PRZ Next Midwest Showcase: Defensive Back Preview
Prep Redzone Next is holding the second, of three, one-day showcases this upcoming Sunday, April 24th, at Commisioners Park in Naperville, Illinois. The camp is designed for middle school athletes to compete in combine testing, individual position work and competitive one on work. Over 100 athletes are slated to come and compete.
Here’s a preview of some of the Defensive Backs who have registered.
When I saw Indiana 2026 prospect Da’mon Thomas registered as a Defensive Back, I quite literally cringed out of feeling bad for the opposing Wide Receivers. Thomas is a 5-foot-11 and 165 pound hybrid Safety/Outside Linebacker, who brings one of the most physical styles of play in the country. He’s one of the most devastating hitters I’ve seen on film, but also runs like his pants are on fire. Simply put, there’s a presence about him on the football field. Remember his name.
Michigan’s Che Arocha should be a good one to watch compete. On the smaller side, listed at just 5-foot-5 and 125 pounds, but he’s a very talented athlete. Very quick and agile. Shined on offense as a Running Back and Slot Receiver. Personally, I think he made a good move signing up as a Defensive Back, as I think his future could be as a Corner. He should test very well in the agility drills.
If we’re going to talk about speed and quickness, I’d be silly not to start with Ron’Dre Austion. Another Michigan man, Austion is speed personified as a four-time Jr. Olympian and a five-time All-American on the track. Has been timed as low as 4.5 in the forty and an 11.2 in the 100 Meter. Has already been on the recruiting trail, visiting schools such as Morgan State, Pitt, Bowling Green, Maryland, Akron and more.
I haven’t seen that much of Illinois’ Yasir Taylor, but what I have seen, I like. He brings very good size for a 2026 Defensive Back at 5-foot-9 and 155 pounds. A long-strider when he runs, he covers a lot of ground quickly. Offensively played Running Back and showed off some wheels and vision. I’m interested to see how he performs–I’m willing to bet it’s impressive.
Tony Fisher out of Wisconsin is going to be scary sight for Wide Receivers to line up against. He’s listed at 6-foot-2 and 170 pounds. His length is truly elite at this point with solid wingspan to boot. Ideally I think he plays Safety or Wide Receiver as he progresses. Speaking defensively, he scans the field and plays as a ball-hawk whether in the alley or over the top.