2026 Film Room: Defensive Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What defensive backs in the class of 2026 caught our attention on tape?&nbsp; Here are a few of them in <strong>2026 Film Room: Defensive Backs</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='537245' first='Jayden' last='Marshall'] (Crete Monee – 5'11” 150)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marshall is a smooth and fluid corner at 5'11".&nbsp; The silky DB cuts well on the ball and consistently makes plays with the ball in the air.&nbsp; He covers ground well and uses his hands to defend the ball while not getting a penalty.&nbsp; Sound footwork and a typewriter back pedal.&nbsp; Tackles well in the box and is adept at chasing down opponents downfield that weren't his primary coverage with his speed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='801706' first='Ahmad' last='Buchanan'] (Richards – 5'11” 170)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Boundary and press corner at 5'11" 170 pounds.&nbsp; Can be physical at the line when in press. Plus athlete that makes plays on the ball downfield. Tips passes without getting penalties.&nbsp; Wraps up on tackles. Contributes on kick off coverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401604' first='Devon' last='Armstrong'] (Mt. Carmel – 6'1” 175)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Armstrong brings great size at 6'1" as a slot corner/nickel back.&nbsp; He cuts well on the ball for picks.&nbsp; Runs really well to the ball and is a fierce tackler.&nbsp; Forces fumbles and gets through blocks to get to the ball carrier.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='801993' first='Adidum' last='Aadum'] (Glenbrook South – 6'1” 200)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aadaum is a huge strong safety at 6'1" 200 pounds that has great size and strength.&nbsp; Cuts in front of defenders on the back end for interceptions.&nbsp; Also very good at coming up to make tackles in the box wrapping up low.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='279386' first='Tommy' last='Thies'] (Fenwick – 6'0” 190)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thies is a 6'0" corner with good strength.&nbsp; Makes plays on the ball downfield.&nbsp; Good speed and is a physical tackler.&nbsp; Very good blitzer off the edge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401594' first='Austin' last='Mrskos'] (Brother Rice – 5'11” 160)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mrskos plays both QB and safety, but projects best as a free safety at the next level.&nbsp; He is a playmaking machine on the backend with his ability to get interceptions as a centerfielder and cutting in front of deep routes for picks.&nbsp; Tackles well cutting out legs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='801882' first='Johnny' last='Colon'] (Nazareth Academy – 5'10” 170)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Colon is a 5'10" corner from Nazareth that is super aggressive with his playing style.&nbsp; He has good speed and tackles very well in run support.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='429680' first='Joshua' last='Matheny'] (Evergreen Park – 6'2” 170)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Big and long safety at 6'2" 170 pounds. High point ball in air downfield. Best in run support as a strong safety that can run sideline to sideline.&nbsp; Could see him transitioning to an outside linebacker spot as his career progresses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='801987' first='Jack' last='Getz'] (Benet – 6'1” 165)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Long and lanky 6'1" free safety.&nbsp; High points the ball on the back end and changes directions quickly coming up in run support.&nbsp; Has punt return potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1400840' first='James' last='Franklin'] (St. Rita – 5'11” 160)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Franklin is a quick twitched athlete at 5'11" 160 pounds with good length.&nbsp; Plays well in man to man coverage.&nbsp; Uses the sideline to his advantage in coverage. Tackles well in space.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1400842' first='Jayden' last='Karas'] (Riverside Brookfield – 6'0” 150)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Free safety that is a good centerfielder making plays on the ball over the middle.&nbsp; Explosive kick returner and gets YAC as an offensive threat as a wide out.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='801889' first='Josh' last='Burke'] (Andrew – 5'9” 160)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Burke is a smaller corner at 5'9" that has good instincts.&nbsp; Makes plays on the ball in the air and has quick footwork changing direction.&nbsp; Gets interceptions and makes game changing plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='801983' first='Jaydan' last='Simmons'] (Hillcrest – 5'9” 155)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This 5'9" defensive back pursues the ball well and tackles well in space.&nbsp; Like how he reacts the the ball in the air as a playmaker on the backend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='344522' first='Trevor' last='Martino'] (Providence Catholic – 5'7” 160)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Martino is a 5'7" defensive back.&nbsp; Solid in run support and tackling closer to line. Wraps up down low.&nbsp; Decent in coverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->