2026 Defensive Backs Check-in: Week 5

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's wrap up check-in series on the 2026 class by looking at some of the top defensive backs in the state. We've already looked at the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/09/2026-quarterbacks-check-in-week-5/">quarterbacks</a>, <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/09/2026-running-back-check-in-week-5/">running backs</a>, <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/09/2026-wide-receiver-check-in-week-5/">receivers</a>, <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/09/2026-defensive-line-check-in-week-5/">defensive linemen</a>, and <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/09/2026-linebacker-check-in-week-5/">linebackers</a> so it's time to move further off the line of scrimmage and break down some of the 2026 defensive backs from around the state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Like the other positions, I'll check in on the top three, scout a few other guys who have impressed early and then list a few more that look good who we'd either like to scout or have recently scouted.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2026 Midseason Defensive Backs Check-In</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["284097"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66edf1d339f87"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Matthews has been fantastic early this season, and he wins both with technique and athleticism. He's an extremely long corner with ball skills, able to make plays on even accurate throws. His hips and footwork allow him to mirror receivers in man coverage and he has great zone I.Q. Matthews is one of the most well-rounded corners you'll find and a potential early contributor a the P4 level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402298"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66edf1d339fe6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Reddish really re-shaped his body in the offseason and you can tell by the early returns that it's helped him in 2024. He plays a bit of corner, slot and safety, but he's likely a safety at the next level, where he can play more zone coverage and diagnose defenses.The Independence defense has taken another step forward in 2024 and Reddish is a big reason for that improvement.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1309069"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66edf9d49c553"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">While he's probably an outside guy at the next level, Myers Park likes to use Portis in the slot to get him a bit closer to the action in the running game. He's physical, not just against receivers, but also in run support. While he's not the biggest guy, he has a lot of length and uses that to help him in pass coverage. The tackle numbers are there and the ball production will come as teams target him more over the course of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2026 Defensive Backs Impressing Early</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Obviously, we're paying attention to what prospects outside of the top three are doing. Here are a few guys further down the rankings who are really impressing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1153738"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66edf9d49c5a6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cox Mill has struggled a bit to start the season, but Bright has been excellent for the defense. He's always done well to get around the ball and make tackles, but he's really improved as a cover corner in 2024. He has several pass breakups and a fumble recovery to go with over 30 tackles in four games to start the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["935584"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66edf9d49c5e5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dula has been a high-level starting corner for a while, adding some reps at receiver this season. He's sometimes hard to find in the box score, because opposing quarterbacks simply don't look his way, meaning he rarely gets opportunities to make plays on the ball. This season, he's done well to rack up some tackles and despite missing time with a concussion, Dula has really impressed us and we're hoping he gets a few more opportunities to showcase his ball skills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1024870"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66edfab66b960"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ravin has been excellent this season, and I want to see him in a camp setting because I really like the anticipation and IQ he plays with. I'd love to get numbers on him and just see him in person because his play speed looks great on film. Ravin plays everywhere for Cannon/Concord Academy, from a deep center field role to slot to outside linebacker. He's a huge playmaker who continues to get better every week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other 2026 Defensive Backs Who Have Impressed</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are some more guys we've liked early. Myabe we'll break them down with full scouting reports later this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='775970' first='Braylon' last='Peebles'], Cardinal Gibbons</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1321119' first='Elijah' last='Sellars'], Independence</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1034840' first='Jaleel' last='Parker'], Jack Britt</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1057087' first='Elijah' last='Alston'], Wakefield</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1368142' first='Jeremiah' last='Deese'], Dudley</h3> <!-- /wp:heading -->