Latest news with #defensivebacks
Yahoo
4 days ago
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Ex-Penn State star gets tough contract outlook from Bears
Former Penn State star Jaquan Brisker has had a great career in the NFL, currently playing for the Chicago Bears. When Brisker is on the field and healthy, there's a strong argument to be made that he's one of the better defensive backs in the NFL. Unfortunately, the concussions and injuries are tough to ignore. Advertisement According to The Athletic, when examining his next contract, those injuries could have an impact on what happens. They added that he was out for the entire year last season after Week 5, and while he's an outstanding player, the Bears have to factor in some of the injuries he's dealt with. 'Brisker is the Bears' only surefire starter who is under 30 and in a contract year. Concussions have been a serious issue. The latest one — which occurred in Week 5 last season — kept Brisker out the rest of the year. He hasn't been shy about his motivation. 'He's gifted athletically and a vocal leader, a trait that was sorely missed last season, but concussions are unpredictable, putting risk on any potential extension. Veteran Kevin Byard is set to be a free agent, too, making safety a 2026 need. Braxton Jones has to win the left tackle job first before we talk about his extension prospects,' they wrote. Advertisement MORE: Who is Penn State's biggest villain heading into the 2025 season? Brisker spent three years at Penn State, eventually being drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft. He's been with the Bears for three seasons and has started in every game he's been available for. If he can resolve his health issues and, most importantly, manage his concussion problems, the Bears will likely reward him with a big-time deal. Until then, however, Chicago has some things to consider.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ranking Big Ten DB Units for 2025
The Big Ten could be home to several of the best secondaries in the sport. Whether it be the Big Three of Penn State, Ohio State or Oregon or even the vaunted Iowa Hawkeyes, you can rely on these units to carry the load for their teams in the back end of their respective defenses. Here is a comprehensive ranking from worst to first of the Big Ten's elite defensive back units. 18. Rutgers Dec 26, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Kaj Sanders (5) against the Kansas State Wildcats during the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Rutgers is the last on this list, mainly due to inexperience. However, that inexperience could quickly turn to the upside within its ranks. The highlight of the group may just be rising sophomore and former Bergen Catholic stalwart Kaj Sanders. In just five starts, he racked up over 43 tackles. Also, look out for converted running back Al-Shadee Salaam on the outside for more ranginess, as he had 26 tackles and 2 pass breakups. The upside is what gives this room promise, but they must perform to standard. Advertisement 17. Northwestern Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) runs around Northwestern Wildcats defensive back Josh Fussell (13) during the NCAA football game at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. Ohio State won 31-7. Northwestern drops precipitously from the midst of the rankings due to a major change in the cornerback room. The departure of Theran Johnson to Oregon certainly hurts, but some young blood could certainly fuel some production. Redshirt sophomore Josh Fussell returns to helm that group, with 39 tackles last year. Grad transfer Fred Davis also adds much-needed experience, logging over 245 coverage snaps at both Clemson and Jacksonville State. At safety, junior Dillon Tatum adds solidity and range to cover for the loss of Coco Azema. 16. Purdue Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Crew Wakley (7) goes for a catch Saturday, March 8, 2025, during Purdue football practice at Kozuch Football Performance Complex in West Lafayette, Ind. Purdue's DB unit is littered with several transfers looking to add stability to the back end. Former UNC man Tony Grimes adds height and range at the position, with his best season coming in 2022, with 36 tackles and six PBUs. On the other side could be former Boston College and Ohio State standout Ryan Turner, who in nine games last year for the Eagles had 13 tackles, 2 for loss, and an interception. Crew Wakley is expected to helm the safety position, logging over 100 tackles in two years at BYU. Advertisement 15. Nebraska Dec 28, 2024; Bronx, NY, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back Ceyair Wright (15) celebrates a defensive stop during the second half against the Boston College Eagles at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Nebraska is one of the older groups in the Big Ten and can rely on several seniors to lead them. Ceyair Wright could be a standout on the outside, as he had career highs across the board last year, leading the team in pass breakups. Deshon Singleton, the leader in tackles for the Cornhuskers last year with 71, returns as well at the strong safety spot. This group certainly will rise throughout the year and be one of the reasons the Huskers could stay competitive in the conference. 