The big playmakers on offense are wide receivers. Great receivers find ways to get open and make the catch. How do you counter them? With great defensive backs. They are just as athletic and can make catches themselves. Interceptions are drive killers and often sway the momentum from one team to another. Of course, they do many other things over the course of a game to make a big impact, such as swatting the ball away and making touchdown-saving tackles. Look for these players to be playmakers on their teams. These are our top 5 defensive backs in the Summit Athletic Conference for 2019.
#1: Jake Archbold- Homestead
Jake Archbold will be focusing on the defensive side this year after sharing time with Luke Goode at quarterback last season. With Goode now being the full-time starter, Archbold will go back to the secondary and should make a huge impact for Sparty as a senior and full-time defender. At 6’0″ 205 lbs. he can help Homestead at both the second and third levels. Which is so important in today’s football, with defenses trying to get more DB’s on the field.
#2: Ray Vollmer- Carroll
Vollmer had 17 tackles to go along with 2 interceptions and 2 pass deflections in the 2018 season. His role on defense will be a big one and his stats won’t be the only thing he gives the Chargers this season, as his senior leadership will be crucial for Carroll to be successful on defense. Vollmer is already committed to play at Indiana State University next Fall.
#3: Jayshawn Underwood- Snider
Any player would take 4 int’s and 28 tackles as a DB in one season. These statistics from last season should show that Jayshawn Underwood probably felt pretty good about his performance. His senior season figures to be even better as Underwood will likely make QB’s think twice about throwing the ball his way.
#4: Ryan Burton- Homestead
Ryan Burton had 65 tackles in 2018, along with 2 interceptions and 3 deflections. This should show that you could really put Burton anywhere on defense and he’d find success. This year, the junior should take another step forward as he comes off a very impressive sophomore season.
#5: Theo Redmond- North Side
It probably felt like Redmond was everywhere last season, finishing with 91 total tackles and 4 pass breakups. He should be just as effective and will be a leader on an underrated defense. Look for him to get a few interceptions as well. He was All-SAC Second Team last season.
Honorable Mentions:
Lincoln Lantz- Carroll
Last year was an eventful one for Lantz. He came up with 44 total tackles, 4 int’s, 1 deflection, and 2 fumble recoveries. His numbers should be similar this year as he will be an impact player for Carroll this year. He was All-SAC Second Team last season.
Jaden Smith- Northrop
Smith will be huge for the Bruins this year. His senior experience will be much appreciated on defense.
Dillon Jackson- South Side
His 16 tackles as a sophomore will make the Archers optimistic of what’s to come in 2019.
Ronald Elliot III- Wayne
Elliot’s 7 pass breakups should prove how active of a defender he is and will be in the upcoming year. He’s also a threat as a kick returner.
Myheir Baker- Wayne
Another Wayne DB, who’s 2 interceptions were the main statline of his year.
Ramon Anderson- Bishop Luers
Anderson’s 80 total tackles, 8 pass deflections, and 3 int’s as a sophomore were impressive. Watch for him to make a leap in 2019.
Jaylen Harris- North Side
Jaylen Harris had 63 tackles, 7 pass defections, and 2 int’s in 2018. There’s no doubt he will make an impact as a senior.
Griffin Eifert- Bishop Dwenger
Eifert finished second in int’s last year with 5. His 3 pass breakups were also big and should mean big things are in store for his senior season.
Arieon McCarter- North Side
McCarter didn’t play much as a sophomore, but his potential as a junior cannot be ignored. He’s already picked up an offer from Western Michigan University.
