2026 Elite Combine: Top Defensive Back Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was a great group of defensive back who attended this year's Elite Combine. There was a little bit of everything in the cornerbacks and safeties who really showcased their speed and pass coverage ability on the day. Here are a few who really stood out. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Adem Sezen</strong> I 2028 I Francis Howell I <br>6'1" 172 - One of the top overall athletes of the combines regardless of position. This young safety has a promising future with his athletic ability and skill set he showed. Could play safety or corner with his speed, hips and ability to turn and run. Had a strong sophomore season, but looks ready to have a breakout year and put himself on the recruiting map. Highlights were a 4.52 laser forty, 10-foot broad jump, 34" vertical jump, and 4.14 pro agility.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2065988' first='Donovan' last='Houston'] I 2029 I Cardinal Ritter I<br>6'1" 180 - I was really impressed by the maturity, skill and athleticism this freshman defensive back showed at the combine. He has great potential and upside, and looks like he could be the next college prospect to come out of the Ritter college pipeline that has develop. Houston is physical and could play either safety or corner. His testing highlights were a 4.7 laser forty, 9'8" broad jump, 4.07 pro agility, and 28" vertical jump.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1752607' first='John' last='Ramella'] I 2027 I SLUH I<br>6'3" 201 - This big safety prospect has the size of a linebacker and could ultimate play that position on the next level, or be a hybrid type safety/linebacker. Ramella had caught the attention of colleges coaches since the combine, and has landed several D1 offers as his potential has been recognized. He can cover a lot of ground, play good pass defense, or lower the boom against the run. His highlights include a 4.8 laser forty, 9'2 broad jump, and 4.3 pro agility. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Markell Armstrong I 2028 I SLUH I<br>5'11" 177 - This teammate of Ramella's showed me some nice potential with his play on the field in 2025 showcasing his tough physical play and athleticism in games I watched. Armstrong has been a talented basketball player who looks like his best sport is going to be football. He is quick, fast, has good hips and the ability to turn and run providing tight coverage. He also has quick hands. His highlights included a 4.7 laser forty, and a 9'8" broad jump. Definitely a player to watch in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->