Rankings Update: Top Uncommitted '26 DB's

[player_tooltip player_id='919565' first='Kaai' last='Connelley'] Drawing Heavy Interest on Recruiting Trail With Physical, High-Impact Play   [player_tooltip player_id='919565' first='Kaai' last='Connelley'] is quickly becoming one of the more intriguing safety prospects in the 2025 class. The 6-foot-3, 180-pound enforcer out of the secondary holds 12 offers, including FBS programs like North Carolina-Charlotte, Boston College, Pitt, and East Carolina. On the FCS side, Sacred Heart and Rhode Island are among the programs keeping close tabs on his development.   Connelley's game is built around physicality and presence. With his impressive frame and aggressive downhill style, he thrives in run support. He delivers clean, punishing hits and is a sure tackler in space, both at the line of scrimmage and downfield after the catch.   But his value extends beyond the box. As a deep safety, Connelley does a strong job patrolling the top of the defense. His instincts and range allow him to consistently position himself in throwing lanes, leading to several interceptions last season. He plays with a high motor and a clear understanding of the game, showing the ability to diagnose plays and take smart angles to the ball.   With a blend of size, toughness, and field IQ, Connelley is the type of prospect who fits multiple defensive schemes at the next level. His recruiting stock is trending up, and with more eyes expected on him during his senior campaign, a commitment announcement could be looming. Until then, expect both FBS and FCS programs to stay in the hunt for one of the more physically gifted safeties in the class.       [player_tooltip player_id='1611666' first='Tim' last='Cain'] Emerging as a Lockdown Cornerback in the 2025 Class   [player_tooltip player_id='1611666' first='Tim' last='Cain'], a rising defensive back in the 2025 class, is beginning to draw serious attention on the recruiting trail. Currently holding four Division I offers, from Howard University, Delaware State, Navy, and Bowie State. Cain is trending heavily among FCS programs, with Navy standing out as his first FBS offer.   Cain is a physical, instinctive corner with the tools to thrive in man-to-man coverage. He plays with a natural feel for positioning, consistently staying in the receiver's hip pocket through the route. His fluid hips and short-area quickness allow him to mirror receivers with precision, while his closing speed and timing make him a threat to disrupt passing lanes.   In run support, Cain flashes strong form tackling and shows no hesitation engaging on the perimeter. His ability to diagnose plays and finish tackles in space adds to his all-around value in the secondary.   With a senior season still ahead, Cain is poised to attract more interest as programs continue to prioritize versatile, high-IQ defenders in the back end. If he continues to develop, don't be surprised to see his offer list expand significantly.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Bh_timk/status/1936438664017408356 </div></figure>      [player_tooltip player_id='1314846' first='Jesse' last='Legree'] Gaining Momentum on Recruiting Trail After Offseason Surge   [player_tooltip player_id='1314846' first='Jesse' last='Legree'], a talented defensive back and recent transfer to national powerhouse St. Frances Academy (MD), is making noise as he enters a pivotal senior season. The former Loyola Blakefield standout now holds 10 Division I offers, with his recruitment heating up significantly in May , adding six new offers, including Rhode Island and Wofford.   Legree brings a cover corner, high-IQ presence to the secondary. Known for his leadership and consistent play at Loyola, he'll now have the opportunity to showcase his skills on one of the most competitive stages in high school football. St. Frances' national-caliber schedule will pit him against elite-level talent weekly, offering plenty of chances to further boost his stock among college scouts.   As he continues to adjust to his new environment and sharpen his technique against top-tier competition, Legree could be poised for another jump in his recruitment. If he replicates the impact he had at Loyola, don't be surprised to see more FBS programs enter the mix.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/jlegree24/status/1899282687640109181 </div></figure>    Wise DB Deal Emerging as a Defensive Anchor with Physical Skill Set   Defensive back Deal is starting to turn heads with a physical, press-man coverage skill set that fits the mold of today's elite cornerbacks. Known for his ability to neutralize short routes and shut down screen plays, Deal uses strength and technique at the line of scrimmage to disrupt timing and impose his will on opposing receivers.   Currently holding offers from Virginia Tech, Bowling Green, Delaware State, and Maine, Deal's recruitment is steadily gaining momentum. As he enters his senior season at powerhouse Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School, expectations are high for him to take on a leadership role in what's traditionally one of the state's most dominant defenses.   The Wise Pumas are perennial playoff contenders, and Deal will be a key figure in their push for another deep postseason run. With his aggressive style and improving instincts in coverage, he's poised to become the tone-setter in the secondary.   Look for Deal to continue elevating his game under the bright lights this fall — and with more exposure coming his way, don't be surprised if additional FBS programs start entering the mix.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Relle6k__/status/1853218146531869171 </div></figure>    Delaware's [player_tooltip player_id='1313432' first='Yaheem' last='Smith'] Emerging as One of the Region's Top Ballhawks   [player_tooltip player_id='1313432' first='Yaheem' last='Smith'] is making a name for himself as one of the most physical and instinctive defensive backs in Delaware. The Philly native currently holds seven Division I offers, including his hometown program Temple, Syracuse University, and most recently West Virginia State. As his senior season approaches, Smith is positioning himself as a sleeper in the 2025 class with serious upside.   At cornerback, Smith plays with the mentality of an enforcer. He attacks the ball in the air with aggression and confidence, routinely winning contested catches or taking the ball away from receivers outright. That ball-hawking ability led to six interceptions last season, a testament to both his instincts and anticipation in coverage.   But Smith isn't just dangerous in the air. He brings that same level of aggression as a tackler. He plays low, drives through contact, and consistently wraps up for sure tackles in space. At 6 feet with solid frame and athleticism, he has the physical profile and skill set that college coaches covet in a boundary corner.   If Smith continues to perform at the level he showed last season, don't be surprised to see more Power Five programs enter the conversation. With his size, production, and playmaking mentality, he's a name to watch in Delaware as the fall unfolds.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/yahsmith8/status/1911546228862509394 </div></figure>