No Fly Zone: The State's Best Defensive Backfields

*The season is almost here! Grab your discounted Prep Redzone subscription with code Johnson30*   Good luck trying to find success through the air while facing the groups of athletes in today's article. These groups feature talent on the perimeter who can take away receivers and athletes on the backend who can provide help over the top, roam the secondary, and also help in run support. The safety and CB talent and depth within these individual rooms are rare commodities to have for high school teams. Fans who love to watch secondary talent and coaches in need of talent at CB and S need to dive into this group and keep a close eye on them this fall. Let's dive in!   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Catholic Memorial</h2>   Athletes to Know   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1045089' first='Dustin' last='Roach']: 8 PBUs, 5 INTs, 32 Tackles</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='653861' first='Zy'aire' last='Smith']: 36 Tackles, 3 TFLs, 1 Sack</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1620398' first='Eemir' last='Jones']: 25 Tackles, 1 TFL, 5 PBU, 2 INTs</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1863163' first='Jesse' last='Sobczak']: 37 Tackles, 6 TFLs, 1 INT</li> </ul>   2026 Position Outlook   Following the research that I put into this positional series, I can confidently say that you won't find a more talented group of four DBs on a single team than this group right here. It is headlined by Wisconsin Badgers commit and safety [player_tooltip player_id='1045089' first='Dustin' last='Roach']. He is an athlete with exceptional gifts for the position. Instincts, range, ball skills, size all have factored into key moments over his career thus far. We are sure to see plenty of fireworks from him this fall. At one of the CB positions will be [player_tooltip player_id='653861' first='Zy'aire' last='Smith']. The 2027 CB is our #1 player at the position. He brings aggressive play, lightning quick feet and hips and the reactive athleticism needed to stay glued to his man's hip. At the other CB spot you will find [player_tooltip player_id='1620398' first='Eemir' last='Jones']. While he may be undersized, the twitchy athlete has the burst and agility needed to run step for step with WRs. His ability to transition out of his backpedal and or turn and run, close on the football jump off the tape and turn into plenty of on ball production. Rounding out the group is S/slot CB [player_tooltip player_id='1863163' first='Jesse' last='Sobczak']. Jesse plays like he is shot out of a cannon. He is so quick when he closes on the ball and he packs a punch when he tackles. He has the range to cover ground in time to make key plays and is able to navigate through traffic so well so that he can provide consistent run support. This is an extremely special group made up by our #1 safety, #1 CB, and a pair of other talented DBs with next level talent.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Kenosha Bradford</h2>   Athletes to Know   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1226891' first='Larenzz' last='Pratt']: 28 Tackles, 5 INTs</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Marvin Jones: 1 INT, 13 Tackles</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1288265' first='Jamarion' last='Morris']</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2124848' first='Addison' last='Burrell- Warfield']</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1395902' first='Nicholas' last='Payne Jr'].</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1665608' first='Anthony' last='Reischl']</li> </ul>   2026 Position Outlook   As you can see by the list, Kenosha Bradford has a strong stable of potential athletes that we could see take the field on defense in 2026. Leading the way is the highly productive and very talented [player_tooltip player_id='1226891' first='Larenzz' last='Pratt']. The two way SDSU commit plays with a tremendous blend of speed and physicality. You can trust him to lock down a WR at every level o the field in man coverage or you can trust him to fly off the edge and flatten an RB. Marvin Jones joins him as one of the only returning athletes with DB production. He played both ways in 2025, and while doing so proved that he was a safety who could be a force playing in the box and providing run support. Joining this group we have several up and coming underclassmen who will be battling for offensive and defensive reps this fall. That includes [player_tooltip player_id='2124848' first='Addison' last='Burrell- Warfield'], [player_tooltip player_id='1395902' first='Nicholas' last='Payne Jr'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1665608' first='Anthony' last='Reischl']. All three possesses special athletic gifts that would be valuable on the field on Friday nights. They just need to find their role for the season.