2021 DB’s That Made a Name for Themselves
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There are plenty of players throughout Georgia High School football that found a way to make a name for themselves during the 2020 football season. Regardless of how unprecedented the season was due to COVID-19, there were plenty of players…
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Continue ReadingThere are plenty of players throughout Georgia High School football that found a way to make a name for themselves during the 2020 football season. Regardless of how unprecedented the season was due to COVID-19, there were plenty of players that did not allow this to stop them from chasing their dream, as well as a state championship. While players from all classes found ways to garnish more attention than they have received all year, a large amount of our respect goes out to the seniors who managed to do so regardless of it being their last season. Specifically, in this article, we would like to recognize a few senior DB’s that climbed the ladder, and committed to notable programs along the way.
Jayden Johnson Jayden Johnson 6'2" | 200 lbs | DB Cedartown | 2021 State GA – Cedartown (Arkansas)
As soon as you cut on the tape of Johnson, one thing that stands out is the fact that he has the ideal height, and length to play DB at the next level. Lucky enough for him, Arkansas took notice of this as well. Johnson, shows that not only does he have quick lateral movement skills, but that he can change direction on the dime as well, which is crucial for him when he is playing defense. Another plus to his game is that he has shown that he can be efficient in both run defense, and coverage. His burst and length allow him to place himself in good positions to make stops, while also allowing himself room to break up passes when needed. With this, Johnson has also shown that he can come downhill and make tackles, which will be huge for him when he enters the SEC.
Jayson Gilliom- North Gwinnett (Kansas)
During his senior year, Gilliom not only showed that he had a great awareness for the game of football, but he had the movement skills to be able to play the game at a high level. Gilliom showed that he can flip his hips well in coverage, and put himself in place to make plays on the football. With this, he also showed that he is light on his feet, and that he is decent out of his breaks. Gilliom also showed Kansas coaches that he has the ability to move fluidly, and get around the field quickly due to his speed, making it hard for receivers to truly get open. One thing we are concerned about is his height and length going into the next level. Regardless, we do recognize that he has the speed to play top notch football, and we do feel he has a frame that can fill out well.
Charles Arnold Charles Arnold 5'9" | 165 lbs | DB Langston Hughes | 2021 State GA – Langston Hughes (Coastal)
Arnold, who is committed to a coastal program that showed out during the 2020 season, will be a positive addition to the team. During his senior season, not only did he gain their attention, but he put quality play on film. When watching Arnold perform, his speed jumps off of the tape, which makes it no surprise why Coastal is interested. As he lines up at DB, he is able to cover various routes due to his quickness, and ability to get in and out of breaks. Along with this, he also shows that he is not afraid to take good angles, which results in key stops for his team. In coverage, Arnold also shows that he has the ability to stay in the hip pocket of receivers, which will certainly translate well in the next level due to his constant pass break ups.
Brandon Calloway Brandon Calloway 6'2" | 175 lbs | DB Griffin | 2021 State GA – Griffin (Purdue)
Impressively, Calloway proved to be a very fluid moving DB prospect during the 2020 season. He not only bends well, but is able to transition his movement cleanly in and out of his breaks. With this, he also has a keen awareness for the ball, and the game as a whole, which allows him to put himself in place to make plays. While in coverage, he also plays the ball very well, sticking very close to receivers. This allows him to break up passes, and to even cause QB’s not to throw the ball his direction. As a DB, we love Calloway’s instincts to play the position, and are hopeful to see such things translate with him to the next level of play.