Atlanta-Area Defensive Backs On The Rise

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Which Atlanta-area defensive backs are seeing new offers come their way? Prep Redzone gives all the details...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Djimon“DJ” McLendon - Tucker</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the fastest-rising defensive backs in Georgia for the 2026 class, McLendon sure didn't play like a freshman last year for the Tucker Tigers. Thee 6-foot-0 175-pounder has great size for his age and has no problem flying down into the box to make a big play against the run. He's physical for someone his age and knows how to take on a block, shed it, and get after the ball-carrier. His instincts against thee run stand out immediately, and he also showed impressive cover skills last season. He's young, but he's also versatile, showing the ability to play down in the box at the nickel position, on the outside at cornerback, or deep down the field as a safety. He'll continue to improve in coverage, but his physicality and willingness to deliver a sound hit for his age makes it easy to see his D1 potential. He earned an offer from Missouri this week, a big one for a freshman. He'll only get better, and should see plenty of other offers come his way sooner than later.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Zach Smith - Hapeville Charter</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hapeville Charter has been a long-time "D1 Factory" for defensive backs and has produced plenty of high-level defensive backs over the years. They produced guys like William Poole, [player_tooltip player_id='583806' first='Christopher' last='Smith'], TJ Smith, and many more over the years, and they have one of the very best cornerbacks in Atlanta on the roster right now in sophomore Zach Smith. The 6-foot-0 165-pounder is a natural in coverage who shows great footwork and the ability to stick with just about any receiver in front of him. He's a guy who just doesn't let receivers create separation. He has a longer wingspan, allowing him to break up passes at the last minute. He's fundamentally sound, he's instinctive, plays well along the sideline, and shows the ability to leap in the air to break up passes. He also brings toughness to his game and knows how to tackle. He earned a new offer from Missouri this week, and it likely won't be his last.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cedric Franklin II - Kell</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A Cobb County defensive back with big-time size and ball skills, Franklin II showed big-play ability on a consistent basis last season as a junior. He shows quick feet, closes well on the receiver, and knows how to make a play on the ball in the air. He has plenty of size at 6-foot-2 193-pounds and reads the quarterback well in coverage. He plays the center field role at safety, ranging from the middle of the field to the sideline with ease. He shows good instincts in coverage but also knows how to deliver a big hit. He can be an intimidating defender and someone opposing quarterbacks have to keep a close eye on. On a defense loaded with talent, the junior defensive back really stood out last year. On the season, the Kell defender made 39 tackles and broke up seven passes according to MaxPreps. Look for him to have a giant senior season for a Kell program with eyes on a deep playoff run in 2023. He earned a new offer this week from Liberty, and it wouldn't be surprising to see more come his way next month during spring practices.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->