14. Michigan State Sep 2, 2023; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Hal Presley (16) is tackled by Texas State Bobcats cornerback Joshua Eaton (1) after a reception during the second half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports Another senior-heavy secondary, the Spartans will rely on a strong duo at CB1 and 2 to carry the load. Joshua Eaton and Malcolm Bell are the presumptive starters. A Texas State transfer, Eaton played in all 12 games last year and contributed 27 tackles and a sack for the Bobcats. Bell recorded 93 tackles and 13 PBUs for the UConn Huskies and will be coming to Michigan State as a grad transfer. At the safety spot, look for Malik Spencer and Nikai Martinez to be two other senior leaders who can be relied upon. Advertisement 13. Maryland Sep 14, 2024; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Antwane Wells Jr. (3) makes a catch against Wake Forest Demon Deacons defensive back Jamare Glasker (25) during the first half at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images While the loss of Dante Trader Jr. to the NFL is a disappointment, the Terps certainly have emerging talent who can succeed this year. Look for Wake Forest transfer Jamare Glasker Jr to provide much-needed energy to the Terps' back end after having 37 tackles and four pass breakups last year. And don't sleep on junior Lavain Scruggs either, who totaled 43 tackles in a breakout sophomore campaign. 12. Wisconsin Wisconsin cornerback Ricardo Hallman (2) runs 95 yards for a touchdown after an interception during the second quarter of their game against Rutgers Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin, even with the departure of Hunter Wohler to the NFL, must feel very hyped for their secondary ahead of this season. Without question, there will be stability on the boundaries for the Badgers as both Nyzier Fourqurean and Ricardo Hallman Jr. return for a second straight year. Hallman was targeted the fewest times of any CB in the nation with at least 300 coverage snaps and only allowed 20 catches on 33 targets. Meanwhile, at the free safety spot, Preston Zachman had the third-highest PFF grade of any safety in the conference. Advertisement 11. UCLA Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Drake Stoops (12) and Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Key Lawrence (12) celebrate with the Golden hat trophy after beating Texas Longhorns 34-30 during an NCAA college football game at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. This game makes up the119th rivalry match up. UCLA is a blend of both inexperience and quality for both the corners and the safeties. While there may be uncertainty on the boundaries, the safeties are expected to shine. Of the top 6 corners on the depth chart, only two have started for a power conference team. The highlight of the group may be Jamier Johnson of Indiana, who had his first career interception last year and is looking to find a stable home after featuring at Texas as well. At safety, look for Key Lawrence, an Ole Miss transfer, to settle in nicely next to Croix Stewart after only playing 27 snaps last year for the Rebels. 10. Indiana Indiana's D'Angelo Ponds (5) makes an interception and returns it for a touchdown during the Indiana versus Washington football game at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 26, 2024. Indiana's secondary certainly shocked the world last year as one of the best units in the conference. It's not looking like they will relinquish that elite status anytime soon. D'angelo Ponds returns after an All-American year, which saw him have 9 pass breakups and 3 interceptions. He was also PFF's third-ranked corner nationally. Look for redshirt junior Jamari Sharpe to emerge alongside him after getting the bulk of the snaps in the spring game. In terms of safety, look for underrated junior Amare Ferrell to shine as the youngest safety in the room. Advertisement Nov 16, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Xavier Scott (14) and Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Torrie Cox Jr. (5) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images Illinois is another experienced group led by veteran star power. First Team All-Big Ten selection Xavier Scott returns at the nickel spot after a career year of 49 tackles, 4 interceptions, a sack, and six pass breakups. However, the corner spot might not look as solid as it could be. Redshirt junior Kaleb Patterson will look to be the leader of the room from Day One and establish a solid foundation for a potential weakness in the Illini secondary. 8. Minnesota Oct 26, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Koi Perich (3) warms up before the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images Minnesota is placing a lot of trust on its youth at the corner position but does return sophomore safeties with tons of upside and breakout campaigns under their belt. Koi Perich's 5 interceptions led the Big Ten, to go along with 46 tackles and 2 for loss. Kerry Brown gives them some of the most stability at the position in the conference over the next several years. However, FCS transfer Jaylen Bowden and redshirt sophomore Za'Quan Bryant must grow up quickly at the corner spots for this Minnesota secondary to truly shine this year. Advertisement 7. USC Oct 12, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans safety Kamari Ramsey (7) reacts after a play in the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images USC will have a lot of competition all over the secondary from now until the fall. There are a lot of veteran players who will feel that the starting jobs are all but theirs for the taking, but the underclassmen should not be underestimated. Redshirts seniors DJ Harvey and DeCarlos Nicholson are expected to be the two starting corners, with 55 tackles between the two last year. However, look for Kamari Ramsey to have another standout campaign at the free safety position after having 60 tackles and 2 sacks in his sophomore year. 6. Washington Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffalos wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) against Arizona Wildcats cornerback Tacario Davis (1) at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images With the addition of Tacario Davis, Washington bolstered its secondary in a major way. With All-Big 12 credentials and the height and length to cover the toughest Big Ten receivers, look for Davis to mightily improve the corner rooms' outlook. Ephesians Prysock will look to partner with him on the left side after a 61-tackle campaign last year. Redshirt senior CJ Christian at strong safety could be one to watch after grabbing 3 interceptions last year. Advertisement 5. Michigan Michigan Wolverines defensive back Zeke Berry (10) celebrates during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Despite the loss of Will Johnson to the NFL, Michigan still boasts one of the best secondaries in the conference. Jyaire Hill and Zeke Berry are expected to be the corner pairing for the Wolverines. Berry had a breakout year moving from the nickel spot to the outside, and had a career high 9 pass breakups last year. However, the name to know for Michigan fans is that of safety Rod Moore. Returning from an ACL injury and though he might need to reacclimate to the team, can be an effective contributor in a loaded safety group. TJ Metcalf fills out the projected starters on the strong side, with 7 PBUs last year. 4. Penn State Nov 9, 2024; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback AJ Harris (4) reacts after a pass break up by cornerback Cam Miller (not pictured) resulting in a fourth down for the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State won 35-6. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images Penn State could certainly make the case for a top-three spot in both the conference and perhaps even the country. However, the loaded front seven may overshadow this group's contributions. Nevertheless, they return All-Big Ten third team candidate AJ Harris on the outside, who played in all 16 games last year. Elliott Washington returns for his junior year after a breakout sophomore campaign where he contributed 7 PBUs. At safety, Zakee Wheatley returns for a potential final year with the Nittany Lions after a 96-tackle and three-pick season. The wildcard of the group could be Alabama transfer King Mack, who returns to Penn State after his brief transfer to the Crimson Tide, but returning sophomore Dejuan Lane is the projected starter beside Wheatley after playing in 14 games as a true freshman. Advertisement 3. Oregon Michigan State's Nathan Carter, right, runs for a gain as Purdue's Dillon Thieneman closes in during the second quarter on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. Oregon's transfer portal additions make this group ever more fearsome on the back end of an already elite defense. Dillon Thieneman was the headliner of the bunch and is undoubtedly the top safety on the roster. His Big Ten-leading 104 tackles as a DB at Purdue last year in an honorable mention All-Big Ten campaign prove his pedigree within the conference and his drive for more success. Theran Johnson, the former Northwestern man, fills out the cornerback room very nicely after having 10 pass breakups and 40 tackles in his sophomore campaign. Look for this Oregon secondary to round out a very well-balanced defensive unit. 2. Iowa Nov 19, 2021; Cedar Falls; Southeast Polk's Xavier Nwankpa (5) makes a key interception in the third quarter on a pass intended for Ankeny's Colin Kadolph (32) at the UNI Dome. The Rams beat the Hawks 24-7. Iowa has always been known for its stout secondaries, and this year's edition is no different. TJ Hall and Deshaun Lee are the projected corners. Hall played in 12 games last year and could have a breakout junior year after having 19 tackles and an interception last year. Lee also had 12 games under his belt last year with 42 tackles. However, it is safety Xavier Nwankpa that will most likely garner the most accolades by season's end. Moving to the free safety spot for the first time in his career, Nwankpa will be looking to validate his preseason second-team All-Big Ten status. Advertisement 1. Ohio State Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs leaves the field with a rose in his mouth following the 42-17 win over the Tennessee Volunteers in the College Football Playoff first round game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Dec. 21, 2024. Ohio State will face Oregon in the Rose Bowl. It is no surprise that Ohio State tops this list. After all, they return perhaps the best safety in all of college football and the deepest crop of corners in the country as well. Caleb Downs, the former Alabama man, is undoubtedly the best safety in the country and could even be the first DB since Charles Woodson to win the Heisman. Jaylen McClain could have a breakout season opposite him after getting limited action as a true freshman last year. At the corner spot, Davison Igbinosun is expected to be elite once again after leading the team in pass breakups last season with 9 and garnering honorable mention All-Big Ten acclaim. With players like these, the Buckeyes' secondary is the least of their concerns. This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Ranking Big Ten DB Units for 2025
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rivals Five-Star: Breaking down the defensive backs
