2026 Defensive Back Breakdowns

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defensive backs in this review stepped up to the varsity level and accepted the challenge. They displayed their talents throughout the season and are off to great starts in their high school careers. The review covers five of the top defensive backs in the class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='284097' first='Samari' last='Matthews'] - 6'1" 180 (No. 1 DB, No. 3 Overall), Hough HS</strong>. Samari displayed the ability to change directions quickly to cover receivers. He displayed good technique in man-coverage, making it difficult to complete a pass against him. He finished the season with 33 total tackles, 1 which was for a loss. Samari had 21 solo tackles and 1 interception during the season. He will continue to improve his skillset during offseason training and participation in Summer Prospect Camps. Samari has received a D1 offer, more are expected to come during his high school career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='619079' first='Tatum' last='Bowar'] - 5'10" 145 (No. 2 DB, No. 5 Overall), Butler HS</strong>. Tatum displayed the ability to change directions quickly to cover receivers. He displayed good technique while covering receivers in man-coverage. Tatum will continue to improve his skillset during offseason training and participation in Summer Prospect Camps.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='284093' first='Jordan' last='Cleaves'] - 5'10" 155 (No. 3 DB, No. 41 Overall), Cox Mill HS</strong>. Jordan displayed the speed to cover a lot of ground quickly to close in on the ball carrier. He displayed good technique on tackles made in the open field. He displayed the ability to change directions quickly to cover receivers. Jordan will continue to improve his skillset during offseason training and participation in Summer Prospect Camps.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='534743' first='Ryan' last='Payne'] - 6'0" 155 (No. 4 DB, No. 52 Overall), Murphy HS</strong>. Ryan displayed the ability to change directions quickly to cover receivers. He displayed good technique on solo tackles made in the open field. Ryan will continue to improve his skillset during offseason training and participation in Summer Prospect Camps.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='473950' first='Tavoris' last='Parker'] - 5'9" 165 (No. 5 DB, No. 53 Overall), Stuart W. Cramer HS</strong>. Tavoris displayed good technique in covering receivers in man-coverage. He displayed speed to cover a lot of ground quickly to close in on the ball carrier. Tavoris will continue to improve his skillset during offseason training and participation in Summer Prospect Camps.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->