Under-the-Radar DBs in the 2026 Class Ready to Break Out

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 class is loaded with talent in the secondary, but not every standout defensive back is getting the recognition they deserve—yet. Across Alabama, several under-the-radar DBs have been quietly making plays, showcasing elite coverage skills, physicality in run support, and the instincts to make game-changing plays. As the offseason heats up and college programs ramp up their recruiting efforts, these prospects are primed to break out. Whether it's through lockdown performances at camps, dominant showings on Friday nights, or an impressive combination of speed and football IQ, these defensive backs are ready to prove they belong on every recruiter's radar. Let's take a look at some of the top under-the-radar DBs in Alabama's 2026 class who are poised to make a name for themselves.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Grayson Malone","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Coosa Christian School HS","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67aa576d1fb78"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Malone is a long, rangy defensive back with excellent ball skills and fluid movement in coverage. He thrives in off-man and zone schemes, reading the quarterback well and making quick breaks on the ball. His ability to high-point passes and disrupt passing lanes makes him a true playmaker in the secondary. Despite being under the radar, his physicality in run support adds value to his all-around game. With continued development, he has the potential to earn serious Division 1 interest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1609331"],"_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-67aa576d1fc24"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Scott is a physical defensive back who excels in press coverage, using his strength and technique to jam receivers at the line. His aggressive playing style allows him to disrupt routes early, making it difficult for quarterbacks to target his side of the field. He also showcases impressive closing speed and instincts, breaking up passes with strong hands and body control. Scott's versatility allows him to play both safety and corner, making him a valuable asset for any defensive scheme. Expect his stock to rise as he continues to refine his technique and gain exposure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Ian Coleman","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"175","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Gardendale High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67aa576d1fd38"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Coleman is a hard-hitting defensive back with a knack for making game-changing plays in both coverage and run support. His size and athleticism allow him to match up against bigger receivers while maintaining the agility to defend shifty route runners. He's at his best in zone coverage, reading plays before they develop and jumping routes to create turnovers. His physicality and willingness to come downhill in run support make him an asset in the box. As he sharpens his technique, he could emerge as one of Alabama's premier DBs in the 2026 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jackson Wiley","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'9u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"170","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Locust Fork High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67aa576d1fe46"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wiley is a high-motor defensive back with elite footwork and a strong understanding of route concepts. He reacts quickly to plays, using his speed and anticipation to mirror receivers and limit separation. His ability to change direction fluidly makes him a lockdown option in man coverage, and he's shown flashes of being a strong tackler in space. Wiley is also a key contributor on special teams, adding extra value to his recruiting profile. With continued growth, he has the potential to be a reliable and dynamic presence in the secondary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["695078"],"_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-67aa576d1fec7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Penn is an instinctive playmaker with excellent ball-tracking ability and a strong football IQ. His ability to read quarterbacks and anticipate throws allows him to generate turnovers and big plays for his defense. He moves well laterally, making him an asset in both man and zone coverage, and his length helps him contest catches against taller receivers. Penn's leadership and communication skills make him a natural leader in the secondary, helping his teammates stay aligned in coverage. As he continues to develop physically and refine his technique, he will be a name to watch in the 2026 recruiting cycle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->