Defensive Back Retreat

The Defensive Back Retreat is an event designed specifically for Defensive Backs. Hosted in the first week of July — over 100 defensive backs graced the field at the University of Texas at Arlington. The energy was unmatched.

Along with the army of athletes was an All-Star Team of Collegiate Coaches, (Dominique Bowman, Rodney Saulsberry, Marcus Trice, Shaun Whittinghill, Elven Walker IV, Rickey Hunley Jr., Nick Forde, Eric Amoako, Marcus Suber, Antonio Clifton, Bryce Bailey) & NFL Executive — Lionel Vital was in the building. Vital was in attendance to evaluate and analyze players in attendance. He credited Boynton, organizer of the event, “this was a really professionally run event. It was very organized and there were some quality guys out here.”

One of those quality players were Kedrick Whitehead, All-UFL Safety & Special Teams Player of the Year this season. “Kedrick Whitehead is a pro all day long. He is explosive and polished but also very intelligent and mature. I was very pleased with his performance.”, said Vital. Whitehead, who later earned a workout with the New England Patriots, was more than just a player in the event. He was a mentor and true leader. Whitehead spent a day of the retreat leading an entire group of free agents through a very effective marketing presentation.

Following the retreat, Ridge Texada (North Texas) was worked out by the Seattle Seahawks and Jordan Polk (Texas State) was worked out by the Houston Texans. Both DBs had great showings at the DB Retreat… Polk furthered his performance by having a solid preseason with the New England Patriots this season — accumulating an interception in his FIRST NFL game. He finished the preseason with 8 TKLs, 1 INT, and a sack.