On The Radar: 2026 Defensive Backs

<p></p>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1694710' first='Rondell' last='Franklin'] is a long-framed prospect at 6'3”, 180 pounds with the size and athletic profile college coaches covet. On film, Franklin consistently uses his length to his advantage, extending his arms to play through the ball and disrupt receivers at the catch point. From his safety position, he's equally impactful in run support, closing downhill with urgency and wrapping up ball carriers to limit gains. Franklin has also flashed ball skills on the offensive side, showcasing his versatility and ability to contribute in multiple phases of the game. As his role expands, look for Franklin to emerge as a two-way playmaker.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/RonFrank05/status/1960745551202541841 </div></figure>   <p></p>    <p class="text-gray-700">In 2024, he showcased his versatility by contributing in coverage with interceptions, making plays in the backfield with tackles for loss, and even delivering key blocks on special teams that helped spring teammates for big returns. His recruiting stock rose significantly this offseason, closing out the spring with five Division I offers, including Temple and Howard. A steady presence in Dematha's secondary, Dance-Anderson is poised to be an impact player on the defensive side of the ball as he continues to refine his game.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JamontaeDA/status/1863326006251044875 </div></figure>   <p></p>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1314924' first='Makel' last='Wilder'] is quickly establishing himself as one of the premier playmakers in the county. The Old Mill standout is a defensive weapon when the ball is in the air, playing as a true ball hawk. In 2024, he recorded an impressive seven interceptions, consistently displaying advanced ball skills and the ability to high-point passes over receivers. One of his highlight plays, a one-handed interception in the red zone, showcased his elite instincts and athleticism. Wilder's recruitment is beginning to heat up, with offers already from Elon, Morgan State, and the University of Maine. Adding to his résumé, he opened the 2025 season with a breakout performance on offense, surpassing 100 receiving yards and scoring a touchdown. With his versatility and knack for big plays, Wilder is positioning himself as one of the more intriguing two-way prospects in the 2026 class.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/MakelWilder2026/status/1879936851555057666 </div></figure>   <p></p>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='919565' first='Kaai' last='Connelley'] brings a true strong safety skill set to the field, excelling both in the box and in coverage. He thrives around the line of scrimmage, already tallying a forced fumble and multiple tackles for loss early in the 2025 season. Connelley plays with a downhill mentality, using his physicality to disrupt the run game, while also showcasing sharp instincts in the passing game with quick breaks on the ball and timely pass deflections. His versatility and reliability have not gone unnoticed, he currently holds 10+ offers from a mix of FBS and FCS programs. With continued impactful play, expect his recruitment to rise even further. Whichever program secures Connelley will be landing a dependable, tough safety who can erase mistakes in the secondary and add immediate value as a run supporter.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/14KaaiConnlley/status/1957045098476372261 </div></figure>   <p></p>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='379424' first='Elijah' last='Butler'] wasted no time showcasing his athleticism and ball skills this season, making a highlight-reel interception to prevent a touchdown. Butler brings rare versatility to the secondary, he has the range to play either safety spot, while also possessing the physicality and fluidity to press slot receivers in man coverage. On offense, he's beginning to emerge as a reliable target, flashing strong hands-on intermediate routes and creating yards after the catch. Butler's move to a new program will test him against a higher level of competition, and his decision to reclassify to the class of 2027 provides valuable developmental time. With his two-way impact and advanced skill set, Butler is already showing flashes of dominance that project well at the next level.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/elijahbutler02/status/1898482792193044677 </div></figure>