PRZ-NE Stock-Up Showcase Defensive Backs MVP - Top Performers

The Prep Redzone New England Stock-Up Showcase took place on February 7, 2026, in Connecticut. The event featured many talented athletes. These athletes participated in athletic combine drills. They competed at an elevated skill level. Coaches and PRZ scouts present at the event worked together. They selected one MVP. They also chose four top performers for each position group once the event concluded. In this report, I will highlight the Defensive Back players who received MVP and Top Performer recognition. I will detail the standout skills each player demonstrated during the competition.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/db-group-1.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2124328" /></figure>    Player Evaluation Report: Alex Li (DB, Glastonbury, CT - 2027) At the recent Prep Redzone New England Region Showcase, Alex Li emerged as one of the standout performers, earning MVP honors in a competitive defensive backfield. Standing at 6'0" and weighing 175 lbs, Li showcased exceptional athleticism and skill that caught the attention of scouts and coaches alike. Li's closing speed is particularly impressive, allowing him to quickly engage with both the ball carrier and the play. His agility and overall speed were evident throughout the event, making it difficult for receivers to shake him off. Li demonstrated high field awareness, effectively reading plays and reacting swiftly in man coverages. His ability to anticipate the run and support when needed is a testament to his football IQ. Technically, Li exhibited a smooth backpedal, complemented by the ability to flip his hips rapidly in either direction, enhancing his maneuverability in coverage. However, to reach his full potential at the next level, he should focus on developing his strength upon contact through dedicated core work in the weight room. With verified measurements of 5'11.25" and 163 lbs, and testing scores that ranked among the best at the event, Li's performance has certainly put him on the radar for college programs across all divisions. His blend of speed, awareness, and technical skills positions him as a bright prospect in the Class of 2027. Keep an eye on this rising star!   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/user-uploads/MG_0510.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-2124297" /></figure>     Player Evaluation Report: [player_tooltip player_id='1317836' first='Kelvin' last='McKnight'], DB/Ath, St. Thomas More, CT (2026) At the recent Prep Redzone New England Region Showcase on February 7, 2026, [player_tooltip player_id='1317836' first='Kelvin' last='McKnight'] showcased his impressive skills as a defensive back. Standing at 5'10" and weighing 160 pounds, he may be slightly undersized for Top D1 Power 4 programs, but his athleticism and game intelligence make him a standout. Kelvin's ability to keep his eyes in the right spots demonstrates his discipline and understanding of the game, making him adept at jumping routes and contesting throws with confidence. Notably, Kelvin exhibits excellent footwork with his pedal and crossover techniques, enabling him to navigate the field effectively. His recovery speed is particularly impressive, allowing him to compensate for any mistakes quickly. One aspect that sets him apart is his vertical jumping ability, which makes him play bigger than his actual height—a valuable trait for any defensive back. Since our last evaluation in winter 2024, it's clear Kelvin has committed to his physical development, having added solid lean muscle to both his upper and lower body. This transformation has enhanced his athletic fluidity, further elevating his game. Kelvin's performance at the showcase earned him Top Performer recognition among a talented group of defensive backs, solidifying his status as a player to watch. With continued growth and development, he could be an asset at the collegiate level for any Division 1, 2, or 3 program.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/MG_0512.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-2124298" /></figure>     Player Evaluation Report: [player_tooltip player_id='1576375' first='DJ' last='Graham'], Massachusetts 2028 [player_tooltip player_id='1576375' first='DJ' last='Graham'], a rising talent from Massachusetts, made an impressive debut at the Prep Redzone New England Region Showcase. Measuring in at a verified 6'1.8" and weighing 187 lbs, Graham showcases a lean physique that complements his strong athletic abilities. One of Graham's standout features is his man-to-man coverage skills. Throughout the drills, he demonstrated a strong desire to engage physically, often thriving in competitive matchups. His ability to quickly react to plays and maintain good positioning speaks to his football IQ and awareness on the field. Additionally, Graham's range and ball-tracking capabilities were evident, making him a valuable asset in defensive schemes. His performance during athletic testing garnered attention, highlighting his speed and agility, important attributes for a player in his position. Though DJ is new to Prep Redzone Scouts, it's clear that he has the potential to make a significant impact in the upcoming years. Coaches at all levels will want to keep an eye on this rising star, as he's poised to be included in the next class of 2027 ranking updates for the New England region. With his combination of skills, physicality, and determination, [player_tooltip player_id='1576375' first='DJ' last='Graham'] is definitely a player to watch as he progresses through high school football.