Intriguing Defensive 2026s to Watch For

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After an outstanding year of high school football action in the Bluegrass State, it's time to continue to highlight some of the most impactful prospects that made their presence known on the field last season. Following my breakdown of five stockrising 2027 prospects, here's my list of some intriguing defensive 2026s in Kentucky to watch for.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1176958"],"_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='1176958' first='Nick' last='Sims'], a defensive back at Owensboro Catholic High School. In addition to his ability to adapt and take advantage of the loose ball, Sims impresses me with his ability to read the offense and make crucial stops. I also like how Sims can lock down receivers after the catch, showcasing his electric speed and stopping power.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MRD1Lu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661968831b6a6"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["283966"],"_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='283966' first='Donnez' last='Marshall'], a defensive lineman at Shelby County High School. On top of great size and speed off the snap, Marshall stands out with his ability to slip past the offensive line and consistently drop the gunslinger to the ground, proving his defensive explosiveness. I also like Marshall's ability to read the offense and find weak spots in the line to apply pressure.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2Nf7kSu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661968831b710"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["283959"],"_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='283959' first='Chapman' last='Russell'], a linebacker at Christian Academy of Louisville. Russell makes a huge difference defensively with his ability to be physical in coverage and wrap up receivers down the stretch. I also like how Russell can read the short pass and swat the ball to the ground. Russell also showcased his ability to blast through the offensive line and sack the quarterback.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2Mwah6u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661968831b765"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["331724"],"_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 watch for is [player_tooltip player_id='331724' first='Greyson' last='Vance'], a defensive back at North Oldham High School. What impresses me about Vance is his ability to stun the offense with his physicality in the pocket, proving he can quickly apply pressure on the quarterback and be disruptive. I also like how Vance can read the handoff and pick up speed in the pocket to shut down the rush.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18472467/61a799d88cd3dd0568ecfb35u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661968831b7bc"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["283981"],"_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='283981' first='Zac' last='Carter'], a defensive lineman at Somerset High School. Carter stands out with his ability to blast past the offensive line in the pocket and sack the quarterback, utilizing his size and speed to be unstoppable defensively. I also like how Carter can target the running back off the handoff and maneuver the pocket to make the tackle.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/video/3/15819083/650c6cc423529d092ce5524fu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661968831b80d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1175815"],"_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='1175815' first='Malik' last='Coburn'], a linebacker at Bowling Green High School. Coburn impresses me with his defensive aggression as well as his ability to both wrap up and drop the quarterback before he can get the ball out. I also like Coburn's ability to shut down ground production, proving he can read the offense like a book and pick up speed to tackle the running back.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MmNkXu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661968831b85b"} /-->