2020 Defensive Backs

[TwentyTwo]

Recent NFL Drafts have not been kind ; Eric Weddle retired & Harrison Smith can't play forever...then you have hybrids like Nate Gerry ; Tanner Muse ; & Garrett Wallow(this season)

It would be nice to see at least 3 or 4 players in 2021 NFL Draft (Breeze; Turner & Blankenship for sure!)

SS -Brady Breeze (Sr.) 6'-0 198 Oregon ...play maker flashed Big time ability in Rose Bowl Winning Defensive Player of the Game & PAC 12 Championship with INT & Fumble Recoveries etc... If he continues to produce at the level he did in the second half of last season, he’ll be one of the most productive DB's in the Power 5 & an All-American candidate.

FS Nolan Turner (Sr.) 6'-1 195 Clemson.....former 2 Star CB in HS..... ONLY started 4 games in career so far ; but on the field as "Nickle" for majority of snaps! In his nearly four-dozen appearances, Turner has been credited with 124 tackles (5.5 for loss), 14 passes broken up, three interceptions (all in postseason play), a sack and a forced fumble
underwent surgery on his right/arm shoulder earlier this offseason. Clemson ...the other 1/2 the ""Stud Brothers"(Shadowlight) w Tanner Muse off to the Raiders ; Dad Kevin played RB in the NFL

SS- Reed Blankenship (Sr.) 6'-1" 196 Middle Tennessee ...Career 233 tackles;15.5 tackles for loss ;2 sacks; 8 INT’s returned for 148 yards & TD ; 10 pass deflections; 1 forced fumble; 1 fumble recovery ;8 punt returns for 104 yards despite missing back half last season with ankle injury. Still made 2nd Tean Conf.USA. If Healthy... he's an NFL Talent!

SS Stuart Head (Sr.) 6'-4" 204 Stanford ....Former Dual Threat QB expected to Start.(started 6 games Jr. season) Looking for a break out year already a Senior! Time flies!

CB Riley Moss (Soph.) 6'-1 191 Iowa ....one of the few Starting White CB's in the Power 5 Conferences...made 1 start last season (missed 4 games/injury)...had 2 INT's (Minnesota & Purdue) ; 3 Pass Break ups; expect a larger role
#EDIT PIC Disappeared some reason

CB Andrew Bird (RS Soph.) 6'-1" 181 Rice ...one of the few starting white Cornerbacks in the FBS. Had an INT and two Pass Delections; Missed a few games due to injury


Jack Fagot (RS Jr.) 6'-0 198 (fay-Go) Louisville ...Stunner seeing first White Defensive Player(#38) in a very long time for Louisville vs. Notre Dame . ((of course a Former Walk-on)) Projected Starter worth keeping an eye on!
INT vs. Clemson

Feel free to Add to the List ...i'm sure several here will do a good job keeping Updates!

 

[Leonardfan]

A couple of players mentioned last year here:

University of Dayton Safety Brandon Easterling 6'0" 203 lbs - Really stepped up last year with 140 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 3 Fumble recoveries, 6 Ints.

Drake Safety Will Warner 6'3" 205 lbs - Career stats are 96 total tackles, 3 TFLs and 15 career INTs (2 pick 6's)!

 

[Bucky]

Always my favorite threads! 2020 looks to be a better year for our DBs!

 

[Red Raider]

Sterling Weatherford (JR) 6’4” 218lbs Miami (Ohio)
Weatherford is a massive safety who is also rangy and makes plays. First year starter in 2019 but also contributed in 2018. With 2 seasons remaining he currently has 125 tackles, 5.5 for loss, 2 sacks, 2 INT (54 yards), 11 pass deflections, 2 FF, 2 FR. I’d love to see him in the NFL in the future, he could be what we hoped Cooper Taylor would be in the NFL.


Chase Kuerschen (SR) 6’1” 200lbs Tulane
It seems like just yesterday we were talking about Kuerschen as a true freshman starting safety but now he’s already a senior. Starter in 2017 and 2019 but for some reason was a backup in 2018. Has 22 career starts and has recorded 159 tackles, 2 for loss, 4 INT, 4 pass deflections, and 2 FF. He’s a true free safety, you won’t see him near the line of scrimmage he’s usually playing centerfield and making plays on the 2nd or 3rd level, hence the only 2 TFL in his career.


