Missouri 2023 Rankings Update: Defensive Backs
We unveiled our updated Class of 2023 rankings earlier this week, which includes 200 ranked prospects and more than 400 total prospects including the Watch List. Click here to view the updated 2023 Rankings! There are 23 defensive backs in…
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Continue ReadingWe unveiled our updated Class of 2023 rankings earlier this week, which includes 200 ranked prospects and more than 400 total prospects including the Watch List.
Click here to view the updated 2023 Rankings!
There are 23 defensive backs in the top 200 and 47 defensive backs overall for the Class of 2023 in Missouri in the Prep Redzone database. Today we are taking a closer look at the top five. (Click on the player names to check out their prospect pages on PRZ, including links to their HUDL highlights.)
1. Christian Gray Christian Gray 6'1" | 175 lbs | DB De Smet | 2023 State MO , De Smet
Gray, a lightning-fast 6-foot-1, 175-pound cornerback, checks in as the No. 4 overall prospect in Missouri in the Class of 2023 after a strong junior season in which he showcased his elite skill set.
Gray took over one of the cornerback spots with the graduation of Ohio State signee Jakalin Johnson and performed well in his first extensive varsity action. He recorded 34 tackles, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and scored four touchdowns — three on returns where he looked like the explosive player who has run 40-yard dash times in the 4.4 range.
It was that speed, along with his size and skill set, that helped establish Gray as a national-level recruit last offseason. He received a flurry of scholarship offers from coast to coast, including top programs like Ohio State, Oklahoma and Notre Dame, and will continue to be a hot recruit until he officially signs with a school. His most recent offer came from USC.
2. Marvin Burks Jr Marvin Burks Jr 6'2" | 190 lbs | DB Cardinal Ritter | 2023 State MO , Cardinal Ritter
A fast and physical 6-2, 190-pound safety who also plays wide receiver, Burks is the No. 7 overall prospect in Missouri in the junior class and the top safety prospect.
Burks is an athletic specimen who runs and hits and can make game-changing plays on either side of the ball. It’s no surprise that he has blown up as a prospect.
He received his first scholarship offer, from the University of Kansas, almost one year ago. Since then he’s been receiving them at a steady pace as more and more schools get a look at him. Among his recent offers are Ole Miss, USC and Miami.
3. Elijah Thomas Elijah Thomas 6'2" | 190 lbs | DB De Smet | 2023 State MO , De Smet
Thomas, a fast 6-2, 190-pounder, emerged as a Division I prospect after a breakout junior season that saw him record 51 tackles, three sacks, three fumble recoveries, one interception and one touchdown (on a fumble recovery).
The No. 21 overall prospect in Missouri in the Class of 2023, Thomas is a safety/outside linebacker hybrid player right now who could play defensive back or linebacker at the next level depending on how much weight he’s able to add to his frame. But it’s his unique speed that makes him a prospect to watch going into his senior season because there aren’t many defensive backs (and maybe not any linebackers) who are faster.
Thomas received his first scholarship offer, from Arkansas, after his junior season.
4. Austin Wilkerson Austin Wilkerson 6'0" | 190 lbs | DB Lamar | 2023 State MO , Lamar
Wilkerson, a 6-0, 190-pounder, is a dynamic two-way difference-maker as a defensive back and a running back for a talented Lamar squad that advanced to the Missouri Class 2 championship game.
Wilkerson was named the Class 2 Defensive Player of the Year after racking up 111 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, five interceptions and four pass break-ups. He also added 833 rushing yards, seven receptions for 185 yards and 15 total touchdowns.
5. Nick Bova Nick Bova 6'1" | 185 lbs | DB Troy Buchanan | 2023 State MO , Troy Buchanan
A 6-1, 185-pounder, Bova has already had three seasons as one of the Trojans’ top players and was a big part of Troy’s breakthrough 2021 season that ended in the Class 6 semifinals.
He was credited with 72 tackles from his free safety spot and 426 total yards (368 rushing, 58 receiving) and 11 total touchdowns as the team’s second-best running back.
As a sophomore, Bova accounted for 98 tackles and one interception, 814 total yards (700 rushing, 114 receiving) and four scores in 10 games. He had 64 tackles, three fumble recoveries and two interceptions as a freshman to go along with 475 total yards (436 rushing, 39 receiving) and three touchdowns.
Next five:
Caleb Donnell Caleb Donnell 5'11" | 180 lbs | DB Smithville | 2023 State MO , Smithville
Joel Beshore Joel Beshore 5'10" | 160 lbs | DB Lamar | 2023 State MO , Lamar
Konner Vaughn Konner Vaughn 6'2" | 160 lbs | DB Osage | 2023 State MO , Osage
DeAndre Beasley DeAndre Beasley 5'9" | 175 lbs | DB Lee's Summit North | 2023 KS , Lee’s Summit North
Trey Patrick Trey Patrick 6'1" | 165 lbs | DB Blue Springs South | 2023 State MO , Blue Springs South
Prep Redzone Missouri Rankings Updates Positional Breakdown
Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Wide Receivers | Tight Ends | Offensive Linemen | Defensive Linemen | Linebackers | Defensive Backs | Athletes