Posted 11 hours ago by Kyle Johnson Uncategorized

Names to Know:DB

Penn Sr Josh Johnson-2025 21tk 4int 7pbu

Johnson enters his final season as one of the leaders on the Quakers defense. The talented defensive back has lined up at corner and safety over the course of his career. Johnson is perfect for Penn’s heavy zone scheme. Penn has always been about keeping plays in front of them and allowing their linebackers to fly around and make plays. Johnson has been able to excel in this style thanks to his athleticism and IQ. We will have to see how different Penn looks under 1st year head coach Jon Dupont. Whatever scheme he decides to play on defense, he will have Johnson as one of the focal points.

Mansfield Soph Matt Machmer-2025 24tk 0.5tfl 4int

Machmer burst onto the scene as a freshman and helped lead a Mansfield team that finished 6-2. The young defensive back showed that he has all the skills needed to become a top player the in CSFL. Machmer has great feet and transitions. He gets in and out of his brakes and gets his hips flipped the right way so he can go make a play on the ball. Machmer also already has some of the best ball skills of any player in sprint football. He even lends those skills to the offense as a wide receiver where he is a dangerous threat. Going into year 2 Machmer will be a player that every offense will game plan against. The standout young defensive back should be even better this season.

Bellarmine Gr Gavin Brazzell -2025 50tk 6tfl 2sacks 1int 1pbu

Brazzell has been a constant on the Knights defense for the last few seasons. His presence as a physical run defender helps the Bellarmine defense go. Brazzell brings a tough as nails style of play to the Knights defense. It doesn’t matter if the play needs to be made in the box or out on the edge, Brazzell is going to get there with intensity and enthusiasm. Brazzell also can save touchdowns with his effort when running down plays. The veteran defensive back is lucky enough to have a great partner in Jr DB Riley McGrath who is an excellent safety in his own right and is worth mentioning as a great player at a very deep position across both leagues. Brazzell should put up some great numbers in his final season.

Midway Sr Keegan Hill-2025 17tk 6int 3pbu 2ff 2fr

Hill transitioned from quarterback and has now become one of the best defensive backs in sprint football. Hill is a tall lanky safety that makes plays all over the field. Where he is really dominant is when he is playing free as the one high safety or covering that middle third in cover 3. When he is deep in the middle of the field it is hard to get anything buy him. His size and length allow him to get back into good position even if he is play catch up. His catch radius and wingspan allow him to disrupt passes and even pick them off even when the quarterback throws a good ball. Hill was a turnover machine last season, and he should have more of the same production going into his final year.

Caldwell Sr JJ Hinnant- 2025 22tk 1tfl 3int 9pbu

Hinnant goes into his final year with a lot on his shoulders. Hinnant is who the Caldwell coaches will call on to lock horns with the other teams’ best receiver. He has had time to grow and develop while playing alongside other great defensive backs like all-time great Kyle Readus ’24 and Gennaro Longobardi ’24. Now Hinnant is the Cougar’s go to guy on the outside. As a team Caldwell is known for being able to play man, press, and make the game a tough one for the best receiver. Hinnant will be able to do all of those things as a top corner in the CSFL. Caldwell has another senior defensive back in Yves Jean at safety. The pair should make for a dangerous combination as Caldwell looks to get back to their winning ways.