2026 North Texas DBs to keep an eye on this upcoming season

With the football season just around the corner, North Texas is a hotbed of defensive back (DB) talent in the 2026 class. These players are not just your average DBs-they are a breed apart, showcasing exceptional skill, agility, and game-changing abilities. They are the ones to watch who can turn the tide in a game. In this article, I'll spotlight a few under-the-radar North Texas DBs, delving into their strengths and potential to shape the destiny of their teams' seasons.    [player_tooltip player_id='1345289' first='Jordan' last='Deck'] is a ball-hawking safety from Lone Star High School in Frisco, TX. Deck's physical prowess is immediately evident on the field. He combines a solid frame with impressive speed and agility. In pass coverage, he can effectively handle man-to-man assignments and zone coverage, utilizing his speed and agility to keep up with receivers. Against the run, Deck is fearless, showcasing strong tackling skills and the ability to shed blocks. What truly sets him apart is his potential to make game-changing plays. With soft hands and a knack for being around the ball, he can instantly turn the tide of a game. [player_tooltip player_id='1345289' first='Jordan' last='Deck'] is a talent whose combination of athleticism, intelligence, and versatility make him one of the most promising safeties from the 2026 class.   <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2MRqeH">http://www.hudl.com/v/2MRqeH</a>     [player_tooltip player_id='977545' first='Markel' last='Ford'], the dynamic safety from Mesquite Horn High School, possesses a well-balanced build that combines strength with agility. His playstyle shows his physicality, using his size and speed to patrol the secondary. Ford's explosive speed allows him to cover large areas of the field, close gaps quickly, and easily chase down ball carriers. His agility and fluid movement make him adept at changing direction and reacting swiftly to plays as they develop. He has a keen ability to read the offense, anticipate plays, and position himself for turnovers. His instincts often lead him to breaking up a pass, stepping into the box to support the run, or providing deep coverage. His playmaking ability, combined with his versatility, makes him an indispensable asset from the 2026 class.   <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2LYMWd">http://www.hudl.com/v/2LYMWd</a>     Ryan Gilbert, a talented Mesquite Horn High School cornerback, consistently shows outstanding coverage skills. Gilbert's quick footwork and fluid hip movement allow him to stay stride-for-stride with receivers. His ability to mirror receivers and anticipate routes in man coverage stands out. His quick reflexes and sharp instincts enable him to break on the ball swiftly. In zone coverage, Gilbert demonstrates a strong understanding of spatial awareness, effectively positioning himself to cover multiple receivers. He has a knack for reading the quarterback's eyes and timing his breaks to make plays on the ball. His ability to track the ball in the air and his ball skills make him a threat for interceptions. Gilbert's aggressive playstyle often results in timely turnovers and defensive stops. Ryan Gilbert is a talented cornerback whose blend of physical attributes and technical skills make him a key player to watch from the 2026 class.   <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2MRgey">http://www.hudl.com/v/2MRgey</a>     [player_tooltip player_id='977529' first='Lebron' last='Bauer'], a shutdown cornerback for the Allen Eagles, is a player whose outstanding coverage skills, athleticism, and aggressiveness make him a force to be reckoned with. Bauer has the ideal size for a cornerback, as he can match up effectively against various receivers. His athleticism is evident in his quick footwork, explosive burst, and impressive leaping ability. Bauer's disciplined footwork and ability to maintain tight coverage make him a reliable defender. In zone coverage, his awareness and anticipation enable him to read the quarterback's eyes and position himself to make plays on the ball. Bauer's physicality is a key aspect of his game. His physical presence on the field adds a layer of toughness to the Eagles' secondary. His unique combination of coverage skills, athleticism, and playmaking ability make him a cornerstone of the secondary from the 2026 class.   <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2MBsgk">http://www.hudl.com/v/2MBsgk</a>     [player_tooltip player_id='808215' first='Donovan' last='Webb'], the dynamic cornerback from Panther Creek High School in Frisco, TX, is emerging as a dominant corner. He displays exceptional coverage skills and football intelligence. His athleticism is evident in his excellent speed, agility, and leaping ability. Webb's quick reflexes and explosive first step make him adept at closing gaps and breaking on the ball. He demonstrates fluid hips and the ability to mirror receivers in man coverage. His technique is polished, showing an understanding of hand placement and body positioning to maintain tight coverage. In zone coverage, Webb's football IQ shines as he reads the quarterback's eyes and anticipates plays. [player_tooltip player_id='808215' first='Donovan' last='Webb'] is a standout cornerback whose blend of physical attributes and technical skills make him a premier defender. His ability to shut down receivers and make game-changing plays on the ball makes him one of the top cornerbacks in the 2026 class to watch this season.   <a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/18036937/6564caa1c11a2707cc1c4c86">http://www.hudl.com/video/3/18036937/6564caa1c11a2707cc1c4c86</a>

With the football season just around the corner, North Texas is a hotbed of defensive back (DB) talent in the 2026 class. These players are not just your average DBs-they are a breed apart, showcasing exceptional skill, agility, and game-changing abilities. They are the ones to watch who can turn the tide in a game. In this article, I'll spotlight a few under-the-radar North Texas DBs, delving into their strengths and potential to shape the destiny of their teams' seasons.