PRESEASON ALL-BAY AREA NEWS GROUP
DEFENSIVE BACKS
(Listed in alphabetical order)
Joseph Bey, Serra, 5-11, 170, junior
All-Bay Area News Group honorable mention last season. Three-star prospect with offers from Arizona State, Pittsburg and San Jose State, according to 247Sports.
Robin Boyd, Pittsburg, 5-11, 170, senior
The three-star player might not find stronger competition than he sees in practice, defending a foursome of wide receiver prospects on the Pittsburg roster.
Anthony Delguidice, James Logan, 5-10, 155, senior
Received honorable mention recognition from the Bay Area News Group in 2021. Should be a defensive leader this fall as Logan aims for another league championship.
Daniel Escorza, Wilcox, 5-4, 140, senior
A three-year starter at free safety, he led the Chargers in tackles last season as the Santa Clara school nearly captured a state championship.
Jacob Gastrock, Mt. Eden, 5-9, 150, senior
Shutdown cornerback received high praise from his coach, Paul Perenon, who said, “Literally no one attempts to throw on him. For good reason. He is a superb ‘cover’ corner and had one of the top 5 plays in the NCS last season: a 101-yard ‘pick 6’ vs Piedmont.”
Nah’Shon Geeston-Vick, McClymonds, 6-2, 175, senior
A two-way standout at defensive back and receiver should make an impact at his new school. He played at Encinal last season and was recognized as an honorable mention selection on the all-Bay Area News Group team.
Emmanuel Karnley, Las Lomas, 6-3, 185 senior
All-league player as a junior last season. Rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports. Has offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Utah and Washington, among others.
Journey McKoy, De La Salle, 5-11, 165, senior
Nevada commit is a jack of all trades for the Spartans. Lined up at multiple positions last season and will do so again this fall. “One of the fastest players and one of best athletes on the team,” coach Justin Alumbaugh said.
Philip Miller, Bellarmine, 5-7, 160, senior
Plays defense, offense and special teams for fast-improving Bellarmine. “We anticipate Philip, who is entering his third year on Varsity, to have a big role on our team in all 3 phases of the game,” coach Jalal Beauchman said.
Caleb Padrid, San Ramon Valley, 5-10, 180, senior
First-team all-league defensive back and a leader on the defense for the Wolves. Rated a two-star player by 247Sports.
Johno Price, Menlo-Atherton, 6-2, 172, senior
Described as a Swiss Army knife by M-A coach Chris Saunders. Played every position in the defensive secondary as a junior. Expected to play free safety and wide receiver this fall. “His football IQ is his biggest strength,” Saunders said.
Emilio Pucci, Northgate, 5-11, 202, senior
Named the Diablo Athletic League Valley Division defensive MVP in 2021. Will face stronger competition this fall as Northgate moves up to the league’s Foothill Division. Two-star prospect, per 247Sports.
Richard Salazar, Santa Teresa, 6-1, 155, senior
Someone coach Steve Papin will depend on in the defensive secondary this season for the Saints. “Richard has great instincts and cover skills,” Papin said. “Tall and fast DB.”
Warren Smith, El Cerrito, 6-2, 175, senior
Washington State commit and three-star prospect received honorable mention recognition last season by the Bay Area News Group.
Lloyd Walter, Aragon, 6-1, 185, senior
Strong safety is entering his fourth year as a starter for the San Mateo school. Also plays wide receiver. “Dominant player on defense who will be featured more in the offense this year,” coach Steve Sell said.
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