After losing stellar defensive backs five-star Zelus Hicks (Carrollton) and Jaylyn Crawford (Auburn), the next crop of guys are waiting in the wings for the Parkview Panthers. It’s almost hard to believe that Parkview is able to continue to reload at defensive back, but yet here we are. There are two more elite defensive backs that are on the horizon ready for their opportunity.
Look no other than Julian Elzey and Kevin Caldwell, class of 2027 elite prospects. Yes, they are freshmen.
Kevin Caldwell possesses great instincts and ball skills at the safety position. At the NEGA Classic Freshman all-star game, he had a memorable interception off a tipped pass that he returned for a touchdown. You could make the argument that he should have had two interceptions returned for touchdowns. There was another play where he closed on the ball quickly but couldn’t quite haul in the interception.
Caldwell is a multisport athlete who runs for one of the best track teams in the state in ATL Zoom. He runs the 100M and 200M. He also plays basketball with a good and calm demeanor. Caldwell has cornerback skills at the safety spot. He can press off the line and make it difficult for wide receivers. He also has great closing speed at the DB spot and is constantly making plays on the ball.
A versatile player with tons of upside and high football IQ from @ParkviewFB talks the 2024 @NEGARecruits Classic @KJCaldwell12 pic.twitter.com/7jUfUxuRJD
— Ethan Offutt (@ethanoffutt84) March 5, 2024
What is so interesting about Caldwell is that he is new to the defensive back position. You wouldn’t expect that with his performance on Sunday at the Nega Classic. His IQ is off the charts, and he already reads the field well at a young age.
One of his most impressive plays was when a receiver seemingly had a sure catch before Caldwell came in like a heat-sinking missile and dislodged the football making it fall incomplete on the turf. It will be a scary sight for defenses next season.
Julian Elzey was named NEGA Classic MVP for his standout performance on Sunday. He finished the game with two interceptions. Elzey is great at tracking and reading where the football is going to be. He already possesses one of those rare traits for safeties who can play on one side of the field and use his closing speed to come all the way across and make a play on the other side of the field. It was special to watch.
He also had a highlight reel catch in the middle of the field. He beat the defensive back off the line with his burst and explosion torching the safety with a long reception. If it was a better ball, perhaps he takes it for a touchdown.Defensively, he possesses great ball skills on the backend and can play coverage well. Elzey is also good at coming downhill and laying a big hit on a RB. Offensively, just get him the ball in space and he is going to create an opportunity.
@JulianElzey flipped around and played some WR.
Explosive off the line and gets behind safety here. Does a good job adjusting to the ball.
Another good ball from @QB1_Cross. pic.twitter.com/WOXe6JRuLa
— Connor Jackson (@CJacksonPRZ) March 4, 2024
He is also a multisport athlete who also runs track. It has been quite an offseason for Elzey, who has been featured in one of the biggest showcases in the state. He was featured in the Georgia Elite Classic for the freshman team at Rome Barron Stadium back in December.
He also has been generating some national buzz for himself. In January he was featured as a top underclassman by Tom Lemming of CBS Sports, and in the same week picked up an offer from UCONN.
Both defensive backs have their own unique gifts that make them special, and they flashed their potential over the weekend. They proved that the future is bright at Parkview.
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