INDIANAPOLIS – The stars came out for the 2025 Rivals Five-Star event at the Indianapolis Colts' facility this week. Here we break down the top defensive backs from the event. MORE FROM INDY: Highlights and analysis | Teams that should be pleased | Positional MVPs | Gorney Awards | Biggest surprises | Flip watch | QB analysis | RB analysis | WR analysis | TE analysis | OL analysis | DL analysis | LB analysis RECRUITING INTEL: Mid-South | Florida | West | Southeast | Midwest RIVALS FIVE-STAR MEDIA DAY: All the news, notes and interviews | The All-Lobby Team | How solid are the commitments? | Roster RIVALS FIVE-STAR INTERVIEWS: Jaden O'Neal | Trae Taylor | Chase Calicut | Samu Moala | Jake Kreul | Felix Ojo | Peyton Houston | CJ Sadler | Richard Wesley | JaReylan McCoy | Carter Scruggs | Nolan Wilson | Carson Sneed | Derrek Cooper | Devin Carter | Jayden Wade | Joel Wyatt | Kaden Henderson | Nick Abrams Standing at 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, the Georgia commitment has the length to play anywhere in the defensive backfield. He's got loose enough hips to play some corner but the projection should be safety here where he can roam and make plays. Advertisement Calicut is an impressive player that will fit right into Kirby Smart's defense in Athens. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH GEORGIA FANS AT One of the biggest revelations of camp was O'Brien's ability to play wide receiver. But he was pretty impressive on defense as well. The Notre Dame verbal out of Philadelphia was excellent in coverage at cornerback and safety. He has outstanding length and showed coverage skills, range and instincts in the secondary. His career at Notre Dame will be fascinating to watch. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH NOTRE DAME FANS AT Wyatt was another defender that showed a wide variety of skills during the Rivals Five-Star. He could be a safety in college or a linebacker. Some programs even like him to become an edge rusher. His frame is only going to get more impressive after he enters a college weight program. Wyman got his hands on the ball more than everyone else and consistently forced quarterbacks into bad throws. The Miami commit isn't the biggest defensive back but he has all the traits college and NFL scouts want – elite movement skills, long arms, excellent football instincts and good ball skills. He's got all the tools necessary to be a major impact player for the Hurricanes and become their next great defensive back. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH MIAMI FANS AT
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rivals Five-Star: Key DB storylines heading into Indianapolis
The Rivals Five-Star is being held June 23-24 at the Indianapolis Colts' practice facility. Here are four defensive back storylines we're following heading into the biggest event of the summer. RIVALS FIVE-STAR EVENT: Roster | ACC programs in the spotlight | Big Ten programs in the spotlight | SEC programs in the spotlight | Key QB storylines | Key RB storylines | Key WR storylines | Key TE storylines | Key OL storylines | Key DL storylines | Key LB storylines | Rivals Five-Star heading back to Indy BEST OF RIVALS CAMP SERIES: The five best QBs of the 2025 Rivals Camp Series regionals | Five best RBs | Five best WRs/TEs | Five best OL | Five best DL | Five best LBs | Five best DBs CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State CLASS OF 2027 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State THE U IS WELL-REPRESENTED John Garcia, Jr. Advertisement Of the 10 committed defensive backs competing in Indy, two are committed to Miami. That includes four-star cornerback Jaelen Waters and versatile four-star Jontavius Wyman, who can line up inside or out and can also patrol back deep. There will be two current Miami verbals on hand -- and potentially more representing The U before long. Top Hurricanes targets like four-stars Blake Stewart, Tamarion Watkins, Samari Matthews and Michigan-committed cornerback Brody Jennings are also set to compete. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH MIAMI FANS AT MORE IRISH BUZZ IN INDY Four-star cornerback Chaston Smith will be one of five Notre Dame verbal commitments competing in the Rivals Five-Star -- and that number just went up after Rivals250 safety Joey O'Brien committed to the Irish to kick off his official visit to South Bend this weekend. Advertisement No team has come on stronger this off-season with O'Brien than Notre Dame, which edged out Clemson and others for the touted blue-chipper from Pennsylvania. He will represent a big Irish contingent in Indianapolis this week. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH CLEMSON FANS AT POTENTIAL GAMECOCK TANDEM AT SAFETY Nick Lucero/ Four-star safety J'Zavien Currence is a Rivals Five-Star alum after competing last year in Jacksonville. The South Carolina commit out of the Palmetto State is one of two future Gamecocks set to take the field in Indy. That number could be three before the end of the summer. Currence will be joined by four-star safety Tamarion Watkins -- also out of South Carolina -- who is a top target for the Gamecocks. Watkins has logged official visits to Miami, Texas A&M, Georgia and South Carolina this past weekend -- with the latter as the favorite in the clubhouse for the versatile defender. Advertisement SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH SOUTH CAROLINA FANS AT SEVERAL CORNERBACKS ON FLIP WATCH Elite 2026 cornerbacks Zyan Gibson and Brody Jennings committed to Alabama and Michigan last year, respectively. Gibson popped in-state to the Tide on Christmas Eve -- and Jennings committed to the Wolverines this time last summer. A year later, both blue-chip cornerbacks are top flip targets. Gibson is still considering both Ole Miss and Tennessee. His father played in Oxford and the Vols were a finalist before he pledged to Alabama. Jennings has logged official visits to Miami and Florida both as the Sunshine State programs work to change the Big Ten commit's mind.
