2026 South Dakota DBs Under the Radar

Some folks have said it on Twitter recently and I can't figure out why Sioux Falls Christian's [player_tooltip player_id='1568245' first='Tate' last='Connell'] is oddly under the radar. The 5'10 185 pounder not only plays massive range for his size, but the length he can hold steady on pass coverage is another impressive feat he's put out on tape in his senior season. The athleticism pops highly off the charts especially with the vertical Tate shows off in the air. Sure, he might on the smaller end of DB size, but no doubt from me can this kid play at the D2 level and would be an incredible steal at NAIA, where he has offers at the moment.   <a href="https://x.com/TateConnell1">TWITTER</a>     To my knowledge, Harrisburg defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='1591318' first='Grayer' last='Vanhull'] is still awaiting his first offer which is another one that surprises me in the DB group out of the Sioux Falls Area. Great fit at the next-level as a cornerback as the 5'11 175 pounder is one of the better ball trackers still available at the corner spot as Grayer is another one with a sound football IQ. You looking for a corner that can smash up a screen play coming downhill? Grayer presently surprised me on his recent game tape on how physical he can be in that skillset.     One of several small school sleepers hiding in the West River to me is Hlll City 2026 defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='1592624' first='Nick' last='Schroeder']. Nick has a sound athletic presence as a deep safety that has ideal presence around the ball in pass coverage and flies right to it with his quick instincts. The position flexibility for Nick at the next-level is certainly there as he gets off quick as a route-runner off the top of his route which shows that he could be a capable slot receiver too. He surely looks like a great fit at the NAIA level in the Dakotas in either the GPAC or Frontier Conferences.     It took way longer for Henry to get his first offer until recently, as D3 powerhouse St. Johns (MN) swooped into Rapid City and got him his first offer. If you are looking for balance at the safety position between run and pass plays, Henry might be the most balanced safety in this grouping and has progresed significantly in both skillsets since we identified as a sophomnore at our Prep Redzone Dakotas Showcase. The tape from this season even shows some position flexibility at linebacker, which I feel is another viable option for Henry to line up at on Saturdays. He is one of the best all-around safeties that this still available and under recruited in this class. Also boosts a 27 ACT!     Will is certainly one of the most agile prospects we have on this 2026 list of defensive backs under the radar and still available in South Dakota The 5'11 185 pounder springs downhill as a run stopper on a mission who has seen reps at linebacker frequently this season as he plays more of a hybrid in my eyes. He boosts some of the best vision you are going to see on this DB list of stopping the run and usually stopping it in the backfield for tackles for a loss. This kid could be a good steal at the NAIA level with a couple offers already for the Brandon Valley product.