Top Uncommitted 2026 Defensive Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're about to put a bow on the 2026 class as we drop our final rankings on Monday. Here, I'm finishing our uncommitted series, looking at five defensive backs who are still uncommitted. Hopefully, these guys will find homes because they're talented enough to play at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Uncommitted DBs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1218408"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-695092cb1805d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hester played a hybrid box-safety role for Northeast Guilford, and despite his size, he thrives inside with all the bodies. He's flashed excellent coverage ability, as well, and likely projects as a slot corner at the next level. His willingness to tackle is one of his best assets, and the three-time all-conference selection is one of the best defensive backs still on the market.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["284093"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-695092cb180d6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cleaves was a high-profile receiver at Cox Mill, but after transferring to Mooresville, he moved to defensive back for the first time in his career. He's raw, but we see the vision and think he could be one of the most athletic defensive backs at the FCS or even Group of Five level. He has sub-4.4 speed and excellent length for his height. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["935584"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-695092cb18128"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dula battled injuries and a lack of targets throughout his high school career. He'd often shut down half of the field, frustrating opposing quarterbacks, while also limiting his statistical impact. He moved to safety as a senior and gained some weight. He's a defensive chesspiece to deploy on the back end of the coverage, able to play multiple positions and in multiple base coverages.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1671906"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-695092cb18177"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kraut stays on the field for almost every defensive snap, but when offenses are in 12 personnel, he'll drop down and act as a third linebacker. That versatility to play multiple roles against multiple alignments should have college coaches excited. He has excellent length and speed, plenty to patrol the back end of an FCS defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1610578"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-695092cb181c5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the top players on an independent team in North Carolina, Williams has speed, length, strength, and football I.Q. He plays at a lightly-recruited level, and if he were at a larger school, he'd likely have several Division II or even FCS offers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Prep Redzone NC doesn't break for the offseason! Follow along for coverage of not only the 2026 class, but also the younger players across the state.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->