Rising 2026 Defensive Backs
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My favorite position on the defensive side of the ball, the defensive backs in the 2026 class really set themselves apart. Not only are the ranked recruits some of the most talented in the state, but the DBs from the…
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Continue ReadingMy favorite position on the defensive side of the ball, the defensive backs in the 2026 class really set themselves apart. Not only are the ranked recruits some of the most talented in the state, but the DBs from the Prep Redzone Watchlist consists of players capable of playing successfully at the next level.
A ball hawk from the safety position, Callum Fynes Callum Fynes 6’0″ | 185 lbs | DB Scotch Plains-Fanwood | 2026 NJ screams across the field as he picks the ball out from the sky. A big sized safety, Callum is able to match up well with the tallest receivers on the opponents team. Lining up as a wide receiver himself, Callum understands how to mirror them when he lines up in the secondary and does a great job cutting off their routes and getting between the receiver and the ball. While Scotch Plains-Fanwood wasn’t a top contender in 2023, Callum gives the team hope on both sides of the ball and will give them a good chance to reverse their fortunes.
Highlights
A lengthy safety, Quameen Williams Quameen Williams 6’2″ | 165 lbs | DB Elizabeth | 2026 NJ is the type of defender you’ll find near the ball at all times. Compiling 72 total tackles as a sophomore, Quameen closes in quickly on a runner and wraps them up to bring a swift ending to their efforts. What stands out to me in Quameen’s game is his twitchiness in coverage. Great hip mobility allows Quameen to not only open his hips up and prevent any deep routes, but can also quickly dig his foot into the ground and sprint upfield to blow up shorter passes. A technical tackler, good luck getting away from Quameen’s grip once he has you within his grasp.
Highlights
So far, all of these watchlist DBs have next level size. Jayden Worilds Jayden Worilds 5’10” | 165 lbs | DB Newark Central | 2026 NJ is no exception. Standing at 6’0″, Jayden was a consistent, dominant presence surveying the secondary. Always in the right place at the right time, Jayden was able to change the momentum of the game throughout the season as he picked the ball off 4 times. As he stands tall in centerfield, Jayden is truly able to cover sideline to sideline, pouncing towards the direction of the throw as soon as he sees the QB eyeing his receiver up. Amassing 54 tackles in 2023 as well, Jayden is a playmaker in every aspect of the game.
The last watchlist DB you need to become more familiar with is Taylor Cartwright Taylor Cartwright 5’7″ | 140 lbs | DB Holy Spirit | 2026 NJ . A corner built like a safety, Taylor delivered punishing hits to receivers and runners at they tried to take it to the outside. Extremely impactful in the run defense game, Taylor is able to get out of his back peddle quickly and sweep in low on the runner. Even in coverage Taylor shined. He is the type of DB you can rely on in one-on-one coverage to either come down with the ball or swat it away.