Whenever evaluating defensive backs, it be can tough. But solid DBs always have:
Good feet
Loose hips
Smooth transition
Good plant and drive
Ball Skills

Next Sunday, at the BHSN/BCP IGNITE Showcase, several defensive backs will show what they have. Many names at this point are unknown, waiting for their opportunity to be noticed. Some are on the map and just want to compete. The others are TBD (To Be Determined).

TBD players are prospects we have some knowledge on and we need to evaluate a little bit more in this controlled environment. A few could be solid prospects. Others could be good prospects.

CORNERS

Allen Jones, St. Petersburg 2015
Strength: Jones is a long player that likes to hit. But, no pads at Ignite.

Would like to see: How this young man transitions and his footwork. It’s difficult to evaluate from his film because he is doing a lot of tackling and there are few clips of him in coverage.

Chris Angulo, East Bay 2015
Strength: Good ball skills and body control. Another 6-2 prospect of East Bay who runs well enough and has really long arms.

Would like to see: His downfield speed. Does he transition well enough and accelerate fast enough to be a CB at the next level or is he more of a safety? On film, his back pedal looks fine. But can he plant and drive vs. some of the best receivers around?

Demetrius Mann, King 2015
Strength: Covers well in zone coverage and plays the ball in the air very well.

Would like to see: Footwork and hips in man coverage. We need to see what kind of instinct he has on the edge. Does he take chances or is he a safe corner?

Nate Ferguson, Gaither 2015
Strength: Very good in run support. But, that will not come into play at Ignite. We have seen Nate twice at E7. But, Ignite is a different deal. He has great feet and is aggressive.

Would like to see: Nate play the deep ball versus the taller receivers. He does a great job at the line of scrimmage with his feet and hands. But, we need to see him versus the jump ball and deep routes.

SAFETIES

Ben Novello, Berkeley Prep 2015
Strength: On film, this kid is great. Fills the alley, covers the deep ball and makes plays. Good game speed and nose for the football.

Would like to see: If he can play man to man (loose or press) coverage. Safeties have to be able to cover these days and this will be a big question needing an answer for Ben.

Craig Watts, Gibbs 2016
Strength: A few coaches have been whispering about this prospect for a few seasons now. They speak on his speed and ability to make plays. Honestly, I have not evaluated him yet. So anticipation to see him is high.

Would like to see: Everything! How well does he run? Can he cover? How much ground does he cover in the middle of the field? Does he play the ball better up field or downfield?

Isaiah Smith, Freedom 2016
Strength: Really good athlete with good speed. Good ball skills and anticipation.

Would like to see: If he rises to the occasion! Ignite brings some of the best receivers around. The evaluation is not on Smith’s athleticism, but his mental strength. If he gets torched, does he brush it off and jump back up to the front of the line or does he hang back and put his tail between his legs?

Josh Hall, St. Petersburg 2015
Strength: Watching his film, the young man did a good job protecting the middle 1/3. Displayed good ball skills and a decent back pedal.

Would like to see: True up field speed! Does he explode out of his backpedal and can he redirect?