2027 DB’s on the RISE

<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Josiah Turner – Springfield Southeast</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a>@JosiahTurner_8</a><br>Turner is a tall, athletic defensive back from Springfield Southeast who brings length and movement skills to the secondary. At 6'1", 170 pounds, he can match up with bigger receivers and has the range to make plays from sideline to sideline. His upside is real as he continues to develop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1335208' first='Isaac' last='Saldana'] – Mount Carmel</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a>@Isaldana_2</a><br>Saldana picked off <strong>two passes</strong> last season and recently picked up an offer from Western Illinois. At 6'1", 184 pounds, he's physical at the line of scrimmage and brings a steady presence to the Mount Carmel defense. Expect his stock to rise as his junior season unfolds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1120453' first='Dontrell' last='Young'] – Oswego</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a>@DontrellYoung9</a><br>Young is an explosive athlete with elite track speed — clocking <strong>10.5 in the 100-meter dash</strong>. His burst and recovery speed make him a major weapon in coverage, and he's versatile enough to match up in space or support the run. High ceiling with verified athleticism.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1631457' first='Rontez' last='Smith'] – Bradley-Bourbonnais</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a>@tezsmith45_</a><br>Smith had <strong>three interceptions</strong> last fall and showed his ability to support the run as well. Though listed at 5'9", 160 pounds, he plays bigger than his frame. Physical, twitchy, and competitive — Smith is one of the more well-rounded corners in this class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->