Underrated Upperclassmen Safeties 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.   To finish this series, I'll dive in and discuss five underrated safeties 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/3/2025/12/Photo-Dec-27-2025-3-59-30-PM-crop-1320x867-1766872852.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2090086" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Blackman DB [player_tooltip player_id='1648722' first='Felix' last='Mitchell']. Photo from his Instagram @felix_mitchell2.</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1648722' first='Felix' last='Mitchell'] – Blackman High School   Blackman's [player_tooltip player_id='1648722' first='Felix' last='Mitchell'] is a talented player who showed a lot of promise in 2025 but went under the radar amid three other high-level defensive backs on his own team. Regardless, he's one of the better defensive backs in his class and is due for a big 2026.   The rising senior is well built as a 6-foot, 170-pound strong safety with a lean frame. He's relatively fast, notching a 4.56 40-yard dash time, while also being highly fluid and able to move sideline-to-sideline quickly.   He's solid in coverage, but my favorite parts of Mitchell's game are his physicality and tackling ability. Not only can he walk up and be effective as a box safety, but the 2027 DB excels at chasing down players and tackling in the open field.   College programs need to know this guy's name because he's quietly one of the top players in his class, but doesn't get enough love.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/DSC06230.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1686921" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Whites Creek safety [player_tooltip player_id='1664092' first='Amari' last='Mitchell'] at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1664092' first='Amari' last='Mitchell'] – Whites Creek High School   [player_tooltip player_id='1664092' first='Amari' last='Mitchell'] recently transferred from Franklin Road Academy to Whites Creek, where he will likely be the team's top defensive back this season. He enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2025, putting himself on the map for college programs.   He's more of a box safety, as he's a physical and good-tackling DB. Mitchell can play solid coverage in the back end of the defense, while patrolling center field to prevent explosive plays. Securing a starting job last year did wonders for his development, demonstrating that he has a high ceiling with FBS potential.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/9-Hudson-Fuqua-crop-4257x2796-1758342817.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1897558" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Riverdale DB [player_tooltip player_id='378857' first='Hudson' last='Fuqua'] at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='378857' first='Hudson' last='Fuqua'] – Riverdale High School   [player_tooltip player_id='378857' first='Hudson' last='Fuqua'] is an exciting prospect who's committed to Mississippi State and has drawn significant interest from other quality programs. However, it seems people have forgotten about him when discussing Tennessee's top defensive backs. He led his team last season in tackles with 73, while intercepting three passes and deflecting another nine.   He's a well-built safety, standing 6-foot and weighing 180 pounds with a strong, thick frame. While Fuqua has packed on good weight, he did not sacrifice movement and his quickness, as the 2027 prospect is a fluid mover who gets from sideline-to-sideline quickly.   The rising senior is a good tackler who can play up in the box or as a deep safety. He's also a solid coverage DB with good instincts and the ability to force turnovers.   <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-27-2026-2-12-01-PM.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2114235" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: James Lawson ATH Ka'Juan Taylor during a game.</figcaption></figure>   Ka'Juan Taylor – James Lawson High School   Ka'Juan Taylor is an intriguing player who plays just about every position for James Lawson except the trenches. While he has plenty of film and experience at various spots, he fits the mold of a safety. He stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 185 pounds with a lean, relatively long frame, while being a fluid mover with exceptional instincts and honed skills.   The rising senior is aggressive and possesses sound technique, which makes him an outstanding box safety who can get downhill quickly. He racked up a lot of tackles doing that in 2025, but don't sleep on his skills in the secondary. Taylor plays quality coverage and can rotate all over the field for whatever his team needs.   He has excellent instincts, showing the ability to make wise decisions and break off coverage to make a tackle if necessary. Taylor is a hidden gem who could easily end up as a top-five DB in his class.   <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-27-2026-2-16-58-PM-crop-401x263-1769545069.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2114246" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Whitehaven DB [player_tooltip player_id='1570551' first='Calvin' last='Maclin'] before his game.</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1570551' first='Calvin' last='Maclin'] – Whitehaven High School   Whitehaven has several talented defensive backs on its roster, and [player_tooltip player_id='1570551' first='Calvin' last='Maclin'] is arguably the top one. He's an intriguing player who's shown the versatility to play anywhere on the gridiron, while being productive for a safety. In 12 games last season, he totaled 50 tackles, three pass breakups, a pass deflection and a forced fumble.   Maclin has a solid build, standing 6-foot and weighing 176 pounds, with a strong body. The 2027 prospect moves well for the position, offering swift hips and the ability to get sideline-to-sideline quickly. He's a good coverage player who can lock up opposing receivers or play in the back end of that defense to eliminate big plays.   An underrated part of his game is the physicality that he brings for a defensive back. Maclin can sit around the box and tackle well, allowing Whitehaven to use him like a chess piece. He's very versatile, but is a quality player at every position that he plays.

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.