2026 Rankings Update: Top Defensive Back

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The latest edition of the Prep Redzone Illinois Class of 2026 has been unveiled.&nbsp; Here we dive into the top players at each position.&nbsp; Today we look at <strong>2026 Rankings Update: Top Defensive Backs</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1585119' first='Nick' last='Hankins'] (Belleville West)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hankins is the premier corner in this class.&nbsp; At 6'1" he has long arms and fluid hips.&nbsp; Plus athlete with good speed.&nbsp; His instincts is what separates him from the rest of the class.&nbsp; He reeds the QB's eyes and has the ability to go off his primary coverage to where the ball is going to make impactful plays.&nbsp; Such a quick switch on the backend. Makes game changing plays including pick 6s. Wraps up tackling in the run game.&nbsp; Also plays wide receiver where he is a vertical threat that tracks it very well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1669545' first='Messiah' last='Tilson'] (Rockford Guilford)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tilson is a 6'2" strong safety that flies to the ball.&nbsp; Top safety in class takes good angles, cuts in front of receiver making plays on the ball, and changes directions well.&nbsp; Hard hitter on the backend.&nbsp; Big frame, good speed, and has room to continue to get better.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='537245' first='Jayden' last='Marshall'] (Crete Monee)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marshall is a 5'11" corner that has typewriter footwork.&nbsp; Reaches around with hand to make plays on ball knocking the pass down. Good technique using the sideline as his friend. Works well out of press and is excellent with his positioning. Gets off blocks to make tackles in run and contributes on coverage units.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1669570' first='Vincent' last='Smith'] (Sandburg)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith is a 6'2" 200 pound jumbo corner with excellent ball skills.&nbsp; Anticipation cutting routes for interceptions.&nbsp; Fluid back pedal and explodes to the ball making plays on the ball.&nbsp; Very fluid and can also make plays downfield.&nbsp; Good tackler that flies to the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='279386' first='Tommy' last='Thies'] (Miami OH)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a strong safety that is committed to Miami (OH).&nbsp; The 6'0" 190 pound defensive back has a strong frame and absolutely flies to the ball where he hits hard.&nbsp; Both in the run and pass game.&nbsp; Separator on the back end.&nbsp; Instinctual player that has good hands in the middle of the field.&nbsp; Very physical in the run game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='801706' first='Ahmad' last='Buchanan'] (Richards)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Buchanan is a safety that can also play some slot corner.&nbsp; Strong frame at 5'11" 170 pounds.&nbsp; High points passes on the back end as deep centerfielder. Positions himself well and makes plays on the ball in the air. Instinctual defensive back that makes smart plays and is a force coming up in run support wrapping up low.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='801993' first='Adidum' last='Aadum'] (Glenbrook South)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aadum is a big strong safety at 6'1" 200 pounds.&nbsp; Made an insane one handed pick in the endzone.&nbsp; Does a good job of jumping routes cutting in front of pass catchers.&nbsp; Uses his long arms to pat down passes breaking them up. Good instincts and is excellent in run support as a hard hitter that takes good angles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='212315' first='Jalen' last='Carter'] (Wheaton St. Francis)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carter is a 6'1" 165 pound corner that can also play some free safety as well.&nbsp; Fluid defensive back that is disciplined, has typewriter footwork, and changes directions well.&nbsp; Good in press coverage. Plus athlete that tackles well.&nbsp; Also showed off his athleticism as a running back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->