Under-the-Radar: 2021 DBs
We continue our Under-the-Radar series by looking at the defensive back position. The position is one of the deeper ones in the state, so in this installment, we’ll focus on the guys we think should be getting a bit more…
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Continue ReadingWe continue our Under-the-Radar series by looking at the defensive back position. The position is one of the deeper ones in the state, so in this installment, we’ll focus on the guys we think should be getting a bit more interest on the recruiting trail.
Kamron Hoover Kamron Hoover 5'10" | 165 lbs | DB Havelock | 2021 State NC , 5’10 165, Havelock
Hoover is an athletic, though slightly undersized corner. He excels on both sides of the ball and does a great job putting himself around the ball, forcing seven turnovers and deflecting seven passes a year ago. We like his potential at cornerback and think he could thrive in either a zone or man heavy scheme, particularly one that allows him to ad lib a bit and make big plays.
Fred Bates Fred Bates 6'0" | 175 lbs | DB Hopewell | 2021 State NC , 6’ 175, Hopewell
Bates is one of our favorite safety prospects in the state but he just doesn’t have the offers of some of his peers. His best trait is his range. Hopewell often puts him in single-high coverage and asks him to cover sideline-to-sideline, which he does well. Bates fits the modern game well in that he excels in coverage. He’ll bring a lot to the table for a college team.
Caleb Bowling Caleb Bowling 5'11" | 180 lbs | DB Davie | 2021 State NC , 5’11 180, Davie
Bowling is just slightly undersized at safety. Outside of that, he has absolutely everything colleges look for in a safety prospect. Production? Yep, Bowling had over 130 tackles last year. Competition level? Bowling moved over to Davie last season and dominated against 4A competition. Ability to play the run and the pass? Check and check. Bowling recently received his first Division 1 offer, but more should come in the future.
Klijah Jackson-Melton Klijah Jackson-Melton 5'11" | 165 lbs | DB Phillip O. Berry | 2021 State NC , 5’11 170, Phillip O Berry
If you watch a Berry game, you’ll likely see Jackson-Melton at safety. And linebacker. And in the slot. And as an outside corner. And, well you get the point. And he’s usually the best player on the field at any of those positions. He plays bigger than his size indicates and he’s excellent against the run. He’s still improving as a pure cover guy, but his versatility is more than enough to excite college coaches.