Chris Palmer Chris Palmer 6'2" | 190 lbs | ATH Coolidge | 2026 State MD proved to be a true two-way threat this season, contributing on offense at receiver and anchoring the defense from his safety position. Offensively, Palmer consistently won in contested-catch situations down the field, using strong hands and body control to finish through contact. He also showed open-field ability in the screen game, turning quick touches into positive gains with vision and toughness.

On the defensive side, Palmer impacted the game at all three levels. He displayed strong instincts on the back end, reading the quarterback and closing passing lanes on seams and posts, while also showing the physicality to trigger downhill and stop ball carriers in their tracks. His stat line reflects that versatility and production, finishing the season with 309 all-purpose yards, 45 tackles, three interceptions, a forced fumble, and a sack. Palmer’s ability to influence the game in multiple phases makes him a valuable and intriguing prospect moving forward.

Palmer: Physical Two-Way Standout Set to Make an Impact at Coolidge

Palmer consistently displays excellent body control and strong ball skills on both sides of the ball. Defensively, he’s a physical, big-bodied defensive back, measuring 6’1″, 190 pounds, who excels in run support and is highly effective at limiting yards after the catch on short and intermediate routes.

As he heads into his senior season, Palmer will suit up for Coolidge High School in Washington, D.C., where he’s expected to be a key contributor in all three phases of the game. With his size, toughness, and versatility, Palmer is poised to turn heads this fall.

Position Evaluation – Safety: Chris Palmer Chris Palmer 6'2" | 190 lbs | ATH Coolidge | 2026 State MD is a safety who plays fast, physical, and with a competitive edge. He splits time between safety and wide receiver, but his defensive film shows real promise for the next level. Palmer brings value as a defender of both the run and pass game. As a pass defender, he scans routes and reacts without hesitation. I am sure Palmer’s wide receiver skills help him with his instincts as a defensive back. Palmer has the range to patrol the middle of the field and closes space well when working in the zone. There’s one play where he hustles 40-45 yards downfield to make a tackle after the quarterback broke the pocket. You have to love effort like that.

In the run game, Palmer doesn’t shy away from contact. He’s disciplined when it comes to containment. There’s one play where the running back cuts back into his lane, and he makes a clean open-field tackle. Right place at the right time. Palmer’s highlights also show him taking smart pursuit angles and not overruling plays. Being a reliable tackler, especially in space, is another of his strong skills. I’d like to see a separate highlight of his best defensive plays. There’s no doubt he makes things happen as a wide receiver. But the skills to pay the bills will come from him playing defense. He’s only scratched the surface and will get even better once he gets coached up even more in college.

Palmer is shaking the scene in the class of 2026, he’s landed some huge offers from Oklahoma, Alabama, and Arkansas as well as a few more D1 schools. After tearing up the field in the DCIAA at Bell, he made the transfer to WCAC power Archbishop Carroll. Already at 6’2 190lbs and dynamic on the field the ceiling is high for Palmer. If he can continue his electric impact on the game while playing against WCAC talent, he could be choosing from some of the top schools in the nation.