Fast-Rising 2026 Defensive Backs To Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These promising 2026 defensive backs are seeing their stock rise...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1211122"],"_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-67d5ca4e031b1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">a severely underrated Gwinnett County athlete who shined in the secondary last fall for Peachtree Ridge, this ball-hawking safety makes a lot of plays in coverage and is one of the hardest-hitting defensive backs in the area. He picked up a new offer from South Florida and he's deserving of a lot more. The speedy defender made 93 tackles last fall as a junior with an INT and two forced fumbles. He's a sleeper defensive back to keep a close eye on in the Suwanee area this fall and should see a boost in his new Prep Redzone ranking soon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1514705"],"_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-67d5ca4e03213"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An outstanding two-way athlete and one of the hottest prospects in the state right now, Umenyiora was a dependable receiver for <a href="https://www.hudl.com/team/918/roster">Mount Pisgah</a> last fall who also made plays in the secondary at cornerback. The long, athletic 6-foot-2 185-pounder will play at Blessed Trinity next season as a senior and should find ways to make an easy impact in all phases of the game. This promising defensive back recently earned new offers from Michigan State and could see more come his way soon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1612970"],"_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-67d5ca4e0325a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A small-town defensive back who excels in coverage, this standout defensive back brings outstanding length and natural ball skills to the Manchester defense and should see a big boost in the next 2026 Prep Redzone rankings. One of the top overall prospects in the area, Terry was a playmaking machine in the secondary last fall, making 34 tackles, four TFLs and four INTs to go along with nine more pass-breakups. He shows natural instincts and knows how to reel in the ball from receivers. His recruitment took off in February, but he added a new recent offer this week from Rutgers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1640025"],"_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-67d5ca4e0329a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A dynamic athlete who can shine in multiple ways, Taylor is a do-it-all defender who can run, hit, cover, and hold down his side of the field in coverage. He can block kicks, force fumbles, and make a play on the football in the air. This sleeper 2026 defender is coming off a strong junior season where he made 51 tackles, eight TFLs, two sacks, two INTs, five pass-breakups, one blocked kick and one forced fumble. He's one of the top returning defenders in the area and will be an easy addition to the next 2026 Prep Redzone rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1640033"],"_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-67d5ca4e032d9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A metro-Atlanta athlete south of the City who shined on both sides of the ball last year, Carson is coming off a big junior season for Lovejoy where he showed plenty of speed, hands, and instincts in the secondary. He plays hard, showed toughness, and a competitive drive that was fun to watch on tape. He shows good fundamentals at cornerback with quick feet, loose hips, and a knack for staying with opposing receivers down the field. His best football is still ahead of him, and he's likely bound for a giant senior season in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->