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Regis</h2>   Athletes to Know   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2054758' first='Tayden' last='Rideout']: 34 Tackles, 3 INTs</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1471141' first='Noah' last='Laber']: 71 Tackles, 2 INTs</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1691620' first='Breken' last='Forster']: 14 Tackles, 1 INT</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1794179' first='Grant' last='Rockow']: 4 Tackles, 2 INTs</li> </ul>   2026 Position Outlook   It is rare to have a small school with the talent at one position that Regis is set to have in their DB room this fall. [player_tooltip player_id='1471141' first='Noah' last='Laber'] leads the way. The safety is coming off a productive junior season and a great summer camp cycle. He has proven to be a reliable three down S who can roam the secondary with his instincts, cover WRs, or provide run support. Joining him is 2028 DB [player_tooltip player_id='2054758' first='Tayden' last='Rideout']. Tayden has excellent length for the position and the awareness in zone coverage to be able to firmly lock down his zone on the field. He also demonstrated a wild knack for being around the ball and creating highlight reel INT grabs. Joining them are a pair of 2029s who already have some varsity experience. [player_tooltip player_id='1794179' first='Grant' last='Rockow'] is an opportunistic CB who did well keeping things in front of him, reading, and closing to make plays in his limited varsity action in 2025. [player_tooltip player_id='1691620' first='Breken' last='Forster'] is coming off injury, but was carving out a varsity role before that happened. The CB has a great base of speed for his age and the ball skills to corral passes into his body, not just knock them down. The explosive DB is ready to show he is all the way back and ready for a bigger role in 2026.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Arrowhead</h2>   Athletes to Know   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1226965' first='Evan' last='Wozniak']: 84 Tackles, 1 INT</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1107225' first='Jack' last='Boerst']: 28 Tackles, 1 INT, 1 PBU</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1629736' first='Anthony' last='Vetta']: 34 Tackles, 1 INT, 2 PBUs</li> </ul>   2026 Position Outlook   Next up we have your reigning D1 State Champs! Arrowhead graduated their fair share of outstanding talent in the Class of 2026, but they reload with the best of them. One area they won't have to worry about a ton of turnover and loss of experience is the DB room. Leading the way is specialist and S [player_tooltip player_id='1226965' first='Evan' last='Wozniak']. The NDSU commit seems to be everywhere at once. Find the ball and the rangy athlete is going to be there before the whistle blows. He is sure to be a key leader of the entire defense this fall. Joining Evan is [player_tooltip player_id='1107225' first='Jack' last='Boerst']. Jack's 1 INT from 2025 came in clutch during the State Championship game. Throughout the rest of the season the 2027 CB was really good is zone coverage showing good eye discipline and awareness plus he flashed the closing speed to go make plays. Joining the 2027s is 2028 [player_tooltip player_id='1629736' first='Anthony' last='Vetta']. The 2028 is one of the better DBs in his Class. He is an explosive athlete who trusts his athleticism to get him to the ball. He uses his athletic gifts perfectly to bait QBs in dumb decisions. The CB does a great job of fighting for position and undercutting routes too. I'm excited to watch these three take their game to the next level and lead this unit.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Milwaukee Reagan</h2>   Athletes to Know   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2164360' first='Amir' last='Ward']: 20 Tackles, 4 INTs, 7 PBUs</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Amarii Ward: 48 Tackles, 4 INTs, 3 PBUs</li> </ul>   2026 Position Outlook   Milwaukee Reagan will be looking for a few kids to step up this fall, but this team has to be involved in this article with the talent they do return. [player_tooltip player_id='2164360' first='Amir' last='Ward'] and Amarii Ward are coming off hugely impactful and productive seasons and even better summer camps. It all culminated in the dynamic duo committing to the Duluth Bulldogs. [player_tooltip player_id='2164360' first='Amir' last='Ward'] is a CB who is trusted to play out on an island. He has quick feet, aggressive with his press, and has the speed and timing needed to not only provide tight coverage but also to make plays on the football. Amarii Ward is a dynamic Safety who can check every box for the position. He can make plays in the box, cover 1 on 1 or roam the back end. He has that nose for the football and always seems to be involved in the play wherever it is on the field. This is a very talented duo and Duluth has to be fired up to land both of them.