Iowa Football: 5 breakout freshmen to watch in 2018

Another Indianapolis-area prospect and the second defensive back to be mentioned in this piece is Julius Brents. Brents is a 6-foot-2, 180-pound defensive back who split time between cornerback and safety at Warren Central High School in Indianapolis. Brents is projected as a safety once he arrives in Iowa City but there wouldn’t be a surprise if he does move to cornerback.

Brents has great speed as players need for playing in the defensive secondary. His ball skills are fairly impressive in terms of timing his jump and his break for the ball. Brents impresses most in tackling, as his tape shows that is a sure tackler and not many ball carriers are able to get past his grasp. Another part of his game that impressed me was his block shedding ability, which if he does play corner, is a huge part of stopping the run.

Brents joins a crowded Iowa safety position with veterans such as Jake Gervase and Brandon Snyder returning and younger players like Amani Hooker and Geno Stone also giving valuable time. If Brents wants to make an impact on the field, he will do so by continuing to make effort plays like the ones on his tape.