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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1585334' first='Santino' last='Bernabei'] – Maine South – 2026 – DB – 6'1", 185 lbs</strong><br>Bernabei is a tall, rangy defensive back with the versatility to line up at either corner or safety. His ability to cover ground quickly and diagnose plays allows him to close windows fast and make plays on the ball. He shows excellent reaction time and breaks on routes with confidence. His frame and flexibility give him matchup value across different defensive schemes.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1631462' first='Rafael' last='Medeiros'] – Schaumburg – 2026 – DB – 6'3", 175 lbs</strong><br>Medeiros brings elite size to the safety position and uses it to his advantage in both run and pass support. He plays physical, isn't afraid to come downhill, and delivers hits that set the tone. His range allows him to cover deep zones effectively while still being a threat in the box. Medeiros has the tools to become a true enforcer in the secondary.</p>
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<p><strong>Nathaniel Blair – Crete-Monee – 2026 – DB – 6'2", 175 lbs</strong><br>Blair is a versatile athlete who contributes on both sides of the ball, but his upside as a defensive back stands out. With a long frame and smooth movement skills, he can cover a lot of ground and disrupt passing lanes. He shows natural ball skills and has a knack for turning defense into offense. His physical tools and two-way experience make him a valuable asset in the secondary.</p>
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<p><strong>Mekhi Smith – Chicago Hope – 2026 – DB – 5'11", 165 lbs</strong><br>Smith is a dynamic playmaker who lines up at both defensive back and wide receiver, bringing explosive athleticism to the field. His experience on offense helps sharpen his anticipation and awareness on defense. He's aggressive in coverage and has a nose for the football. Smith's quickness and ball-tracking ability make him a threat to create takeaways.</p>
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Santino BernabeiSantinoBernabei
6'1" | 175 lbs | DB
Maine South | 2026 StateIL
– Maine South – 2026 – DB – 6'1", 185 lbs Bernabei is a tall, rangy defensive back with the versatility to line up at either corner or safety. His ability to cover ground quickly and diagnose plays allows him to close windows fast and make plays on the ball. He shows excellent reaction time and breaks on routes with confidence. His frame and flexibility give him matchup value across different defensive schemes.
