Top 2026 Defensive Backs in Kentucky to Watch For

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After an outstanding year of high school football action in the Bluegrass State, it's time to highlight some of the top tier playmakers that made their presence known last season. After breaking down some rising 2026s to know about, here's my list of the top 2026 defensive backs in Kentucky to watch for next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401701"],"_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":"In the first place spot on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='401701' first='Corey' last='Warner'], a defensive back at DuPont Manual High School. What impresses me about Warner is his well-balanced playstyle and his ability to lock in defensively in crucial moments, proving he can make quick decisions and pressure the offense to make mistakes. I also like Warner's catching and breakaway speed, showcasing his ability to take it all the way to the house.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MLrwAu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e7698de7127"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1175779"],"_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":"I am additionally impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='1175779' first='Kendell' last='Buck-Barber'], a defensive back at Newport High School. In addition to excellent footwork and versatility down the stretch, what stands out about Buck-Barber is his ability to both read the pass and get in prime position for the interception. With the ability to attack the ball in the air and pick up speed from along the edge, Buck-Barber should not be slept on next season.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/video/3/17776765/6554d7b40660d304081f1d0bu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e7698de7193"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401715"],"_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":"Claiming the number three spot on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='401715' first='Juelz' last='Davila'], a defensive back at South Oldham High School. What I like about Davila is his ability to be an all-around explosive playmaker, proving he can shut down both air and ground production. In addition to being able to pick off the quarterback in heavy coverage, Davila stands out with his ability to contain the rush, using his electric speed to stop the offense.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MwfRru0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e7698de71ed"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1175778"],"_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":"Another skilled prospect to keep an eye on is [player_tooltip player_id='1175778' first='Brayden' last='Lynch'], a defensive back at Owen County High School. In addition to strong footwork and versatility, Lynch impresses me with his ability to read the quarterback like a book and haul in the interception deep in the backfield. I also like Lynch's ability to think fast after the pick, using his size and speed to break tackles and push into enemy territory.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2N0Sxiu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e7698de7248"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["971494"],"_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":"Coming in at number five on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='971494' first='Quilshaun' last='Baines'], a defensive back at Atherton High School. What I like about Baines is his size, speed and defensive awareness, showing off his ability to quickly turn around for the interception and maneuver the defense en route to the endzone. I also like how Baines uses his arms to wrap up and contain receivers as well as his ability to stay in front of the pass.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MkmLWu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e7698de729c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["971492"],"_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":"Also worth mentioning is [player_tooltip player_id='971492' first='James' last='White'], a defensive back at Fern Creek High School. What makes White so impactful defensively is his aggression in coverage and disruptiveness, proving he can use bursts of speed to quickly jump in front of the long pass. I also like White's stopping power, proving he can stop the rush, catch receivers on the run and consistently lock down the offense in crucial moments.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MLvfuu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e7698de72f0"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["971493"],"_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":"I am also impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='971493' first='Malique' last='Smith'], a defensive back at Fairdale High School. Smith stands out with his outstanding breakaway speed, efficient disruptiveness in coverage and his ability to elevate off the ground to fight receivers for the ball. Another aspect of Smith's playstyle that makes a difference is his ability to stop the opposition by shutting down passing with his relentless physicality and wing span.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MiWw0u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e7698de7344"} /-->