Defensive Backs and Athletes that Pop on First Half Film

We continue our look at mid-season film with some defensive prospects that are making noise in the defensive backfield and from athletes!   DB [player_tooltip player_id='476341' first='Tavares' last='Harrington'] (Mt. Carmel – 2027)   The top 10 overall player in the 2027 class is a superstar.  Long and lanky 6'2” 180 pound versatile defensive back.  One of his best players of the year was a 99 yard scoop and score.  Ther corner is a very good tackler that is so fast getting to the ball.  Sees the play from the snap.  His reaction time is insane!  Uses the sideline as his friend in coverage.    DB [player_tooltip player_id='1669545' first='Messiah' last='Tilson'] (Rockford Guilford – 2026)   Tilson is the top safety in the senior class.  In the first four weeks of the season he has 25 tackles along with 3 interceptions.  Showing off his athleticism on offense he also has 20 catches for 275 yards and 2 touchdowns.   DB [player_tooltip player_id='537245' first='Jayden' last='Marshall'] (Crete Monee – 2026)   Marshall is one of the top corners in the senior class.  Elite instincts on the back end being able to get his hands in on passes breaking them up.  Can cover deep using his length and sideline as his friend.  Smooth athlete coming out of backpedal exploding to the ball.    DB Emmanuel James (King – 2027)   This junior DB has good size at 6'1” and a strong frame.  Had a pick 6 for a 100 yard return.  Like how the safety flies downhill making hits in the open field.  Really lays the thump!    DB Ajontae Greer (Plainfield East – 2026)   Greer has burst to the ball coming downhill to make tackles.  He hits really hard from his safety position.  Like the instincts here.  Most of film is against the run.   DB [player_tooltip player_id='811647' first='Jake' last='Thies'] (Fenwick – 2027)   The junior defensive back is one of the better back end defenders in the class.  He has through their first five games 3 interceptions including one pick 6.  Also has 3 forced fumbles and 8 TFLs.  On the offensive side he has racked up 367 yards on the ground, 126 in the air, and 5 touchdowns.   DB [player_tooltip player_id='801983' first='Jaydan' last='Simmons'] (Hillcrest – 2026)   Simmons is a 6'0” 170 pound safety that makes plays over the middle getting interceptions.  Really like the instincts and fundamentals he shows on the back end.  Comes down with force making tackles.  Strong safety is definitely one to watch moving forward.   DB Delo Owen (Maroa Forsyth – 2026)   Through five games Owen has 24 total tackles, 4 pass break ups, and 2 fumble recoveries.   DB Rahshard Jordan (Phillips – 2027)   This 5'8” corner had a nice pick 6 grabbing it out of the air and taking it the other way.  Smooth athlete that runs to the ball making tackles.  Smooth backpedal and quickly reacts to the pass.   DB Tali Hassan (Perspectives – 2026)   Hassan is a corner that uses the sideline as his friend in coverage.  Likes to play press coverage and be physical at the line.  Hits with force!   DB Henry Jager (Chicago Christian – 2027)   Athletic corner that can cover downfield.  Reacts quickly to the ball making the tackle or break up.  Good footwork.  Willing tackler in run support and short passing game.   DB Jaiden Blunt (St. Rita – 2026)   The 6'2” St. Rita defensive back had a nice scoop and score against Niles Notre Dame.  Shows good instincts getting his hands in passing lanes on passes especially in the redzone.  Tackles low.   DB [player_tooltip player_id='1732089' first='Connor' last='Vrastil'] (Andrew – 2026)   The 5'10” 160 pound defensive back from Andrew is a press corner that runs with the receiver well.  He flies to the ball on short passes or in the run game making tackles.  Technically sound player.   DB William Bryson Baldwin (Hoffman Estates – 2027)   Rangy safety that comes up in run support.  Tackles low.  Contributes on special teams.  Capability to make plays on the ball downfield.   ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1676937' first='Cooper' last='Childers'] (Bloomington – 2027)   Like the size for this 6'1” corner with good athleticism.  Can high point passes in the endzone.  Reacts quickly to plays at corner.  Brings punt and kick return upside as he has multiple returns for TDs this season.  Pretty smooth route runner as a receiver.   ATH Elijah Donahue (Glenbard South – 2028)   High pointed an interception in one on one coverage.  Shows off his speed as a running back and on jet sweeps offensively.    ATH Tyler McGladdery (Burlington Central – 2026)   McGladdery is a running back/linebacker that offensively in five weeks he has 29 rushes for 219 yards and 2 scores.  Defensively he has been impressive with 13.5 tackles and 3.5 TFLs.   ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1035436' first='Ezekiel' last='Williams'] (Phillips – 2026)   Smooth backpedal and makes plays on the ball including interceptions.  Flies to the ball to make tackles.  As a wide receiver he brings athleticism and acrobatic catches as a deep threat.  Burst with ball in hands as a running back.   ATH Donedward White (Perspectives – 2027)   This linebacker/running back combo is an impact 5'11” 200 pound athlete.  Defensively he has 33 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 1 sack, and 4 TFLs through five weeks.  On the other side he has 236 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns.

We continue our look at mid-season film with some defensive prospects that are making noise in the defensive backfield and from athletes!