Secondary groups to watch in 2021
The only area of the defense I have not covered in my groups to watch series is the secondary. Today, I looked around the state, searching for some of the potential defensive backfields who look to be some of the…
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Continue ReadingThe only area of the defense I have not covered in my groups to watch series is the secondary. Today, I looked around the state, searching for some of the potential defensive backfields who look to be some of the best in Minnesota. Like usual, I weighed the success of the defense a year ago and who is coming back from those teams, combined with film review – when I could find it. Without further ado, here are four defensive backfields you should be watching this spring.
Fridley
Micah Newald
Micah
Newald
DB
Fridley | 2021
State
MN
,
Terrell Davis
Terrell
Davis
DB
Fridley | 2021
State
MN
Good luck trying to score on the Tigers’ defense this season. Not only do they return two top tier defensive linemen, but they also return two of the best defensive backs in the state. Fridley looks to have one of the most athletic groups in the state. Both Newald and Davis might be better receivers than defensive backs, but the instincts and hands they have developed as receivers show up on the defensive side of the ball.
SMB
Elijah Short
Elijah
Short
DB
SMB | 2021
State
MN
,
Tony Avila-Tovalin
Tony
Avila-Tovalin
DB
SMB | 2021
State
MN
, Toby Jacobson
In what seems to be an annual issue for the SMB Wolfpack, the defensive backfield is losing another piece before they even get started. With three guys returning who saw time in the secondary, think of what they would be if star defensive back Travon Howard was not moving on to IMG Academy. Jacobson returns after posting 55 tackles and five interceptions at free safety. Jacobson not only has good range and instincts playing center field, but he also is not afraid to attack the run game aggressively. Short is a tough man-to-man coverage guy who has good instincts and will hit in the running game too. Avila-Tovalin was injured part of the year but has garnered interest from programs at nearly all levels. Like Jacobson and Short, Avila-Tovalin has no trouble supporting the running game and helps the Wolfpack on special teams too.
Totino-Grace
Nick Hand
Nick
Hand
6'3" | DB
Totino-Grace | 2021
State
MN
,
Deezwin Cooper
Deezwin
Cooper
ATH
Totino-Grace | 2021
State
MN
With two returning starters, the Eagles are sure to make it tough on opponents’ passing games. Safety Hand can play deep safety but can also play in the slot and man up receivers. Cooper can play both tight man coverage from his corner position or play off the ball and still make plays because of his ability to read routes and his closing ability.
Michael Sauer
Michael
Sauer
6'3" | 185 lbs | WR
Totino Grace | 2022
State
MN
looks like he will be counted on to fill one of the roles not taken by Hand and Cooper. Sauer showed a good ability to support the run during his sophomore season.
Marshall
Bryce Lance
Bryce
Lance
6'2" | WR
Marshall | 2021
State
MN
, Jack Bly
The Tigers bring back at least ten interceptions from the 2019 team. Lance – who had five picks – is one of the most dynamic players in the state. While his future might be at wide receiver, he will cause plenty of problems for opposing offenses this spring. His athletic ability and size allow him to roam the back end from sideline to sideline. As one of the state’s top receivers, he is a threat to come up with an interception any time a quarterback tries to challenge him. Bly picked off three passes from his corner position, and Demario Gaines saw plenty of varsity snaps as a junior and picked off two passes of his own.