As high school football continues to transition from powerful running games to spread offenses with pass-happy schemes, the responsibilities of defensive backs have increased.

Our final high school football preview takes a look at some of the top DBs in West Michigan ahead of the 2025 season, and there is plenty of talent throughout the region.

---

LUKE AHERN – ROCKFORD, 2026

A rare 3-year starter for the Rams, Ahern has the size and strength to take on blocks, make plays in the run game, and the speed and agility to cover at a high level. He is committed to Ferris State.

DREW ALBRECHT – ZEELAND WEST, 2027

Albrecht was outstanding as a starter at safety last fall as the Dux claimed the Division 3 state championship. This season, he will double as the team’s starting quarterback, but has added size and strength in the off-season to prepare him for the added workload.

ANDREW ANDRLIK – HOLLAND, 2027

Andrlik brings speed and athleticism to the secondary in his second varsity season for the Dutch.

JULIAN CHARITY – NORTHVIEW, 2026

Charity was a starter at corner for the Wildcats in 2024 when they went undefeated in the regular season. He combines size, speed, and football IQ to be one of the top corners in the area this fall.

JADEN DAY – EAST GRAND RAPIDS, 2026

His speed, ball skills, and ability to make game-changing plays in coverage set Day apart from the competition.

DAWSON DONOVAN – BELDING, 2026

Donovan took on the role of starting quarterback for the Black Knights in week 6 last year, but never let that impact his defense as a starting cornerback. He plays with confidence and has great vision, which allows him to make plays in the secondary.

CREW DYKSTRA – ZEELAND EAST, 2028

Just a sophomore, Dykstra is already turning heads with his athleticism and ball skills, making him an emerging playmaker to watch in the Chix secondary.

LUKE EGAN – CEDAR SPRINGS, 2026

Egan has been starting at safety for the Red Hawks since he was a sophomore. He is a 2-time state qualifier in wrestling, including a 2nd-place finish at 138 pounds last winter. He’s not big, but tackles well in space and has closing speed that allows him to cover well. 

JACK FRANZAK – WEST CATHOLIC, 2026

Franzak is a smart, instinctive defensive back who consistently finds himself around the ball and makes plays in big moments for the Falcons.

THOMAS FRYERS – CALEDONIA, 2026

Fryers has a major upside with outstanding speed and agility that allow him to cover ground quickly in the secondary.

DALE GANT, JR. – GR CATHOLIC CENTRAL, 2026

Gant is a 2-time state champion in wrestling who is also tough as nails on the gridiron. He started at corner for the Cougars last fall and is excellent in man coverage.

BROOKS HADDEN – COOPERSVILLE, 2026

Hadden will be a 3-year starter at safety for the Broncos and has a nose for the football. He set the Coopersville single-season record for interceptions last season (7) and has a knack for making the big play.

HUDSEN HULST – HAMILTON, 2026

Hulst will double as the Hawkeyes quarterback this season, but was a starter at corner in 2024. His speed and athleticism make him excellent in coverage.

CAM INBODY – WEST CATHOLIC, 2026

Inbody has been improving each year and will look to make an impact on defense this fall for the Falcons. His work ethic, coachability, and great attitude have him in a great spot heading into this season.

LOGAN JACOBS – FOREST HILLS EASTERN, 2026

Jacobs should be a major contributor to one of the few areas where the Hawks return some varsity experience heading into the 2025 season. He is good in both man and zone and tackles well.

DONOVAN JONES – EAST KENTWOOD, 2027

Jones started at safety last season as a sophomore for the Falcons. His speed and instincts make him stand out and are a big reason why he is receiving D1 interest, already with an offer from Southern Miss.

WYATT KLOOSTERHOUSE – COOPERSVILLE, 2028

Kloosterhouse is a rising sophomore who is ready to break out this fall. He has worked hard, adding the size, strength, and speed it takes not only to play varsity football at a young age, but to make a major impact.

NOAH KLUMP – SOUTH CHRISTIAN, 2026

Klump is a returning starter in the secondary for the Sailors. He is a good tackler and covers well.

TRAVANTI KNOX – HOLLAND, 2027

The impressive athleticism, growing confidence, and relentless work ethic have Knox primed to make a big impact for the Dutch this fall.

