Closer Look at Elite 2026 DB Recruits

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's evaluate some Underclass stock riser prospects that deserve recognition in their respective positions and classifications. This week, Prep Redzone Scout Drew Johnson will highlight instrumental recruits who have consistently produced this season. As noted frequently, Prep Redzone Florida aims to provide adequate coverage of all athletes for college coaches At All Levels and readers to evaluate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1249091' first='Jaelen' last='Waters'] | DB | Class of 2026 | Armwood | @Jaelen_waters9</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've already established a couple years ago that Waters would be a big-time DB prospect at the next level. He recently made a big-time move&nbsp; and committed to the Florida Gators. The rising junior has provided solid coverage against tough squads this season and even recorded some game-changing interceptions/pass breakups.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1249057' first='Brody' last='Jennings'] | DB | 2026 | Mandarin | @SpidermanJ3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Recent offers from the likes of Kentucky, Miami, and Texas A&amp;M have a lot of eyes on Jennings and his potential upside at the defensive back position. He's gotten some love from college coaches since last year but this will be a productive spring period to show he has the skills and frame to make an impact at the college level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1143136' first='Kaiden' last='Hall'] | S | 2026 | Milton | @_kaidenhall3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another premier rising North Florida prospect has earned his name on the list after a big-time offer from FSU this month. He also earned a four-star ranking after a productive sophomore season where he made strides on both sides of the ball. Keep an eye on this kid as he will see an uptick in college interest.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1247547' first='Xavier' last='Lherisse'] | ATH | 2026 | Eau Gallie | @XavierXEL11</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What a season for the rising three-sport athlete which has him ranked as a four-star prospect. This kid is just getting started but has the tools to have a real deal impact at the next level. Lherisse received a big-time offseason offer from Notre Dame that will help with his overall recruitment. Watch out for Lherisse to see an uptick in college interest heading into the spring.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1247513' first='Ayden' last='Pouncey'] | DB | 2026 | Winter Park | @AydenPouncey</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pouncey was one of the first DB prospects that caught my eye at the Elite Defensive Back Showcase last year because of his long frame. He had a solid performance at the off-season showcase and has flashed his P5 abilities throughout the season. The sophomore displays a good ability to flip his hips while using body control to drive through the ball to disrupt passes. Have to get my eyes on him when it's time to compete against other talented receivers but his potential upside is clear as day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1266688' first='Jordan' last='Crutchfield'] | DB | 2026 | Westwood Academy | @JayyCrutchfield</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This kid is hands down the real deal. I watched him lock up multiple receivers and earn a camp offer from Cincinnati after a great day in coverage. Good size at 6-3, 198 pounds with plenty of time for even more growth and development.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1247519' first='Jaydin' last='Broadnax'] | DB | 2026 | West Boca | @jbroadnax_5</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When you're 6-3, athletic, with ball hawk abilities, college coaches start to pay attention. Media outlets as well as Broadnax was ranked a four-star defensive back prospect. The off-season has been a busy period for Broadnax who has received recent offers from UCF, Nebraska, Kentucky, and Wisconsin. Important spring period for the young man who will look to continue building on generated momentum.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1632407' first='Dariyon' last='Gordon'] | DB | Class of 2026 | Ocoee | @dariyon_gordon</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Recent offers: Georgia, FSU, Georgia State</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The class of 2026 continues to produce DOGs as [player_tooltip player_id='1632407' first='Dariyon' last='Gordon'] adds to a long list of potential P4 prospects. He put on a decent show this offseason and has some of the best man coverage skills in the area. He has a good frame at 6-1 but it's the mentality to win and compete that will separate him in the long run.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->