First Thoughts: Week 5 Defensive Playmakers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1249104' first='Devin' last='Jackson'] | DB | The First Academy (Class of 2026) | @DevinJackson010</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jackson continues to make his case as one of the top defensive backs in the state. The Florida Gators commit showcased his elite ball-hawking skills by recording two interceptions on Friday night, helping solidify his reputation as one of the most dangerous DBs in the 2026 class. Jackson's ability to read the quarterback and make plays in coverage makes him a nightmare for opposing offenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1127045' first='Keon' last='Young'] | DB | Lakeland (Class of 2025) | @KeonYoung55</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Young is a name you can't ignore when talking about elite defensive backs. The 2025 prospect, already considered one of the top DBs in the country, put his skills on display with an 80-yard pick-six in Lakeland's blowout win over Booker T. Washington. Whether playing corner or safety, Young's versatility and game-changing ability make him a defensive force to be reckoned with.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Myshawn McKinley | DB | Victory Christian (Class of 2025) | @myshawnMK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you're looking for a true ballhawk, Myshawn McKinley fits the bill. The Victory Christian standout has been a turnover machine this season, with an interception in nearly every game. This week, he recorded two interceptions, including a clutch 65-yard completion for a touchdown to help Victory Christian secure a dramatic 23-20 win. McKinley's ability to change the course of a game with one play makes him a must-watch defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1138842' first='Frank' last='Hicks'] | ATH | MDCA (Class of 2025) | @Frankhicks0</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hicks was everywhere on Friday night, leading MDCA to a come-from-behind 27-15 victory. Down 13-7 at halftime, Hicks sparked the comeback with a pair of interceptions on defense and a receiving touchdown on offense. He finished the game with six receptions for 125 yards and 201 all-purpose yards. Hicks' versatility on both sides of the ball makes him one of the most valuable players on the field for MDCA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1128598' first='Bryce' last='Backus'] | ATH | Mitchell (Class of 2026) | @backusbryce2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Backus put together a stat line that most players can only dream of. Backus did it all for Mitchell, finishing with two catches for 18 yards, two fake punt runs for 83 yards, an 80-yard kickoff return touchdown, a blocked punt, seven tackles, and an interception. His all-around play helped Mitchell secure a big win, and his ability to impact the game in all phases makes him a true game-breaker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>CJ Bronaugh | ATH | Windermere (Class of 2026) | @BronaughCj</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Windermere's undefeated 5-0 start can be attributed in part to the play of CJ Bronaugh, who had another standout performance this week. Bronaugh finished the night with six tackles and an 80-yard pick-six, helping lead Windermere to a dominant win. His combination of physicality and playmaking ability on defense has been crucial to Windermere's early-season success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Joshod Hampton | DB | Bartow (Class of 2025) | @Joshod3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hampton is quickly proving himself as one of the best cover corners in Polk County, and Friday night's performance was exactly what he needed. Recording an interception and showing off his tackling ability, Hampton gave Bartow's defense a big boost. His coverage skills make him one of the top defensive backs to watch as the season progresses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->