KEEGAN KROLL – GRANDVILLE, 2026

Kroll is incredibly versatile. He can line up over a receiver and cover, or play downhill as a safety and help against the run. He will be a valuable piece of the Bulldogs defense in 2025.

PJ LEBLANC – ROCKFORD, 2026

Leblanc was playing cornerback at a high level for the Rams last season before he was injured. His cover skills are superior, and his athleticism is next level. He has offers from Davenport, Hope, Calvin, and Lawrence Tech.

BRODY LEHMAN – LOWELL, 2026

At 6’3” 205 pounds, this is a safety that will hit you, but also has the ability to cover. Look for Lehman to lead the Red Arrows in the back end this fall. He has an offer from Calvin.

WILL MANDRYK – HUDSONVILLE, 2026

An athletic safety who has been waiting for his opportunity. After playing behind really good players last fall, Mandryk should get his chance to show what he can do this season for the Eagles. 

OWEN MANTHEI – COOPERSVILLE, 2026

Manthei is tough, continues to improve, and can step up as a reliable playmaker for the Broncos.

BRYCE MILLER – ROCKFORD, 2027

A key piece of Rockford’s defense, Miller brings speed and toughness to the secondary, making him a threat both in coverage and against the run.

COBY MILLER – ZEELAND EAST, 2027

A versatile defender, Miller has the athleticism to cover ground quickly and the physicality to step up against the run, giving Zeeland East reliability in the back end.

CONNOR OLSZEWSKI – WEST CATHOLIC, 2026

Will be a 3-year starter for West. A really versatile player who can line up deep or near the line of scrimmage and make plays.

ADAM PIOTROWSKI – FOREST HILLS CENTRAL, 2026

Don’t be surprised if Piotrowski becomes a key playmaker in the secondary this fall—his growth and determination stand out.

AARON RICORD – WEST CATHOLIC, 2026

Returning starter at safety, Ricord was outstanding in 2024 for the Falcons. His awareness, range, and ability to tackle make him one of the top players in the area.

BLAKE SCHMITT – GREENVILLE, 2026

A returning starter for the Yellowjackets, Schmitt has great instincts and physicality. He continues to level up his speed and agility each off-season, making him a player to watch this fall.  

TY STRICK – HUDSONVILLE, 2027

His combination of speed and strength stands out. Strick saw some varsity playing time during the Eagles postseason run to Ford Field, and should be a difference-maker this year in the secondary.

WILL STUIT – GRAND RAPIDS CHRISTIAN, 2026

Stuit plays with great physicality, instincts, and has the ability to lock down opposing receivers.

KALAN TEETER – FRUITPORT, 2026

Teeter has been on the varsity since he was a sophomore, as have several of the Trojans seniors. He can read opposing offenses quickly and react to make plays all over the field.

JC TORNES – MONA SHORES, 2027

Tornes was a starter at corner for the Sailors last season as a sophomore and more than held his own. He has the speed and athleticism to cover the best receivers and the ability to play the ball in the air.

PARKS VUGTEVEEN – HUDSONVILLE, 2027

An explosive athlete who plays fast and aggressive. The Eagles have a lot of talent, and Vugteveen has the potential for a breakout season this fall.

WILL ZUIDERVEEN – HUDSONVILLE, 2026

After putting in the work and showing a great attitude, Zuiderveen is ready to emerge as a difference-maker in the defensive backfield.

---

FINAL WORD

This group is full of college-level talent and winners.

As we wrap up our look at the position players to watch this fall, one thing is clear—West Michigan football is filled with athletes ready to step up and make a name for themselves. 

With so many playmakers returning and new faces emerging, this fall promises to deliver big moments and breakout performances every Friday night.

---

GET STARTED AT POWERSTRENGTH

4th-12th grade athletes of all sports and abilities can also sign up at PowerStrength at any time while spots remain.
Choose the PowerStrength location most convenient for you – Alpine, Kentwood, Jenison, Plainfield, and Holland. And a new Byron Center location Opening later this Fall!

Visit https://powerstrengthpro.com/athlete/contact/ to learn more or click below to schedule your assessment and get started.