2026 NY Rankings: Defensive Back

<p>This defensive back class is probably a step behind a couple of the other positions in this class. There is a clear #1 prospect, but after that, I think there are some guys with intriguing traits who have one or two things holding them back from being in our top group of prospects. Youth is on their side, as most of these prospects got their first varsity experiences in varying capacities just this past fall. </p>   <p>Check out the updated 2026 Rankings <a href="https://prepredzone.com/new-york/rankings/2026-rankings/">HERE</a></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Top Prospect</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Moore is easily the top DB in the class, and it actually is really hard to imagine anyone in the class will come close to contesting him on that. Moore is a special athlete who has elite measurables for the CB position. </p>   <p>Moore plays press coverage well; his length and hand placement at the point of attack in the press is impressive in his sophomore tape. Moore has the ability to leap and attack the ball in the air and shows the ability to turn and run with WRs then get his head around and find the ball. Plus coverage skills, athleticism, ball skills, and measurables for the CB out of St. Anthony's</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Next Five Prospects</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Harris is a smaller prospect but has time to get bigger and stronger. The Erasmus Hall CB has probably the quickest feet I have ever seen at a workout or camp and he is excellent in man coverage. His footwork is consistent, and he shows the ability to mirror WRs really well without being handsy. He has solid tape against the run also, as he plays in a run-heavy league. A smaller prospect but really twitched up and willing to play physical. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Smith is a solid CB prospect who was very consistent for Canisius last season, Smith does his best work as a tackler coming downhill and making tackles in space. He hits hard and does a good job of wrapping guys up. Smith has strong film in zone coverage, where he can see plays develop, and he shows a quick trigger to the ball. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Sampson is a really smooth, twitchy athlete and, as a cornerback, shows really solid man coverage skills. I have seen him work at some camps, and he mirrors WRs really well, although a smaller prospect has done a good job fighting through reps with bigger WR/TE prospects. Sampson has solid ball skills; he impacts the catch point well consistently when I saw him live and in his film. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Cosidente III really is the first true safety prospect of this group and the Moore Catholic DB shows really solid ball skills and range on tape. Cosidente III shows some versatility by lining up a single high or moving into the slot as more of a nickel corner. He also has a really solid length and does a good job of impacting the catch point with some follow-through getting to the ball. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Cox is another smaller CB prospect, but he shows really quality coverage skills on tape. He has some really good burst-to-closing speed, being able to impact the catch point and also limit YAC with quick tackles after the catch. Cox plays with a good motor and is always getting involved making tackles on tape. This season, Cox returns as one of the top coverage DBs, but, with improved Ball Skills, could start to create more turnovers from the position. </p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Three Names To Know</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Weather was a part of a stacked CBA-Syracuse defensive backfield last year and put out some quality film and reps. Weather played CB and had one of the more impressive INTs of lasts season against CNS. Weather has solid ball skills, he tracks the ball well and does a good job of making plays at the catch point. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Lewis is a solid safety prospect who shows the ability to come down into the box and make plays against the run and on the edge. Lewis has good overall instincts in coverage and flashes a quick trigger coming down hill. He has the body type on film that looks like it can add significant weight and he more of a strong safety prospect with some twitch and burst. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Wilhelm out of Sweet Home is a true strong safety who is physical at the point of attack and makes a lot of plays coming downhill. Already at 200 lbs, Wilhelm could grow into the LB position because he plays the safety position so well when coming downhill. He does a good job of breaking down and making tackles in space but also flashes some closing speed moving sideline to sideline. </p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">DB Rankings Table</h2>

This defensive back class is probably a step behind a couple of the other positions in this class. There is a clear #1 prospect, but after that, I think there are some guys with intriguing traits who have one or two things holding them back from being in our top group of prospects. Youth is on their side, as most of these prospects got their first varsity experiences in varying capacities just this past fall.