The Robinson Report: Six Defensive Backs Ready to Lock Down 2026

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensive backs are being asked to do more than ever. They must cover receivers in space, support the running game, communicate across the secondary, and create turnovers when quarterbacks make mistakes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ohio's 2026 season will feature several defensive backs with the athleticism and versatility to affect games in multiple ways. Some are already committed to major college programs, while others are entering important seasons in their development.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are six defensive backs to watch this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='768102' first='Tristin' last='Hughes'], S/ATH, Rocky River, 2027</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Few players in Ohio produced a more complete junior season than Kentucky commit [player_tooltip player_id='768102' first='Tristin' last='Hughes'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hughes finished 2025 with approximately 1,338 receiving yards, more than 1,900 all-purpose yards, and 28 total touchdowns. Defensively, the 5-foot-11, 195-pound safety registered 67 tackles, three interceptions, three pass breakups, and three forced fumbles. He helped Rocky River finish 11-3 and reach the Division III regional championship game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hughes plays safety with an aggressive mentality. He identifies running plays quickly, takes direct pursuit angles, and arrives with enough force to stop ball carriers in their tracks. He also possesses the range and ball skills to patrol the middle of the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>His offensive experience becomes an advantage when the football is in the air. Hughes tracks passes like a receiver and can immediately turn an interception into a scoring opportunity. Rocky River will continue to move him around because he is too productive to be limited to one position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hughes initially committed to Syracuse before reopening his recruitment and selecting Kentucky. He enters his senior season as one of the most impactful two-way players in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>X:</strong> <a href="https://x.com/_tristinhughes">@_tristinhughes</a> | <strong>Hudl:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/25855926/Tristin-Hughes?utm_source=chatgpt.com">[player_tooltip player_id='768102' first='Tristin' last='Hughes']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1345033' first='Monsanna' last='Torbert Jr.'], CB/QB, Princeton, 2027</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1345033' first='Monsanna' last='Torbert Jr.'] will bring one of Ohio's most impressive résumés to Princeton after transferring from Taft.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 5-foot-10, 175-pound Michigan commit led Taft to an 11-1 record in 2025. At quarterback, Torbert passed for 1,791 yards and 26 touchdowns while adding 450 rushing yards and four more scores. He was just as productive defensively, recording 40 tackles, two tackles for loss, three interceptions, three pass breakups and two defensive touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Torbert's quarterback experience is one of his greatest assets at cornerback. He understands route combinations, recognizes where quarterbacks want to go with the football, and has the closing speed to capitalize on late or inaccurate throws.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He can play press coverage, carry receivers vertically, and attack the football at the catch point. Once Torbert creates a takeaway, his offensive instincts and open-field ability make him a threat to score.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Torbert originally committed to Indiana before reopening his recruitment and choosing Michigan in July. His move to Division I Princeton will give him another opportunity to demonstrate his versatility against strong competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>X:</strong> <a href="https://x.com/OhThats_UNO">@OhThats_UNO</a> | <strong>Hudl:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/21092928/Monsanna-Torbert?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Monsanna Torbert</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1599353' first='Chris' last='Bradley'], CB/ATH, North College Hill, 2027</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Indiana commit [player_tooltip player_id='1599353' first='Chris' last='Bradley'] may not have the biggest frame in the secondary, but his speed, instincts, and production make him one of Ohio's most dangerous cornerbacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 5-foot-10, 160-pound senior recorded 28 tackles, two tackles for loss,s and six interceptions last season. He was also credited with 14 pass breakups while allowing only three completions on more than 12 targets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bradley possesses legitimate track speed. He ran the 100 meters in 10.71 seconds and recorded a 22.95 in the 200. That speed allows him to stay connected to vertical routes and recover when a receiver creates early separation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What makes Bradley more than a fast athlete is his ability to play football. He reads receivers, maintains his positioning, and attacks the catch point rather than waiting for the ball to arrive. His vision also makes him a scoring threat following an interception or on special teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bradley committed to Indiana following a recruitment that included offers from Wisconsin, Wake Forest, James Madison, Temple, Miami (Ohio), Ohio, Kent State,e and Toledo. He will be a major piece for a North College Hill team with championship expectations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>X:</strong> <a>@chris2bradleyy</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2002876' first='Chad' last='Perkins'], DB/LB, St. Xavier, 2027</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2002876' first='Chad' last='Perkins'] gives St. Xavier a versatile defender who can operate as a safety, linebacker, or matchup piece against bigger receivers and tight ends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Navy commit stands6 feet 1 inch and weighs approximately 195 pounds. That frame allows him to handle contact near the line of scrimmage without taking away the movement skills required to play in the secondary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Perkins is at his best when he can see the play develop and attack downhill. He closes quickly against the running game, takes on blockers, and finishes tackles with physicality. He can also work underneath in coverage and help take away throwing lanes in the middle of the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>His versatility provides St. Xavier with valuable flexibility. The Bombers can move Perkins into the box against heavier personnel or keep him at safety without making a complete defensive substitution.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Perkins' combination of size, discipline, and positional flexibility makes him a natural fit for Navy. Before moving to the college level, he has an opportunity to become one of the senior leaders of the St. Xavier defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1752695' first='Cameron' last='Chaney'], CB/WR, Archbishop Hoban, 2028</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1752695' first='Cameron' last='Chaney'] is one of the most physically intriguing defensive backs in Ohio's 2028 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chaney is listed at 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds with a 4.53-second 40-yard dash and a 34-inch vertical. After beginning his career at Wooster, he is set to continue his development at Archbishop Hoban.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>His length immediately stands out on film. Chaney can crowd-throw through windows, challenge larger receivers, and reach passes that most defensive backs cannot. His long stride also helps him recover and remain connected when receivers attack vertically.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chaney's basketball background is apparent in his body control and ability to locate the football. He understands how to position himself, elevate, and compete for possession at the catch point. Those traits translate to both cornerback and receiver.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He already holds an offer from Miami (Ohio), but his recruitment could expand significantly with a productive season at Hoban. Competing in a championship-level program should test his physicality, consistency, and ability to handle high-level receivers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hudl:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/22939752?utm_source=chatgpt.com">[player_tooltip player_id='1752695' first='Cameron' last='Chaney']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1921481' first='Amileo' last='Norvell Jr']., CB/RB, Springfield, 2028</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1921481' first='Amileo' last='Norvell Jr']. enters his junior season with meaningful varsity experience and an opportunity to become one of Springfield's defensive leaders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 5-foot-10, 170-pound three-sport athlete contributed on both sides of the football as a sophomore. He recovered a fumble during Springfield's shutout victory over Centerville and earned All-Greater Western Ohio Conference recognition at defensive back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Norvell plays with a physical confidence that younger defensive backs often lack. He is willing to come downhill against the run, works through traffic, and does not hesitate when a tackle must be made in space.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>His experience as a running back helps him anticipate how offensive players will attempt to create separation. Norvell recognizes cuts, closes space, and has the strength to prevent ball carriers from consistently falling forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Springfield trusted Norvell against a difficult schedule early in his career. If he can turn more of his coverage opportunities into interceptions and pass breakups, he could emerge as one of the fastest-rising defensive backs in Ohio's 2028 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hudl:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/22643748?utm_source=chatgpt.com">[player_tooltip player_id='1921481' first='Amileo' last='Norvell Jr'].</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->