By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
There are many talented defensive backs across our coverage area that features more than 60 teams. Below are some of the top defensive backs to watch this season. This list is in alphabetical order.
NOTE: Some worthy players may appear on one of our other SIX football watch lists. In an effort to highlight as many players as possible, A PLAYER CAN ONLY APPEAR ON ONE LIST.
The football watch lists we will be releasing are: Quarterbacks, Running Backs, Receivers/Tight Ends, Linemen, Linebackers, Defensive Backs and Breakout Players.
DEFENSIVE BACKS TO WATCH
Trey Akins, Cabool
An injury cut short his junior season, but that didn’t stop Akins from leading Cabool with five interceptions in four games. He’s an absolute ball-hawk but is also a playmaker against the run as well. Akins is a rising star in the SCA.
Hank Eggerman, Lockwood
Eggerman’s speed and explosiveness make him a defensive menace. He’s great in the box and he’s great in space, with size and athleticism that allow him to shine against the run or pass. Eggerman was an All-Stater as a junior and while he was great offensively, he’s one of the top defensive backs in the Ozarks regardless of class.
Bryer Guerin, Marionville
Get used to hearing his name because Guerin will be a force at Marionville for the next three years. The only sophomore on this list stacked 85 tackles to go along with his three interceptions and just always finds his way to the ball instinctually. And, when he gets the ball in his hands, he knows how to finish off the play right.
Spencer Mellencamp, Camdenton
The best thing a defensive back can do is keep everything in front of him and Mellencamp is great at that; he rarely gives up the big play. As a junior, he finished with 78 tackles and three interceptions in a physical Ozark Conference. He’s another big, athletic safety that can also spot some linebacker or even line up at corner.
Silas Morton, Strafford
If you put on a Stafford uniform – and your last name is Morton – you have to be able to bring it, and that’s exactly what Morton does each week. He’s an extremely athletic, but also extremely physical defensive back. Naturally he’s great in the box, but his versatility allows him to play all over the field on either side of the ball. Morton is a problem and has to be accounted for wherever he lines up.
Josh Pacheco, McDonald County
Pacheco is one of the most athletic players on this list. Standing 6-foot-3 with a 200-pound frame – with the ability to run and jump – he’s an absolute headache for opposing offenses. He finished his junior year with 102 tackles and three interceptions, while also emerging as a big-time receiving threat. He has the physical tools to be one of the best two-way players in the Big 8.
Noah Soriano, Joplin
Even as a sophomore, Soriano established himself as a corner that’s not to be tested, finishing the season with three interceptions and five PBUs. But he’s not a slouch in the run game either. He’ll come mix it up in the box and make stops one on one in space. Joplin is known for producing offensive talent, but Soriano has some scary potential.
Spencer Ward, Nixa
Is he a defensive back? Is he a linebacker? Who really knows, just watch him make plays. Ward led Nixa with 151 tackles last year while also making plays offensively. He’s a sub 4.5 40 guy with a freakish IQ. He could have a Luke Gall-type of senior season. He and Broden Mabe make the best secondary duo in the Ozarks. Nixa will have one of the top defenses in Missouri.
OTHERS TO WATCH
Jordan Arthur, Houston
Sam Clark, Ozark
Aiden Ellifrits, Stockton
Reid Harrison, Cole Camp
Owen Kuchar, Rolla
Broden Mabe, Nixa
Eli Moore, Liberty
Kyler Stewart, Carl Junction
Marshall Storm, Branson
