Underrated Upperclassmen Cornerbacks to Know for 2026

With the new year beginning, I'll be starting a new series surrounding underrated upperclassmen at every position. The 2027 class is loaded, which means some kids will go under the radar, and I'm here to make sure they get the recognition they deserve.   Next in this series, I'll dive in and discuss five underrated cornerbacks who need some respect. All of the ones that I've selected are talented players who have earned starting jobs at their respective schools.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/Photo-Jan-26-2026-11-46-41-AM-crop-1197x786-1769449892.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2113286" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Alcoa DB [player_tooltip player_id='1617434' first='Mason' last='Laster'] at the state championship game.</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1617434' first='Mason' last='Laster'] – Alcoa High School   [player_tooltip player_id='1617434' first='Mason' last='Laster'] is one of the top defensive backs in Tennessee, but doesn't get the respect that he deserves. He's a lockdown cornerback who's shown the ability to take over a game completely.   The 6-foot, 172-pound DB got his first taste of varsity football last season, totaling 32 tackles, two for a loss, one interception and three pass deflections in 13 games played. Laster is a lighter athlete, but still plays physical and gets after opposing teams.   He's a versatile player who excels in both man and zone coverages, able to slide into multiple positions if necessary.   Laster needs to grow more to maximize his potential, but I love what he brings to the gridiron. The rising senior is a hard-nosed cornerback who plays with a high motor, possesses excellent technique and is relentless. College coaches need to take notice, because he can flat-out play ball.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/56-Bradley-Stamper-crop-662x435-1769450028.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2113289" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: USJ DB [player_tooltip player_id='1687518' first='Bradley' last='Stamper'] at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1687518' first='Bradley' last='Stamper'] – University School of Jackson   USJ's [player_tooltip player_id='1687518' first='Bradley' last='Stamper'] is one of my favorite defensive backs in the state, regardless of class. The rising senior is a big guy, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 183 pounds, but is highly fluid and athletic.   He had a breakout season in 2025, totaling 16 tackles, a team-high four interceptions and eight pass deflections. He's primarily a corner but fits the mold of a safety and has even played back there at times.   Regardless of where he's placed, the TNFCA All-State defensive back will dominate opposing teams. Stamper is the son of a coach, so his technique is sound, and his work ethic is top-notch.   Even after playing 14 games and a state championship, Stamper was back to work not even two days later. He can do it all in the secondary with elite competitiveness and love for the game that most do not have.   Stamper is a sleeping giant with the potential to blow up on the recruiting trail soon.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/Jordan2-crop-4801x3152-1769450143.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2113291" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Baylor CB [player_tooltip player_id='1605749' first='Jordan' last='Darren Djila']. Taken by Shayne Pickering.</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1605749' first='Jordan' last='Darren Djila'] – Baylor School   [player_tooltip player_id='1605749' first='Jordan' last='Darren Djila'] is an incredibly talented defensive back who had a good junior season for the state champion Baylor Red Raiders. He's a versatile athlete who can play every position effectively, but is at his best when placed at cornerback.   The 2027 prospect offers solid size, standing 5-foot-11 and weighing 180 pounds with a lean frame and exceptional athleticism that allows him to play with any receiver. He was arguably the top defensive back on his team last season, but he will step into that No. 1 role with a few players graduating.   Darren Djila is physical, but also has good technique, quick hips and excellent instincts for his position. With his physical tools, along with his honed skills, watch out for the rising senior DB.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/dreotey-crop-700x460-1769450206.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2113294" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Riverdale defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='904747' first='Dre' last='Otey'].</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='904747' first='Dre' last='Otey'] – Riverdale High School   [player_tooltip player_id='904747' first='Dre' last='Otey'] is one of the most talented defensive backs in his class, but was injured for most of last season, keeping college coaches from truly seeing how good he is. Even then, he made a significant impact when he was on the field, totaling 13 tackles and being a shutdown corner in four games played.   He's a bigger defensive back, standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 175 pounds with a longer frame that helps him stay with receivers. Otey is a fluid mover with swift hips, sound technique and his natural size.   The rising senior is the No. 3 defensive back and No. 13 overall in his class, but could see a huge senior season if he can stay healthy.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/Photo-Jan-26-2026-11-48-49-AM-crop-1320x867-1769450308.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2113296" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Father Ryan DB [player_tooltip player_id='906479' first='TJ' last='Gooch'] during a game.</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='906479' first='TJ' last='Gooch'] – Father Ryan High School   [player_tooltip player_id='906479' first='TJ' last='Gooch'] is a quality player who had a good junior season in 2025, but is going under the radar given the number of star defenders in this class.   The versatile defensive back is an interesting player who's shown the ability to play about every spot in the secondary, but primarily plays inside.   Gooch is a tad undersized, standing 5-foot-11 and weighing 170 pounds, but that's good enough for his position. He's played 7-on-7 with DGA Flight Squad over the last two years, which has significantly helped his game.   Gooch is a feisty athlete who plays with a high motor, shows good instincts for a defensive back, is relatively physical and possesses solid technique. The 2027 DB is a solid player who will likely have another good season with Father Ryan and attract college interest.

With the new year beginning, I'll be starting a new series surrounding underrated upperclassmen at every position. The 2027 class is loaded, which means some kids will go under the radar, and I'm here to make sure they get the recognition they deserve.