Top Tier DBs from MD: 2026

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Top Tier DBs from MD's Class of 2026!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 6'1 180 DB - [player_tooltip player_id='623123' first='Koby' last='Sarkodie'] - Milford Mill</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rising Sophomore defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='623123' first='Koby' last='Sarkodie'] is an absolute ball hawk who creates a lot of turnover opportunities in the defensive secondary. Sarkodie demonstrated next level defensive instincts throughout the season last year, and his closing speed also really stood out when watching him play. He accumulated more than 20 total tackles in 2022, and 18 of those tackles were solo tackles. While Sarkodie's prowess is certainly as a DB, he thrived at the wide receiver position whenever he lined up on offense. He scored multiple receiving touchdowns last year as a Freshman, and I believe that his elite football IQ has lot to do with early high school success. I'd be shocked if [player_tooltip player_id='623123' first='Koby' last='Sarkodie'] does not earn All-Conference honors of some kind in 2023. He's an extremely exciting young athlete with power five conference offers from Minnesota, Penn State, Maryland, VT, Wake Forest, and more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highlights: <a href="https://t.co/jhWqBtLTW6">https://t.co/jhWqBtLTW6</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 5'7 155 DB - [player_tooltip player_id='216727' first='Vernon' last='Deshields III'] - Spalding</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='216727' first='Vernon' last='Deshields III'] is an all-around spectacular athlete, and he contributed lockdown defense last year that was essential to the team's unwavering success. He possesses an incredible vertical leap which, during the offseason, he also showcases on the basketball court. Deshields' athletic ability is so elite that I wouldn't be surprised at all if he competes in both sports at the next level. He's truly one of the most exciting overall prospects in the MIAA, and scouts must key-in on his Sophomore season performance this Fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highlights: <a href="https://twitter.com/DeshieldsIii/status/1555585086191505408?s=20">https://twitter.com/DeshieldsIii/status/1555585086191505408?s=20</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 5'8 135 DB - [player_tooltip player_id='379423' first='Kornel' last='Davis'] - Perry Hall</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='379423' first='Kornel' last='Davis'] is one of the elite young defensive backs in Baltimore, MD. His Perry Hall team finished the 2022 season with an 8-4 overall record, and their defense only allowed about 10 points per game on the year. Davis will step into a much larger role on defense this Fall, and my prediction is that Davis puts forth his best season yet as a result. I believe that he will thrive with greater responsibility on and off the field in 2023. DMV area scouts must know his name.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 5'9 140 DB - [player_tooltip player_id='377677' first='Jaylen' last='Ball'] - Wise</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You cannot discuss the class of 2026 DBs without mentioning [player_tooltip player_id='377677' first='Jaylen' last='Ball']. The Wise defensive back has high expectations headed into the 2023 season, but that's simply the price of playing great football like [player_tooltip player_id='377677' first='Jaylen' last='Ball']. Ball is a huge difference maker for the Puma defensive unit, and that's clear given that they posted more than five shutouts in 2022. It will be very difficult to throw the ball against the Wise Pumas this upcoming season, and young DB [player_tooltip player_id='377677' first='Jaylen' last='Ball'] will have a lot to do with that fact. The Upper Marlboro prospect must not go overlooked by scouts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 5'10 180 DB - [player_tooltip player_id='402014' first='Kobe' last='Ellis'] - Good Counsel</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='402014' first='Kobe' last='Ellis'] is the future of Good Counsel's defense, and one of the reasons is because he prides himself on working harder than anyone else in the weight room during the offseason. Ellis recently demonstrated his dominance at a local 7 v 7, and in his words he, “definitely got better today.” [player_tooltip player_id='402014' first='Kobe' last='Ellis'] is all about upward mobility and leading by example, therefore he will consistently rank in my top five for Class of '26 DBs. All DMV area scouts should be keen on scouting the Good Counsel defense, and [player_tooltip player_id='402014' first='Kobe' last='Ellis'] is one of the premier players on that unit who's set to have a huge season this Fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highlights: <a href="https://twitter.com/KobeEllis3/status/1665154987544936450?s=20">https://twitter.com/KobeEllis3/status/1665154987544936450?s=20</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->