As we go past the halfway point of the season, our final position to update for the first time since the preseason is at defensive back.
Defensive back is one of the hardest positions to rank, because some DBs are avoided by offenses as much as possible, so they just don’t have the stats, but the tape is out there. There’s also a lot of talented guys in the secondary in our area, so if someone is on the radar, they’re still likely an all-conference player.
Here is my top 10 as it sits today.
1. Alex Scott, senior, East Noble
We’ve got a new No. 1, although it shouldn’t shock anyone. Scott has been a menace for opposing offenses, as his five interceptions on the season are tied for the most in the state at the moment. His situational awareness puts him easily among the best safeties in the state. The past couple of weeks, offenses have been finally adjusted and have tried to avoid throwing his direction, but for right now, he takes the top spot. College coaches better act quick.
2. Maalik Moore, senior, North Side
Fresh off his commitment to Cincinnati, Maalik Moore remains in the top two at defensive backs. Much like Scott, he has been a do-it-all player for his team all season and pretty much his entire career. He’s the team’s top wide receiver, defensive back, punter, kick returner, punt returner, etc. Moore told WANE-TV that he decided on Cincinnati because it was the top program among those who wanted him as a wide receiver. But because of his impressive hands, it makes him an even more dangerous DB at any level. Although he’s out due to injury, he remains on the list because of his talent and relentless effort.
3. Tyree Eldridge, senior, Wayne
Climbing the list is Tyree Eldridge from the Wayne Generals. Pretty much any ball thrown in his area is either getting deflected or picked off. He’s got eight pass deflections so far this season and three interceptions. His production has always been efficient, but not high‑volume like we have seen this year. In my eyes, he has taken that next step and has become a top DB in the area. As a multi-sport star, he should be on many college coaches’ radar by now.
4. Jarnard Moore, senior, North Side
Jarnard Moore possesses lock-down corner abilities that rank amongst the best we have in the area. His footwork and aggressiveness off the line against opposing pass catchers usually puts him in the right position to make a play. He has 35 total tackles, one sack and two interceptions, but even with all of that, he is typically avoided by opposing offenses. His recruitment should start heating up soon.
5. Linkoln Grabner, senior, Carroll
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Indiana State commit has been killing it this season. Grabner has been extremely physical at safety and his film shows he is no longer just potential and has taken his talent to an elite level. He has 28 total tackles, two pass breakups, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. This hard-hitting safety has been a huge reason opposing defenses have struggled to have much success on his side of the field. Grabner rounds out my Top 5.
6. Drake Hall, senior, DeKalb
Rising a bit in my Top 10 is Drake Hall from the DeKalb Barons. His defensive numbers are so impressive that the program has been accused of stat padding. According to MaxPreps, Hall has 88 total tackles, three interceptions, three pass deflections, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery. I was finally able to see him in person this past week against Huntington North. Although the Barons lost, Hall was everywhere the ball was and even had a huge interception in the redzone. I could see him at a MAC school playing both baseball and football. Either way, football coaches better scoop this underrated 6-3, 205-pound defensive back up.
7. Que Hunter, junior, Snider
Hunter is arguably one of the best lockdown DBs in the area. He doesn’t necessarily have the stats that’ll impress the general football fan, but his tape doesn’t lie. It is clear that offenses are afraid to throw anywhere near him. At 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, this three-sport athlete is a college recruiter’s dream. His tape shows he can chase down the football and make tackles (30 total), and he has three deflections, two tackles for a loss, two interceptions, one forced fumble and even one field goal block. He climbs the list and has been taking some recent visits to Michigan State and could begin welcoming offers soon.
8. Jaston White, senior, Wayne
Speaking of underrated, Jaston White may be one of the most talented overlooked DBs in the state. He didn’t have the best game against North Side last Friday, which has caused him to drop a bit in this ranking, but here is hoping he uses it as motivation. He is much better than his stats may show. He has 32 total tackles, added a sack in last week’s game and one interception. I am excited to see Wayne against Concordia this week and see what he and others can do. White had an impressive performance against South Side a few weeks ago. I am expecting a similar performance this week.
9. Alex Phillips, senior, East Noble
It’s not his fault by any means, but Alex Phillips seems to be overlooked a bit because of his teammate Alex Scott and younger brother, Austin. Yet believe it or not, Alex leads the team in tackles with 50 of them. He’s also got a couple pass deflections and two interceptions of his own. I really enjoyed watching him in person against Snider and his tape against Leo. His pursuit of the football is extremely impressive and he is a key contributor to the stingy East Noble defense that has allowed 10 or less points in four of its six games.
10. Trey Privett, senior, Norwell
As usual, No. 10 is the hardest because someone has to be left off. One thing is for certain, Privett could not be left off again this time around. For a struggling Norwell football team, he has been one of the most reliable players on defense and is a huge reason the Knights have been able to hang in games. He has great ball-hawk skills that seem to put him in the right place at the right time. He has 37 total tackles and four interceptions on the year. He continues his dominance in the NE8 in the secondary after finishing with seven picks last season (tied for most in NE8 with Columbia City’s Gavin Smith).
ON THE RADAR
Parker Barnes, Bluffton – 2 INT
Ian Berry, Columbia City – 2 INT
Parker Daugherty, Huntington North – 3 INT
Jaydin Haller, Northrop – 2 INT
Caleb Hollingsworth, Homestead – 1 INT
Brayden Limerick, West Noble – 2 INT
Tanner Mickelson, Leo – 2 INT
Nick O’ Keefe, Bishop Dwenger – 2 INT
Garrett Oliver, Heritage – 3 INT
Kasen Stephen, South Adams – 3 INT
These opinions represent those of DC Hendrix and Outside the Huddle. No opinions expressed on Outside the Huddle represent those of any of our advertisers. Follow DC Hendrix on X at dchendrix.
Be the first to comment