Class of 2026 Defensive Backs to Know in 20-6A

The 2026 class runs deep with an abundance of talent, particularly among defensive backs in this district. Below are some standout players who made significant impacts during their sophomore year, demonstrating their talents on the field. With their impressive skills and performances, these players are poised to remain at the forefront of their position for the foreseeable future.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />     [player_tooltip player_id='1650037' first='Davis' last='Kinney'] | S | Fort Bend Travis   Kinney showcased tremendous effort and intensity on the field, demonstrating a relentless pursuit to make tackles in the run game and showcasing his ball-hawking abilities in the secondary. His exceptional ball skills and understanding of the game allowed him to anticipate plays effectively, positioning himself strategically to create turnovers. Kinney's remarkable recognition resulted in game-changing, momentum shifting plays. Kinney displayed a level of maturity and skill reminiscent of a seasoned veteran, making him a formidable presence on the field.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />     Camari Lewis | S | Fort Bend Elkins   Lewis proved to be a reliable anchor in the secondary, effectively fulfilling his duties as the last line of defense. He demonstrated exceptional ball skills, displaying precise timing in his jumps and consistently positioning himself to intercept passes intended for opposing receivers. Lewis showcased agility and fluid movement in open space, allowing him to cover ground efficiently and make crucial tackles to prevent potential touchdowns. His adeptness at reading plays and executing tackles solidified his role as a key asset in the defensive secondary.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />     [player_tooltip player_id='284168' first='Jermaine' last='Santana']-Diaz | S | Ridge Point   Santana-Diaz showcased remarkable speed and physicality, displaying versatility in his ability to thrive in both deep coverage and run support situations. He maintained a relentless presence on the field, consistently bringing energy and intensity to every play. Santana-Diaz's tackling skills was a standout aspect of his game, delivering powerful hits and effectively stopping ball carriers in their tracks. His adeptness at covering slot receivers and patrolling the middle of the field further highlighted his all-around skill set in the secondary.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />     [player_tooltip player_id='1140965' first='Josiah' last='Vilmael'] | CB/S | Fort Bend Travis   Vilmael demonstrated remarkable versatility in the secondary, seamlessly transitioning between cornerback and safety roles. His speed and agility in open space allowed him to excel in coverage and provide reliable support against the run. Vilmael's commitment to giving maximum effort on every play was evident, contributing to his effectiveness on both sides of the ball. In run defense, he exhibited sound fundamentals, consistently containing plays and making tackles in congested areas. In pass coverage, Vilmael showcased keen instincts, adeptly reading routes and timing his plays on the ball with precision, showcasing exceptional anticipation skills.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />     Cade Marino | S | George Ranch   Marino distinguished himself as a turnover machine, leveraging his exceptional tackling skills in the open field and a relentless mentality to force turnovers. His fearlessness in engaging in the run game from the safety position enabled him to disrupt ball carriers and create opportunities to strip the ball. Marino's impressive lateral movement and closing speed made him a formidable obstacle for opponents, effectively limiting yards gained beyond the second line of defense. His performances on the backend demonstrated promise, with the potential to single-handedly shift the momentum of games in his team's favor.

The 2026 class runs deep with an abundance of talent, particularly among defensive backs in this district. Below are some standout players who made significant impacts during their sophomore year, demonstrating their talents on the field. With their impressive skills and performances, these players are poised to remain at the forefront of their position for the foreseeable future.