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Sport
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Rivals Camp Series: The five best DBs of the 2025 regionals
Jeff McCulloch/ The regional stops of the Rivals Camp Series are in the books with the Rivals Five-Star at the Indianapolis Colts' practice facility coming up later this month. Today, we conclude our look at the best players at each position through the regional events with the defensive backs. Advertisement BEST OF RCS: The five best QBs of the 2025 Rivals Camp Series regionals | Five best RBs | Five best WRs/TEs | Five best OL | Five best DL | Five best LBs RIVALS CAMP SERIES: Rivals Five-Star heading back to Indy | Rivals Five-Star roster | Schedule/info CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State CLASS OF 2027 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State TRANSFER PORTAL: Full coverage | Player ranking | Team ranking | Transfer search | Transfer Tracker RIVALS CAMP SERIES: Rivals Five-Star heading back to Indy | Rivals Five-Star roster | Schedule/info JAYDEN APARICIO-BAILEY - Atlanta Aparicio-Bailey won reps playing in press and playing off coverage in Atlanta -- en route to being crowned Defensive Back MVP. The 2027 blue-chipper out of Oak Mountain (Ala.) High has the attention of Clemson and programs across the SEC, including South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, Auburn, Alabama and LSU. Advertisement In Atlanta, Aparicio-Bailey was sound rotating and flipping his hips, sticky in coverage and aggressive making plays on the football. Our first live eval of Aparicio-Bailey was through the roof -- as a defensive back capable of playing cornerback, safety or nickel. CENSERE GAYLORD - Los Angeles Gaylord stood out in Los Angeles among another star-studded field. We were impressed by the four-star's ability to mirror receivers in coverage and then turn and run in coverage. Gaylord was one of several 2027 defensive backs to turn heads over the course of the Rivals Camp Series. He has plus length on his frame and speed to stick in coverage. There is still plenty of room for him to fill out his frame. Advertisement USC, SMU, Auburn and Texas all offered this offseason. DAVONTRAE KIRKLAND - Dallas Kirkland is a hybrid defensive back with the skill-set to work in and at cornerback and safety with length, quickness and also downfield speed to stick in coverage. We saw all of that and more in Dallas. Kirkland, who also shines as a receiver for Waco (Texas) University High, has a fantastic make-up to be a safety on Saturdays. The four-star prospect committed to Baylor on Saturday. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH BAYLOR FANS AT NASCAR MCCOY - Atlanta McCoy was sharp in coverage in Atlanta and was in contention for MVP honors. The 2026 four-star safety from Buford (Ga.) High School is instinctual and sound in coverage on the back end and his experience playing cornerback at the high school level is a key element to his game. McCoy came away with several interceptions in Atlanta. Miami, Auburn and Michigan are all after the four-star safety. JERRY OUTHOUSE, JR. - Dallas Outhouse Jr. took home MVP honors in Dallas out of a loaded field of talented defensive backs. Outhouse was sticky in coverage, able to turn and run with an array of different pass-catchers. We loved the four-star defensive back's ability to quickly close on passes with intensity. Outhouse's physicality on the back end -- able to play off and cover inside and out at a consistent clip -- in addition to getting his hands on several balls along the way. We project the 2027 four-star as a safety at the next level. SMU, Notre Dame and Tennessee are among the early teams in play here.
