2026’s Lockdown Defensive Backs
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In this article:
The final article covering the 2026 class, this time we take a deep dive into the defensive backs that erupted onto the scene this past season. Consisting of corners and safeties playing a dominant role in the defensive backfield, these…
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Continue ReadingThe final article covering the 2026 class, this time we take a deep dive into the defensive backs that erupted onto the scene this past season. Consisting of corners and safeties playing a dominant role in the defensive backfield, these 5 players are sure to turn heads in 2024 and beyond.
In my mind,
Gyan King
Gyan
King
5’10” | 155 lbs | DB
Cedar Creek | 2026
State
NJ
is one of the top corner targets in the 2026 NJ class. A true shutdown corner, Gyan stays glued to the hip of the receiver no matter what route they run. Picking off the ball 7 times in 2023, Gyan is a long reaching cornerback that can outbid the receiver for the ball. Being a receiver on the offensive side of the ball as well, Gyan knows how to reel the ball in from up high. In coverage, the Cedar Creek defender gets out of his back peddle quickly to change directions and break on the ball. Look for him to put up some impressive numbers again in his junior season.
Lined up at the rover position,
Steve Klein
Steve
Klein
6’2″ | 190 lbs | RB
Westwood Regional | 2026
NJ
played a big part in Westwood’s success in 2023. With 6 interceptions on the season, Steve’s feet never stopped moving as he was always ready to pivot and break in the opposite direction to make a play on the ball. A safety that can creep up and bring the ball carrier down behind the line, Steve is lightning quick to get into the backfield but is also quick to recognize the pass and find his man in coverage. Look for this two way starter to become more well known next season.
Highlights
A talented cornerback coming out of Bayonne, Daryl Smith Daryl Smith 5’6″ | 135 lbs | DB Bayonne | 2026 NJ made a big impression on opposing teams in 2023. Daryl displayed an impressive ability to stay hip-to-hip with receivers as they ran deep go routes. Equipped with raw athleticism, Daryl was able to snag the ball out of the air 4 times last season as he became a dominant presence in the defensive backfield.
A defensive back with great size and big play potential,
Callum Fynes
Callum
Fynes
6’0″ | 185 lbs | DB
Scotch Plains-Fanwood | 2026
NJ
is another young player we need to keep our eye on these next two seasons. A safety that can watch the play develop and jump on the ball, Callum was able to intercept the throw three times this past fall. The Scotch Plains-Fanwood safety played a big part not only in coverage but in the ground game as well. Callum was able to fly upfield for run support and stop the play for negative yardage game after game.
Highlights
![Nate Chou](https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/themes/prep-network-content/public/images/generic-male.png)
Nate Chou
Nate Chou
The final defender to keep an eye on in the 2026 class is Montclair Kimberley’s Nate Chou. Positioned up high on defense, Nate was able to survey the field and keep the play in front of him, making sure no route runners got past him. With the ability to open up his hips and dart to the sideline to break up the pass, Nate was able to pick the ball off three times on his way to the ball. Another DB that plays a pivotal role as a receiver on his team’s offense, Nate has an insider look at how receivers move and the best way to keep them in check.