Sleeper 2026 Defensive Backs To Keep A Close Eye On

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These under-the-radar defensive backs are bound for giant senior seasons in 2025...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1682805"],"_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-6839cd89077c9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A sleeper defensive back outside of Athens who deserves more recognition, Payne is a big-play defender who can make a play on the ball and deliver a big hit on the ball-carrier. The 5-foot-10 175-pounder flashed D1-caliber potential last season and was reliable against the run as he made 60 tackles and four stops behind the line of scrimmage. In coverage, Payne made two INTs while blocking a punt on special teams. Look for him to be one of the top returning defenders for the Dragons in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1664510"],"_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-6839cd8907861"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A tackling machine in the secondary, McKenzie is a quick-reacting defender with a versatile skill-set in the secondary. Whether he's lined up at safety or cornerback, McKenzie was always looking to make a big play. He's a sound run defender who knows how to deliver a sound hit behind his pads. He brings plenty of speed and physicality which led to him making an eye-opening 94 tackles to go along with who forced fumbles. He picked off one pass in coverage and broke up 10 more passes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1682819"],"_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-6839cd89078d8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the top sleeper prospects in Augusta, Futrell is a productive two-way player with outstanding hands who had them on full display all season long. He shined at wide receiver, but really impressed in the secondary on defense. He has a true nose for the football and picked off six passes last season as a junior. He also made 25 tackles and broke up eight more passes in coverage. He's one of the top returning defenders in the area and bound for a big senior season this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1682846"],"_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-6839cd890794c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An impressive South Georgia cornerback coming off a terrific junior season, this sure-handed defender was a turnover machine last season, picking off an eye-opening six passes in coverage. He shows good footwork, natural instincts, and plays the ball like a receiver. He was a major weapon on defense who earned 1st-team All-Region honors last season. He also made 61 tackles last season and will be one of the top returning defenders in the area for the 2025 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1682855"],"_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-6839cd89079bd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A three-way athlete south of Atlanta who can make a big play in all areas of the game, Bowser is a speedy athlete with natural athleticism that stood out all season long during the 2024 season. On offense, Bowser was a consistent pass-catcher who scored six touchdowns. On defense, Bowser continues to make game-changing plays, making 74 tackles and picking off five passes in coverage. He showed he has easy D1-caliber talent and could have a dominant senior season next fall</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->