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/MG_0515.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-2124302" /></figure>     Player Evaluation Report: [player_tooltip player_id='889345' first='Anthony' last='Whaley'] At the recent Prep Redzone New England Region Showcase, [player_tooltip player_id='889345' first='Anthony' last='Whaley'] showcased himself as a standout athlete, reinforcing the early interest he has received from programs like UConn, Syracuse, UMass, and URI. Measuring in at 5'10.25" and 187 lbs, Whaley's physicality and fluidity as a defensive back are impressive for a player of his age. What sets Whaley apart is his ability to absorb coaching and apply techniques almost instantly during competition. His smooth backpedal and rapid hip movement allow him to adjust seamlessly in coverage, making him a valuable asset in the secondary. His speed is a defining attribute, enabling him to close gaps and quickly support against the run. Throughout the showcase, coaches discussed his performance at length, with many considering him a potential MVP of the defensive back group. Ultimately, there's no denying his impact on the field. Whaley's athletic testing results were among the best of all participants, further solidifying his status as a top recruit. As he continues to develop and gain experience, Whaley is poised for an excellent high school career and beyond, making him a player to watch in the coming years. Coaches at all levels should keep a close eye on this rising star!   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/MG_0513.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-2124304" /></figure>     Recruiting Evaluation Report: [player_tooltip player_id='2123780' first='Bakary' last='Jallow'], DB, Worcester Academy, Class of 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2123780' first='Bakary' last='Jallow'] showcased impressive potential during the Prep Redzone New England Region Showcase on February 7, 2026. At 5'10” and 164 pounds, Jallow demonstrated quick reactions in run support, handling drill periods with notable efficiency. His ability to react and break on the ball makes jumping routes a seamless endeavor, making him a formidable defender in one-on-one situations. He consistently mirrored wide receivers' steps, showing a solid grasp of technique in coverage. Although measuring in at 5'9.8”, Jallow may face scrutiny regarding his height from top-tier NCAA Division 1 programs. However, his physicality during drills and adeptness in coverage cannot be overlooked. To elevate his recruitment prospects, Jallow must focus on enhancing his closing speed and overall agility, which will be critical for competing at higher levels. Incorporating specialized training with a defensive backs coach and a speed specialist, alongside continued weight room development, will be essential for building necessary body mass and bone density. His performance at the showcase earned him Top Performer recognition, reflecting his commitment and potential. As he continues to refine his skills, Jallow could become an attractive prospect for college programs across all divisions. High school coaches and NCAA recruiters should closely monitor his development in the coming years.     Recruiting Evaluation Report: [player_tooltip player_id='2123780' first='Bakary' last='Jallow'], DB, Worcester Academy, Class of 2027** [player_tooltip player_id='2123780' first='Bakary' last='Jallow'] showcased impressive potential during the Prep Redzone New England Region Showcase on February 7, 2026. At 5'10” and 164 pounds, Jallow demonstrated quick reactions in run support, handling drill periods with notable efficiency. His ability to react and break on the ball makes jumping routes a seamless endeavor, making him a formidable defender in one-on-one situations. He consistently mirrored wide receivers' steps, showing a solid grasp of technique in coverage. Although measuring in at 5'9.8”, Jallow may face scrutiny regarding his height from top-tier NCAA Division 1 programs. However, his physicality during drills and adeptness in coverage cannot be overlooked. To elevate his recruitment prospects, Jallow must focus on enhancing his closing speed and overall agility, which will be critical for competing at higher levels. Incorporating specialized training with a defensive backs coach and a speed specialist, alongside continued weight room development, will be essential for building necessary body mass and bone density. His performance at the showcase earned him Top Performer recognition, reflecting his commitment and potential. As he continues to refine his skills, Jallow could become an attractive prospect for college programs across all divisions. High school coaches and NCAA recruiters should keep a close eye on his development in the coming years.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/MG_0518.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-2124306" /></figure>

The Prep Redzone New England Stock-Up Showcase took place on February 7, 2026, in Connecticut. The event featured many talented athletes. These athletes participated in athletic combine drills. They competed at an elevated skill level. Coaches and PRZ scouts present at the event worked together. They selected one MVP. They also chose four top performers for each position group once the event concluded. In this report, I will highlight the Defensive Back players who received MVP and Top Performer recognition. I will detail the standout skills each player demonstrated during the competition.