2022 Houston Defensive Backs on Watch
Listed below are a few 2022 Defensive Backs in the Houston area who should be on many watchlist going into next season. With an area filled with tremendous talent, this is only the first part of a long list of…
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Continue ReadingListed below are a few 2022 Defensive Backs in the Houston area who should be on many watchlist going into next season. With an area filled with tremendous talent, this is only the first part of a long list of excellent juniors going into their senior years ready to step up and be a valuable piece to their teams’ success. The players listed are those who stood out on film and who are expected to have a major impact going into next season. Their names may not be house hold names yet, but they all hold the potential to become one.
KJ Truehill, CB – Paetow
Truehill is a long corner with great range. He shows great confidence and ability in one vs one situations and is an exceptional man corner. Truehill has very good ball awareness and has an excellent break on the ball. He has the traits to be a top corner and his instincts are top notch. He plays the ball as a receiver on downfield throws and has good hands. Truehill is also a corner who is unafraid to take on the run game. On film he shows the ability to diagnose runs quickly and either make the play himself or become the contain man to force it back inside. As of now, Truehill holds three offers, but a player with his skill is bound to have more pour in very soon. Be sure to remember his name going into next season because he will be due for a major senior year.
Dreshon Downey, DB – South Houston
Downey shows great physicality on film. He is a defensive back who is versatile and can play anywhere in the secondary. He lines up in the slot, plays as the outside corner, and plays the safety position as well. Downey is excellent in run support and comes downhill with a purpose. He diagnoses plays in a hurry, puts a foot in the ground, and becomes a missile. Downey has terrific closing speed and is an excellent tackler. When is comes to pass defense, Downey plays comfortably and can match up with anybody. He gets physical with opposing receivers and makes great plays on the ball. He shows good instincts and is just an all around baller. Downey currently has two offers but that number will increase for him. He plays hungry and his effort will soon be rewarded.
Jakolby King, CB – Kempner
King is another long corner who excels in zone coverage. King is quick to react to outside routes and passes into the flat and make plays on the ball. His range is what makes him standout on film. King is able to get a hand on a ball with ease and he is continuously getting better the more he plays. King uses his long arms to press blocks off and make plays in the run game as well. I expect King to go into next season prepared to put his name on the map. He got his first taste of varsity action last season and now is his time to show out.
Kentrell Webb, S – Paetow
Webb’s film is a pleasure to watch. He is a player who plays with his hair on fire and with so much physicality. Webb has little wasted movements and seems to always make the right plays. Webb is quick and recognizes plays in a hurry. He has an excellent jump on the ball with leads to interceptions and bruising hits. Webb reads his keys incredibly well and just has that football instinct, which is definitely needed at that safety position. Webb shows much versatility, being able to play the pass confidently as well as be a major factor in the run defense. I expect Webb to have an incredible senior year and put people on notice.
Graham Gillespie, S – Bridgeland
Gillespie plays as an excellent centerfielder for the Bridgeland defense with great ball skills and play recognition. He has great sideline to sideline speed and an excellent feel for the game. Gillespie shows high awareness on the field, switching zone assignments with his teammates without hesitation and always finding the right spot to position himself. Gillespie is an excellent tackler and provides a great asset in the run game for his defense. He is a player who gets the job done and who will be asked to do even more next season. Expect Gillespie to get much more attention going into the season.
Marlin Gordon, S – Cypress Creek
Gordon primarily plays as a box safety but occasionally steps out to cover the slot. Gordon is a physical safety who plays the run incredibly well. He is a total disruptor when he is in the box. Gordon provides sure tackling and excellent speed on the edge for his defense. Shedding blocks is an easy task for Gordon. He takes on blocks with force and he is usually the one who initiates the first blow. Gordon is a quick player and someone who reacts on first sight of the ball. Defending the run is without a doubt his strong suit, but he also has the ability to cover in space. Gordon shows the ability to break on curl routes, out routes, and even go step for step with bigger receivers on deep routes. It will be important to see the growth he has had this offseason and how it will carry over into the season for Gordon. Expect Gordon to go into next season better than the last and ready to leave his mark.