By Platform Scout: Patrick Barriere Sr. @coach_pat84
Top-notch defensive back play can completely change the dynamics of a game. Shut down coverage not only limits the opposing team’s passing options but also disrupts their offensive rhythm. Playmakers in the defensive backfield possess a combination of skills such as speed, agility, anticipation and ball-hawking abilities, which allows them to make game-changing plays like interceptions, forced fumbles, and crucial pass breakups. Their presence on the field can often dictate the flow of the game and provide a significant advantage to their team. We will spotlight several defensive backs who stood out one during pool play on day one in NOLA. The mission and goal of The Platform is to #ExposeTheUnexposed and provide adequate coverage of athletes around the country giving them exposure.
Steven Mosely | Class of 2026 | Safety | 7v7: Bootleggers | Terrebonne High School | Twitter: @stevenmose96634
Mosely is a sticky defender in close coverage, he get hands on receivers early on in their routes, he is strong at the point of attack, which allowed him to shut down passing windows on more than one occasion, showing the he has the skill set to lock down one side of the field. Steven plays with excellent eye discipline, not allowing himself to peek in the backfield, but staying locked in on his target and he excelled in man coverage, staying locked at the hip in close quarters. Mosely transitions well into zone coverage, his ability to communicate and pass off receivers, enabled his defense to shut down several drives and caused turnovers. He was one the top defenders at the DR7 NOLA tournament.
Khylin Wilson| Nickel/Safety | 7v7: New Orleans Dolphins 15u | St Augustine High School | Twitter: @Khylinchosenone
Khylin Wilson plays with a high motor, he is an active defender who plays under control, which gives him the ability to track down receivers and play sticky coverage. Khylin is physical at the point of attack and didn’t shy away from making a plays when the ball is in the air, showing great ball skills in close quarters. He is a dynamic natural athlete with the requisite tools to become a difference-making defensive back and he natural ballhawk instincts take over when the ball is thrown his way. He is one of the top prospects in Louisiana in his class and he has a very high ceiling at safety. Wilson has the versatility to play multiple positions in the secondary.
Taelyn Mayo | Cornerback | 7v7: True Buzz | Twitter: @TaeMayo04155
Mayo has the ideal physical and athletic traits to be dominant at the cornerback position. He has a long, lean frame at 6-foot-4, with an extended wingspan, combined with his instinctive ball skills, which gives him an advantage in close coverage. He has a rare combination of frame length, fluidity with great man to man skills that allows to close down passing windows. Mayo is a ballhawk in coverage, with great ball skills that enables him to be a sticky defender. He has great anticipation combined with his ability to backpedal smoothly, plant, cut and drive on the football to close down throwing windows consistently. He is a twitchy athlete, who moves fluidly with clean footwork and he uses it to shut down passing lanes in coverage, which puts him in the catch window consistently. Early offers from Texas, Arkansas State, Oregon, San Diego State, USC, Texas A&M and Tulsa show that he is already attracting national attention on the recruiting trail.
