Interception Leaders To Know in Metro Atlanta
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We all know how deep the defensive back group is across the state of Georgia. Multiple defensive backs from the 2021 class signed with SEC programs and were known as some of the best in the nation. The 2022 class…
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Continue ReadingWe all know how deep the defensive back group is across the state of Georgia. Multiple defensive backs from the 2021 class signed with SEC programs and were known as some of the best in the nation. The 2022 class also features multiple elite defensive backs including multiple five-stars in Deyon Bouie Deyon Bouie 5'11" | 185 lbs | ATH Bainbridge | 2022 State GA (Bainbridge) and Travis Hunter Travis Hunter 6'1" | 165 lbs | ATH Collins Hill | 2022 State GA (Collins Hill). Then there’s the upcoming 2023 class which features more high-level D1 talents.
The metro-Atlanta area specifically is home to some of the state’s best ball-hawking defensive backs and they proved it last season. Here are a few defensive backs from the area who had a knack for intercepting passes last season.
Travis Hunter Travis Hunter 6'1" | 165 lbs | ATH Collins Hill | 2022 State GA – Collins Hill
Arguable the best overall athlete in the entire country, Hunter is an easy five-star prospect with elite speed, ball skills, and athleticism. Not only did he lead the state in receiving last year, but he also made lots of plays on defense, intercepting 8 passes (Tied for 2nd in the state). He might have the best hands in the state and proved it all last year. He has a great frame for a guy who plays on both sides of the ball at 6-foot-1 165-pounds and will continue to add more weight and muscle. He’s lean, but has a nice wingspan and big hands that allow him to snatch the ball out of the air. He also does a great job of contorting his body in the air and always puts himself in a position to make a play on the ball. Many believe his best football is on defense, because there just aren’t many defensive backs with his ball skills. He’s a natural in coverage with the speed to run with any receiver in the country. Look for Hunter to have another big year on both sides of the ball as a senior, hoping to lead the Eagles back to the 7A state championship game.
Ethan Nation Ethan Nation 6'0" | 170 lbs | DB Roswell | 2023 State GA – Roswell
2020 NFL First-Round pick Xavier McKinney came out of Roswell in the 2017 class, and they have another young defensive back with a possible NFL future in standout cornerback, Ethan Nation Ethan Nation 6'0" | 170 lbs | DB Roswell | 2023 State GA . The 6-foot-0 170-pounder is coming off a breakout sophomore season where he picked off 8 passes. He was a true game-changer as he intercepted two passes in two different games last season. The Roswell native was a true ball-hawk who effortlessly glides in the air to make a play on the ball. He’s fundamentally sound and has great coverage instincts. His quickness and change of direction allow him to stay in the pocket of opposing receivers and there aren’t many who can get behind him down the field. If there’s a jump ball situation, Nation is going to come down with the ball more often than not. He’s earned offers from Alabama, Georgia, Auburn, among others, and is expected to be one of the highest-ranking defensive backs across Georgia for the 2023 class.
Aaron Gates Aaron Gates 6'0" | 180 lbs | ATH Trinity | 2023 State GA – Trinity Christian
Another outstanding 2023 prospect, Gates is coming off a big sophomore season where he helped lead the Lions to a state championship appearance. Like Hunter, Gates is a two-way player who constantly makes big plays on both sides of the ball. He runs routes like a receiver and has hands like one as well. Gates was a playmaker on offense as he totaled over 400 receiving yards, but he’ll likely play defensive back at the next level. The 6-foot-0 180-pounder reeled in 5 interceptions last year, making him one of the bigger defensive playmakers in the Atlanta area. He’s a tremendous athlete who has already earned offers from Kentucky, Georgia Tech, Michigan, Pittsburgh, among others.