Grayson Cash (JR) 6’0” 195lbs UAB
Came in as a CB but moved to safety and started 8 games in 2019. His stats weren’t super spectacular but he has two full seasons left as a starter to prove himself. He has an INT and 2 FF so far in his two seasons.


Jack Koerner (JR) 6’0” 204lbs Iowa
Full time starter in 2019, people doubted him in the offseason and said he’d be a backup but he took the starting job and never let it go. He finished with 81 tackles, 1 for loss, 1 INT, 4 pass deflections, 1 FF, and 2 FR. It’ll be fun to watch him the next two years as the next in a long string of white Iowa safeties (along with CB Riley Moss).

 

[Red Raider]

I didn’t feel like going to sleep so here’s some more DB’s for you guys. These are my favorite posts to make, it gets me excited for the season before it actually starts.

Scott Nelson (JR) 6’2” 204lbs Wisconsin
Nelson earned a starting role as a redshirt freshman but suffered a season ending injury in the first game of the season in 2019. In 2018 as a starter he recorded 41 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 1 INT, 6 pass deflections, and a FF. Look for him to rebound with a healthy 2020.


Ben DeLuca (SR) 6’1” 207lbs Charlotte
DeLuca is a 3 year starter who also had his 2019 season ended by injury. He was able to be granted another year to play and he looks to improve his already spectacular career. He has 264 career tackles, 4 INT, and 7 forced fumbles (led nation with 5 in 2018). He will likely end his career as Charlottes all-time leading tackler.


Travis Whillock (SR) 6’1” 200lbs Northwestern
Whillock is entering his third year as a starting safety. He played high school ball with stud starting LB Paddy Fisher. Whillock is a good player who needs to get himself on the board with some INT’s this year. His career stats in two seasons are 135 tackles. 6.5 for loss, 2 sacks, 5 pass deflections, 1 FF, and 4 FR.


Mike Palmer (SR) 6’1” 200lbs Boston College
Palmer became a starter in 2019 and looks to improve in 2020. In 2019 had 76 tackles, 2 TFL, 2 INT, and 3 pass deflections. 100+ career tackles in his career. Teamed up with Nolan Borgersen in 2019 to form a good safety duo.


Trevor Denbow (SR) 5’11” 225lbs SMU
Started all 13 games at safety in 2019 after having 8 starts at linebacker in 2018. Denbow also punted 43 times as the starting punter. Like Whillock, he needs to get his hands on some INT’s. In two starting seasons he has 106 tackles, 6.5 for loss, 2 sacks, 5 pass deflections, and 1 FF. Also has punted 45 times for 1745 yards.

 

[dolphins15]

Asa Turner (SO) 6'3" 195 Washington
Started 5 games in his true freshman season. Finished with 19 tackles an 1 INT. He has NFL potential.

Cooper DeVeau (SO) 5'11" 180 Brown
Earned starting role at CB as a true freshman! He had 46 tackles, 1 INT, 1 FR, and 12 pass break ups.

These next few are some young guns who haven't broke through but we should keep an eye on.

Tate Hallock (R.FR) 6'4" 185 Michigan State
Played in four games and took a red shirt. Did manage 1 tackle and 1 FF. Long and athletic needs to add weight.

Bryson Shaw (R.FR) 6'1" 195 Ohio State
Played 3 games and red shirted. Had 2 tackles in he games he played. He can really run.

Connor Grieco (R.FR) 6'3" 175 Boston College
Played 4 games and red shirted but had 7 tackles. Like Hallock needs to add some weight. But has a lot of potential.

 

[Red Raider]

Kevin Brennan (JR) 5’11” 200lbs Navy
Brennan had 10 FBS offers coming out of high school but decided to take his talents to Navy. He starred in 2019 as he became a starting safety. He had 81 tackles, 2.5 for loss, 2 INT, and 4 pass deflections.

 

[Red Raider]

Alex Spillum (JR) 6’2” 190lbs Coastal Carolina
Spillum started 8 of the first 9 games in 2019 before missing the last 3 due to injury. He recorded 43 tackles, 2.5 for loss, 1 sack, 1 INT, and a pass breakup.

 

[Red Raider]

Luke Masterson (SR) 6’2” 220lbs Wake Forest
Masterson is a hybrid S/LB who has seen time at both in his career. He started the first 6 games in 2019 before missing the rest due to injury. Career totals are 108 tackles, 4 for loss, 1 sack, 1 INT, 9 pass deflections, and 1 FR.


