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 SEVEN 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, Offensive Linemen, Defensive Linemen, Linebackers, Defensive Backs and Breakout Players.
Defensive Backs to Watch
Brody Eggleston, Webb City
If teammate Andrew Young is the lightning, then Eggleston is the thunder in the Webb City secondary. He returns after tallying 98 tackles, three interceptions and three forced fumbles as a junior and his production comes from all over the field. He could be lined up 20 yards off the ball or at the line of scrimmage, regardless he has sideline-to-sideline speed and knows how to finish plays.
Randy Flint, Nixa
Flint is the best cover corner in the Ozarks right now, he just happens to be one of the best guards on the basketball court in the area as well. As a sophomore, he tallied six PBUs and flashed his D1 potential throughout the year. At 6-foot – with his length and athleticism – he’s going to be one to keep an eye on in both sports.
Bryer Guerin, Marionville
He’s one of the best quarterbacks in the Ozarks. In guiding Marionville to the state championship as a sophomore he threw for 1,385 yards and 22 touchdowns, while rushing for 603 yards and eight touchdowns. But where he was at his best and where his future will be is in the secondary. He’s coming off of a season that saw him finish with 51 tackles and eight interceptions. His ball skills are great, and his IQ is off the charts. He will again be a game-changer defensively.
Parker Mann, Nixa
As a junior Mann racked up 133 tackles and 10 TFLs, proving he was one of the top linebackers in the area. But, what he also added was nine PBUs and a pair of interceptions, prompting Mann to make a move to safety, which is likely the position he would’ve played in college anyway. Nixa will again be elite defensively and he’s the heart and soul of that unit.
Thomas Merritt, Ava
He’s a safety in name only. Merritt lives in the box and loves coming downhill to the line of scrimmage and making plays. He’s physical against both the run and pass and that brand of football is perfect in the SCA. He will again lead a really talented Ava defense.
Langston Morgan, Carthage
Morgans and Carthage Football have been synonymous over the last decade and Langston is cut from the same cloth. He’s a two-way standout and made some huge plays at receiver, but he’s at his best in the secondary with the ability to cover whoever. His speed and smarts make him a handful to deal with.
Levi Phillips, Kickapoo
At 6-foot-4 and pushing nearly 200 pounds, he has incredible size for a safety. That length and athleticism shows in how he plays. He’s great at tracking the ball and breaking up passes and can run with anyone. He was great in 7v7 during the offseason and that should translate this fall for Phillips.
Xavier Robinson, Clever
This is the best player in the Ozarks that you haven’t heard of. As a junior, he allowed three completions… the ENTIRE season. At 6-foot he’s a long, rangy corner with legit speed and big-time athleticism. He’s going to be great offensively as well, but his college future is going to be at corner. Expect a monster senior season for him on both sides of the ball with Rex Deters moving to Clever.
Tony Stewart, Carl Junction
Stewart is a playmaker and it jumps off the screen when you watch him. He covers in the slot, can step in the box in running situations and his motor is non-stop. Another wrestling standout, it shows in how he plays and his versatility should make for a huge senior season on both sides of the ball.
Andrew Young, Webb City
The list of Webb City defensive backs that have terrorized the COC over the last decade-plus is long and Andrew Young is next in line with teammate Brody Eggleston. Young has some of the best instincts in the Ozarks, which helped him lead the COC with six interceptions to go along with 32 tackles. And he’s not just getting the ball back, he knows what to do with it once it’s in his hands. He had a pair of pick-6s that came from him jumping routes and when he’s not picking it off he’s still making plays on the ball. Young will have a choice between football and baseball at the next level.
OTHERS TO WATCH
Kaiden Bowen, Camdenton
Kaden Clouse, Seneca
Trent Garton, Kickapoo
Brayden Hicks, Marshfield
Carson Lindsey, Cabool
Jacob Moore, West Plains
Bradlee Mullins, Strafford
Ben Price, Parkview
Brandon Prince, Thayer
Ayden Pryor, Nevada
Hunter Reynolds, Branson
Jamarion Rowell, Hillcrest
Bryson Whitman, Hollister