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Edgerton</h2>   Athletes to Know   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2048101' first='Brody' last='Butterfield']: 30 Tackle, 5 INTs, 5 PBUs</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1620322' first='Eli' last='Kittleson']: 19 Tackles, 4 INTs, 2 PBUs</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Anthony Stowell: 15 Tackles, 1 INT</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Taydem Schaefer: 5 Tackles, 1 INT</li> </ul>   2026 Position Outlook   Edgerton is a team that looks like they will be overflowing with secondary talent and depth this fall. Leading the way is 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2048101' first='Brody' last='Butterfield']. The '27 is coming off a great season of ball production with his 5 INTs and PBUs. He brings speed and athleticism short area burst and twitch needed to become the three phase playmaker that he was in 2025. [player_tooltip player_id='1620322' first='Eli' last='Kittleson'] is another two way monster who is outstanding playing the football in the air. It doesn't matter what side of the ball he is on, when it is in the air he attacks it and finds ways to come down with it. The athletic gifts are far from lacking with Eli too. He definitely has next level talent. Joining that duo are a pair of athletes who were able to get their feet wet in 2025 with Anthony Stowell and Taydem Schaefer.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Aquinas</h2>   Athletes to Know   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1226899' first='Brady' last='Lee']: 52 Tackles, 1 INT, 3 PBUs</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1849421' first='Calvin' last='Bahr']: 27 Tackles, 1 INT, 2 PBUs</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>William Dickinson: 13 Tackles, 3 INTs, 1 PBU</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Henry Berns: 24 Tackles, 1 INT, 1 PBU</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2103636' first='Keelan' last='Hass']: 30 Tackles, 1 INT</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Jackson Dahl: 1 Tackle, 1 INT</li> </ul>   Next up we have the Aquinas Blugolds! The Blugolds are bringing back a ton of talent and production to their secondary this fall. Leading the way is North Dakota commit S [player_tooltip player_id='1226899' first='Brady' last='Lee']. Lee has so much to like about his game. Size and strength to do the physical parts of the job. Athleticism and ball skills to provide that blanket coverage over the top and also the ability to slide down and take his own man 1 on 1. Joining Lee at safety is [player_tooltip player_id='1849421' first='Calvin' last='Bahr']. Bahr has a massive frame that has helped him dominate on the hardwood in the offseason. Bahr's ball skills have allowed him to be an impact player on both sides of the ball along with that immense size. Henry Berns will be a key piece at CB for Aquinas this fall. Henry is a long prospect with tape that shows off great awareness and playmaking traits. The '27 CB has shown that he can be put on an island and lock down his side of the field. William Dickinson showed that he was able to make the most of his chances, grabbing 3 INTs over the season at CB. I will be looking for him to be a key piece in their CB group this fall. [player_tooltip player_id='2103636' first='Keelan' last='Hass'] is a versatile DB that is all over the formation pre snap throughout his tape. That versatility allows him to always have a role on Friday nights. Lastly, Jackson Dahl will be looking to grow his impact and role this fall while providing depth to this impressive crop of talent.   2026 Position Outlook   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cochrane- Fountain City</h2>   Athletes to Know   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2104606' first='Parker' last='Kujak']: 26 Tackles, 5 INTs</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2237650' first='Dylan' last='Hager']: 63 Tackles, 3 INTs, 1 PBU</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Ethan Holzer: 6 Tackles, 3 INTs</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Robert Moya: 4 Tackles, 1 INT</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Maverick Arneson: 61 Tackles, 1 INT</li> </ul>   2026 Position Outlook   We wrap up with the runner ups at the D7 level. Leading the way at the safety position is the team's two way leader in QB/S [player_tooltip player_id='2104606' first='Parker' last='Kujak']. Parker's experience at QB has definitely heightened his instincts on the backend. He has the range to be able to attack what he reads and usually is able to be a step ahead because of his instincts. Technically, [player_tooltip player_id='2237650' first='Dylan' last='Hager'] was listed at OLB last fall but the 5'7" 155 lbs athlete was at his best playing in space and providing coverage. He is a twitchy athlete who has flashed the quick reaction to be able to make plays in the quick passing game and also be a very reliable tackler in the open field. Maverick Arneson is no stranger to being around the ball while playing out at CB. I love small school CBs because they usually face a lot of running teams and Maverick has shown to be one of those kids who isn't afraid to tackle against the run game. Ethan Holzer will be a kid who should have a big role in 2026, turning his playing time into a very productive 3 INTs. Another name to watch in this group will be Robert Moya, a 2028 who will provide depth and bring some production to the room in his limited action.

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