Zayne Anderson (SR) 6’2” 210lbs BYU
Anderson is another hybrid who has seen time at multiple positions in his career. It was reported he would be playing corner in his final season but it looks like he will be starting at safety again. He has had his entire career derailed by injuries so I hope he can stay healthy in 2020 and improve his NFL chances. In his career he has 121 tackles, 1.5 for loss, 3 INT’s, 3 pass deflections, 3 FF, and 2 FR.

 

[dolphins15]

Evan Horn (SR) 6'0" 206 New Hampshire
Led his team in tackles (70) and INT's (4) last season. Has 170 tackles with 11 picks and 4 TD's for his career. Also has 7 career sacks and 3 FF. In 2017 he walked on to the basketball team and started 2 games.

Calin Criner (SR) 5'10" 185 Eastern Washington
He had 85 tackles and 4 INT's last season. He has 183 tackles and 7 INT's for his career.

 

[TwentyTwo]

Thanks for adding all of these DB's....
Hoping Scott Nelson & Ben DeLuca are fully recovered from injury
Calin Criner could easily be a CB.
Hoping to see Bryson Shaw break through. ...highly Recruited in HS
Like D15 said .... Asa Turner has NFL potential,,,,Shined in HS All Stat Polynesian Bowl; Rangy Ball hawk!

Quinn Brinnon (Sr.) 6'-0 205 Colorado State...project starting Free Safety with the Rams...pic w RB Kade Remsberg

Brennan Thieneman (Sr.) 6'-1" 210 Purdue.....Academic All-Big Ten.• Appeared in all 12 games, making eight starts.• Had 49 total tackles, 34 solo stops last year.• Recorded 1.5 tackles for loss, forced a fumble & broke up two passes.

Brayden Matts (RS Jr.) 6'-1 " 200 Coastal Carolina....; projected Strong Safety; Played in all 12 games, starting four; 35 tackles last season, including 21 solo tackles; 0.5 tackle-for-loss, forced 2 fumbles, & recovered one fumble....emulating Clemson(Muse & Turner) with Alex Spillum in the Secondary

Corvan Taylor (Soph.) 6'-2" 200 Air Force......Rangy athlete ; Project Starter @ Strong Safety ; after limited playing time last season

Hayden Bourgeois (Sr.) 5'-11" 184 NW Louisiana ....limited action last season (sports hernia) ; but 2018 Season: First team All-Southland Conference @ Safety … led the conference & tied for 8th in the FCS 5 INT's… was 3rd nationally in takeaways (combined interceptions and fumble recoveries) with 7. Should at least get into NFL training camp; but size may be deterrent for white DB(Don't tell that to Jim Leonhard)

Dalton Holt (Sr.) 6'-0 195 Slippery Rock... 3rd year starter; last season Tied for the team lead in INT's & 2nd in total tackles; old school nasty attitude

Ross Elder (Jr.) 6'-0 177 Kansas State.... Projected Starter @ Free Safety ;1st Team Academic All-Big 12 performer.

 

[dolphins15]

Michael Marchese (SR) 6'4" 210 Illinois
Former Walk-On. Started 3 games in 2018 but was a reserve last season. He has 28 tackles, 2 INT's, and 2 FR in his career.

Collin Wilder (SR) 5'10" 194 Wisconsin
Former 3* recruit who went to Houston then transferred to Wisconsin. He had 19 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT and 6 PBU's. would love to see him join Scott Nelson as a starting duo.

 

[dolphins15]

Garrison Vaughn (SO) 6'2" 198 Houston
Started 5 games and played in 11. Had 35 tackles and 5 PBU's.

Bryson Powers (R.JR) 6'1" 202 Tulsa
Had 22 tackles and 2 FF this season but never started a game. In 2018 he started 7 games had 63 tackles, 4 PBU's, 1 FF, 1 FR.

 

[dolphins15]

Gage Kreski (SR) 6'1" 205 Central Michigan
Started 1 game last season. Had 37 tackles 2 INT, 1 FF, and 3 PBU.

Will Brocchini (SR) 5'9" 161 Old Dominion
One of the few white CB's. A JUCO product who started 5 games last season. He had 23 tackles, 1 INT, and 1 PBU.

Hunter Goetz (R.SO) 6'1" 165 Liberty
One of the few white CB's. Played in 4 games with 2 tackles.

 

[ximasa]

Where is Ethan Bonner now? 0 stats last season...

