
Keon Brown
East Lake, CB, 2014
Keon has the most upside of the bunch. He is young, has long arms, retains information and is not afraid of a challenge. Keon needs more live reps. He needs to be beat and comeback with success over and over again. Because he is young, his game will only get better. Also, his youth can hamper him if he doesn’t get more live fire. He adjusts well to the ball when it is in the air. He has good speed, hands and is able to change directions. I’m excited about this young man moving forward.
Ethan Thompson
Clearwater Central Catholic, LB, 2014
For a linebacker to move the way he does, he may not stay a linebacker for the remainder of his career. It is very realistic and foreseeable that Ethan could play strong safety at the next level. As far as his progress…WOW! He was a reacher and grabber before I slowly started to peel away a few of his linebacker habits. Now, he is much more nibble and “reacts” rather than “act”. If you could see some of the things he did yesterday, you would be amazed that this kid is a 2 year starter at LB rather than DB.
Chris White
St. Petersburg Catholic, CB, 2014
I have only had Chris for two sessions and really just a session and a half. The one thing that stands out with Chris is his speed and athleticism. More info to come after I have had more time with him.
Jimmy Warren
Tampa Bay Tech, CB, 2013
You can’t help but to like Jimmy. He is steadily getting better with all aspects of his game. Jimmy came to me 4 weeks ago as a tailback trying to make the transition to a cover corner. He is a fighter which is the second best characteristic of any defensive back. He is a hard worker that has continued to improve on all aspects of what I am coaching.
Kyle Brittain
Osceola, LB, 2014
Arguably the brightest story of them all! If you would have seen Kyle day 1, you would feel as I do now. Kyle came in as stiff as a board. No smile, no frown, no swag…all Linebacker. But, here is thing about Kyle, he was nowhere near being a coverage LB or safety, but he corrected every coaching point I made. I NEVER had to correct him on the same mistake twice. Full speed ahead…now he looks like a safety with the ability to play man to man “press coverage”. I can’t say how proud I am of this kid. He looks at me with a big smile on his face when he has success and tries to find me even faster when he needs to be corrected.