Ball-Hawking 2026 Defensive Backs to Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1585178' first='Lorne' last='Green'] – Althoff Catholic (CB, 6'2”, 171)</strong><br>Green brings ideal length and natural instincts to the corner position. He does an excellent job reading the quarterback, staying patient in coverage, and closing windows quickly. His ability to high-point the football and finish plays makes him a true takeaway threat on the perimeter. Green's frame and ball skills give him significant upside as he continues to add strength.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1201903' first='Dereon' last='Mays'] – Peoria (DB, 6'1”, 171)</strong><br>Mays is a rangy defensive back with a knack for finding the football. He plays with good anticipation, allowing him to break on throws and disrupt passing lanes consistently. His length helps him contest catches even when slightly out of position, and he shows comfort playing both man and zone concepts. Mays' instincts separate him from many peers in the class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1232619' first='Marlin' last='Jeffries'] Jr. – North Chicago (CB, 5'11”, 160)</strong><br>Jeffries Jr. is a twitchy, competitive corner who thrives on challenging receivers. He plays with confidence at the line of scrimmage and shows quick reaction time when the ball is in the air. His ability to track the football and turn defense into offense stands out on film. Jeffries Jr. consistently puts himself in position to make plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Demarion Zapata – Peoria (DB, 5'8”, 151)</strong><br>Zapata is a smaller defensive back, but his instincts and quickness make him a problem for opposing quarterbacks. He reads routes well, jumps passing lanes, and shows excellent closing speed. Zapata plays bigger than his size due to his fearlessness and timing when attacking the ball. He is a true opportunistic defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chris McBride – Warren Township (DB, 6'1”, 200)</strong><br>McBride brings a physical presence to the secondary without sacrificing ball production. He has the strength to match up with bigger receivers and the awareness to capitalize on errant throws. McBride does a nice job reading the quarterback's eyes and finishing interceptions. His combination of size, physicality, and ball skills makes him a complete defensive back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->