Speed and Swagger: Four 2026 DBs Who Play Like Dogs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Alyias McNulty – Bolingbrook – 5'7 158 – CB</strong><br>He might be the smallest guy on the field, but McNulty's motor runs hot. He's quick-twitch, fearless, and clamps receivers with intensity. Every rep is personal. He's got the short-area burst to break on throws and the mentality of a much bigger DB. Pound for pound, he's one of the toughest covers in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ja'Veyon Lockett – Mount Carmel – 5'9 160 – CB</strong><br>Lockett plays with serious juice. His feet are electric, and he mirrors receivers with ease. What sets him apart is the fight—he plays the game angry, gets physical at the line, and doesn't back down from anyone. He's the kind of guy you trust on an island because he believes he's better than whoever lines up across from him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1669997' first='Troy' last='Garner'] – Rich Township – 6'2 180 – CB</strong><br>Garner brings the size, length, and raw tools, but don't mistake him for just a finesse athlete—he's a competitor. Long-strider with real closing speed and the confidence to take chances. He's already pulling D1 interest, and with his physical traits and hunger to dominate, it's easy to see why.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Elijah Stephens – Montini – 6'0 175 – CB</strong><br>Stephens is smooth but aggressive. He doesn't waste steps and has the recovery speed to make up ground fast. He's got the technique of a seasoned vet and the demeanor of a junkyard dog—tough, sharp, and relentless. If the ball's in the air, he's coming for it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->