2026 DBs Built To Breakout

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1628903' first='Omari' last='Russell'] | DB | Fort Meade | @omari_russell</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the more polished DBs in the 2026 class. At 6-1, 180 pounds, Russell checks every box—length, footwork, ball skills, and IQ. He's already got offers from Wake Forest, JSU, Liberty, and ECU, and more are sure to follow. Whether he's rolling over the top or locking down man-to-man, Russell makes it tough on opposing QBs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Demontia Hudson | ATH | Wiregrass Ranch | @Demontia_1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hudson is a heat-seeking missile in the secondary. Fast, physical, and fearless, he brings versatility as a DB/WR and consistently shows up in big moments. His stock continues to climb heading into the fall—don't be surprised if he becomes one of the better-known names in the Tampa area this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1263602' first='Curtis' last='Dewberry III'] | ATH | Lake Brantley | @C4Dew</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dewberry has a knack for being a playmaker. He came up clutch with multiple INTs last fall and continued that momentum into the offseason circuit, standing out as one of the top rising coverage DBs. Smart, athletic, and confident—he's the kind of leader you want anchoring your secondary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1583270' first='Fareed' last='Coleman'] | DB | Oakleaf | @fareedcolemanjr</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coleman is flat-out everywhere. 90 tackles, 5 TFLs, 14 PBUs, and the physicality to come down and thump in the run game. He also flashes as a playmaker on offense. At 5-11, 180 pounds, he's fluid in coverage and takes away space in a hurry. A high-IQ defender who already plays with college-level instincts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1626870' first='Anthony' last='Roman'] | ATH | Pinellas Park | @RomanCO26</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the better two-way players in Pinellas County, Roman is as productive as they come. 97 tackles, 4 TFLs, 2 INTs (one returned for a score), and several blocked kicks show his ability to affect every phase of the game. Smart, physical, and relentless. A real sleeper with a 4.13 GPA to match the motor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wedje Schoeppe | ATH | River Ridge | @11Wedje</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Schoeppe is a tone-setter. Big play threat in all three phases—offense, defense, and special teams. His instincts and IQ pop off the tape, and he's a dangerous returner with legit playmaking ability. Don't sleep on this one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jayden Burnett | DB | Cardinal Mooney | @Jayden_Burnett2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Burnett fits the mold of what's been coming out of Cardinal Mooney recently—length and upside. At 6-2, he's smooth in coverage and is starting to draw more attention after an Honorable Mention All-Area season. His frame and athletic tools point to a major leap this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aveion Jackson | ATH | Nature Coast Tech | @AveionJNCT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>High character, high motor, high GPA. Jackson is a team captain who plays like a coach on the field. Smart in coverage, physical in the box, and always around the football. He's a leader in every sense and a culture-changer for a program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1143177' first='Gary' last='Mann'] | DB/LB | Glades Central | @GaryMann_008</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Production machine. Mann racked up 100+ tackles, 3 interceptions, and forced 3 fumbles as a junior. He's a downhill playmaker who can also drop and cover when needed. A hybrid safety/LB type with serious pop and a nose for the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->