IL Rising Stars: Class of 2026 Defensive Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we search for rising stars throughout the Land of Lincoln, Prep Redzone IL will be taking a look at Class of 2026 prospects who burst onto the scene during their sophomore campaigns. Beginning with defensive backs, below are some of the Class of 2026 rising stars who balled out last fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["537245"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Marshall is a 5'11, 150 lbs corner who stood tall in his first season on varsity. The Crete-Monee stand out can do it all, as he showcased his ability to cover, tackle, and take the ball away last season. In man coverage, Marshall has fluid hips, polished technique, and the athleticism to win on an island. He is also a willing tackler who can cut down opposing ball carriers in the open field. Marshall also has unique play making ability, as he can drive on short routes to undercut throws for interceptions and pass break ups and looks to force a fumble when tackling. As Marshall continues to grow and develop at his craft, he should finish his high school career as one of the top corners in Illinois.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["801706"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Buchanan had a break out sophomore campaign that put him on the map. The 5'11, 170 lbs corner out of Richards doesn't play like an underclassmen, as the Class of 2026 lock down defensive back can do it all. Buchanan possesses a rare combination of speed and ball skills that all elite corners possess. He has the keen ability to stay on top of routes, rarely getting beat deep. He has disciplined eyes and can drive on the ball to knock it away. And when a 50/50 ball is thrown his way, Buchanan's outstanding athleticism is put on display, as he can go up and get it. As Buchanan heads into his junior year, this rising star should be a big time recruit in no time.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["801987"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Getz is a physical safety who measures in at 6'1, 175 lbs. The Benet Academy product had a strong sophomore season, as he possesses both the size and athleticism to develop into an elite safety / hybrid outside linebacker prospect. Getz can diagnose run game from the third level quickly and isn't afraid to get downhill and make tackles on the edge or in the box. He also has good speed and range that allows him to lock down the middle of the field. As Getz continues to grow, keep an eye out for this playmaker heading into his junior season.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["429680"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Matheny is a 6'1, 165 lbs defensive back out of Evergreen Park. Throughout his sophomore campaign, Matheny showcased his cover skills from a single high safety position. He is a long and rangy free safety who has the athleticism to cover from hash to hash. Matheny has the ability to bait quarterbacks into throwing the ball up the seam. From there, Matheny's speed allows him to undercut throws and take the ball away. As he continues to develop, Matheny is a big time safety prospect in the Class of 2026.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":4,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ba82fd50fda"} /-->