 

[dolphins15]

Iowa DB Jack Koerner was in a boating accident and is in "serious" condition with non-life threatening injuries. Hope he comes back ok.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-f...rner-injured-in-personal-watercraft-accident/

 

[DWF Upside]

Dolphin you must be a full time scout or something with all the under the radar recruits you find. You found 2 near me over the years that even neighboring fans might not have known.

Koerner’s buddy got jacked up bad and wont be the same but his twitter says that he will make a full recovery. Had a concussion and lacerations from the prop is the rumor. Might be an outside chance he plays this year.

 

[dolphins15]

DWF, not a full time scout lol. Although I do have some experience. I just enjoy watching these kids highlights. I watch some of the kids who are getting recruited to schools and every kid I post on here is at the very least compatible to kids getting bigger looks.

 

[Red Raider]

Robby Hauck (JR) 5’10” 185lbs Montana
Robby is the son of Montana head coach Bobby Hauck and he is also the nephew of Tim Hauck (NFL safety 1990-2002). Robby has started both of his seasons at Montana after redshirting in 2017 at Northern Arizona. In two seasons he has amassed an incredible 224 tackles to go along with 7.5 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 INT, and 2 FF.

 

[dolphins15]

Michael Tutsie (JR) 5'10" 197 North Dakota State
He was second on the team in tackles 105 and led the team with 7 INT's. Also had 1 FF and 9 PBU's.

Preston Smith (SR) 5'11" 185 Weber State
He had 91 tackles, 7.5 TFL's, 1 INT, and 3 FF. Has 147 career tackles.

Nick Ciccio (R.JR) 6'0" 190 Colorado Mesa
He was first team AP All American at the D2 level. He had 60 tackles, 8 INT's, 3 FF, and 14 PBU's. He also had 246 yards on kick returns. When the Kyle Dugger's of the world are picked as high they are, no reason Ciccio shouldn't get a shot.

 

[Bucky]

A lot of talent at the lower levels as well!

 

[dolphins15]

Cody Cline (SO) 6'1" 185 Charleston Southern
He was the Big South Defensive Freshman of the year, 1st team All Big South, HERO Sports Freshman All-American First Team selection. He had 73 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 INT and 5 PBUs.

Niko Mermigas (SR) 5'11" 200 Dartmouth
All-Ivy League honorable mention in the defensive backfield, Phil Steele All-Ivy League Third Team. He had 47 tackles, 1 INT, 1 FF, and 6 PBU's.

AJ Mistler (R.JR) 5'11" 200 Albany
Former Walk-On. He had 109 tackles, 9 TFL's, 1 sack, 2 FF and 1 FR. Listed at DB but I think he plays a hybrid LB/DB.

 

[Shadowlight]

Drew Hartlaub (JR) 5'10" 182 Penn State
Former walk on who might not see many snaps on D since he is listed as a backup SS on the two deep but I suspect he will get some snaps. But the way he jets down the field on special teams is worth the price of admission alone. Unfortunately NFL scouts aren't keen on drafting special team fetch patrol artists. His speed is phenomenal. This former track sprint star runs in the 4.2 40 range. He is likely the fastest player in the Big Ten and right up there with the fastest in the country.

 

[Bucky]

Drew Hartlaub (JR) 5'10" Penn State
Former walk on who might not see many snaps on D since he is listed as a backup SS on the two deep but I suspect he will get some snaps. But the way he jets down the field on special teams is worth the price of admission alone. Unfortunately NFL scouts aren't keen on drafting special team fetch patrol artists. His speed is phenomenal. This former track sprint star runs in the 4.2 40 range. He is likely the fastest player in the Big Ten and right up there with the fastest in the country.
View attachment 2952

4.2 speed? Walk-on? Ha never gets old.

 

[dolphins15]

Drew Hartlaub (JR) 5'10" Penn State
Former walk on who might not see many snaps on D since he is listed as a backup SS on the two deep but I suspect he will get some snaps. But the way he jets down the field on special teams is worth the price of admission alone. Unfortunately NFL scouts aren't keen on drafting special team fetch patrol artists. His speed is phenomenal. This former track sprint star runs in the 4.2 40 range. He is likely the fastest player in the Big Ten and right up there with the fastest in the country.
View attachment 2952

Nice find @Shadowlight! Kind of like Coleton Beck, in that someone with that kind of speed you would think they would find more ways to get them on the field.

https://www.ydr.com/story/sports/co...et-know-fastest-nittany-lion-2019/1938725001/