National Preps Showcase Top Performers: Defensive Backs
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In-depth look into some of the top DB’s from the National Preps Showcase at Arizona Christian. Photo: National Preps Showcases Joseph Lagafuaina, 2022, Cactus Good natural ability and talent on both sides of the ball. He’s a rangy safety that…
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Continue ReadingIn-depth look into some of the top DB’s from the National Preps Showcase at Arizona Christian.
Joseph Lagafuaina, 2022, Cactus
Good natural ability and talent on both sides of the ball. He’s a rangy safety that can cover sideline to sideline using his speed and good burst. He’s a ball hawk that plays well with his eyes and always puts himself in position to impact plays. Flashes great instincts and anticipation in coverage, he’s savvy with his movement and can bait QB’s to force a throw. Possesses great ball skills with strong and confident hands, he adjusts well and shows quick reactions to play the ball in the air. Strong all-around football player that could pop in 2021.
Ivan Martin Ivan Martin 5'11" | 180 lbs | DB Saguaro | 2022 State AZ , 2022, Saguaro
A strong cover corner with great speed and athleticism. He is a dynamic athlete with fluid hips out of his transition and great change of direction to match WR movement. Shows a good ability to close on the ball using his burst and acceleration out of his break. Love his coverage instincts, he demonstrates good route recognition and anticipation to make a play on the ball. Recruiting is starting to pick up with offers from Army and Navy recently.
Larry Royal, 2022, Queen Creek
Fluid athlete with good burst and change-of-direction. Does a great job transitioning and accelerating out of his break to quickly close space. Quick feet and good speed to play man coverage and stick with receivers all over the field. Strong ball skills, shows he can track/adjust to ball flight and time out his jumps to play the ball at the highest point. Can impact the game in a variety of ways with his abilities as a DB, RB, and Returner. D1 potential and upside.
Cruz Rushing, 2022, Salpointe Catholic
Rushing was a guy that made a name for himself among scouts and coaches. Possesses a long athletic frame with track speed, competes in 100m, 200m, and 400m. Quick feet with very good change of direction and fluid hips. Shows great leg drive out of his transition to close space. Strong ball skills with the ability to track and adjust to ball flight. Good foundational skillset with a ton of upside and potential.
Jordan Thomas, 2023, Ironwood Ridge
Had a strong performance at the showcase and in the limited game action during the 2020 season. He’s a plus athlete with speed, quickness, and burst. Capable of playing multiple positions at the college level, the game comes easy to him showing good instincts and natural game awareness. Great playing speed, he’s quick to get up to full speed and can change directions on a dime and accelerate out of his breaks. Great foundation of skills to build on.
Other Notable Performances:
Ruben Barragan, 2022, Salpointe Catholic
Camden Haggard, 2022, Hamilton
Bryce Jewell, 2023, Pusch Ridge Christian
Mason Sanchez, 2023, Salpointe Catholic