Football guru DC Hendrix is back with his look at some of the top players from each position heading into the season.
He has tackled quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, offensive linemen and defensive linemen and linebackers over the last few weeks. With the season upon us, Hendrix ranks his top 10 defensive backs.
NOTE: All of these rankings will be updated weekly once the season begins, with the possibility of new names joining the list and names moving up and down.
1. Maalik Moore, senior, North Side
The best receiver in the area also happens to be the best defensive back around as well. There’s a reason he’s a four-star recruit that is listed as an athlete – he basically can choose which side of the ball he wants to play at the next level. Missouri and Cincinnati seem to be towards the top of his list at the moment, but more will likely sneak their way in soon. He is a nightmare for opposing receivers with his physical 6-foot-3 frame. At deep safety, he plays with a smooth, fluid style that tricks opposing quarterbacks into making mistakes. Best in the area. No question.
2. Alex Phillips, senior, East Noble
Phillips finished with 98 tackles last season (8.2 tackles per game). He also walked away with one interception, but he is one of the best safeties at tackling in the open field. He also was named as first team all-conference in the NE8 as a junior. At 6-foot, 190 pounds, his versatility and ability to play both sides of the ball (WR/SS) stands out. Phillips has great hands, which will make him a threat to get more interceptions this season, if opposing offenses throw his way, that is.. As the leader of an impressive East Noble defense, he comes into the season with some high expectations.
3. Jarnard Moore, senior, North Side
This 5-11, 172-pound DB was a First Team All-SAC selection last season. He is a lock-down corner that demands teams to throw to the opposite side of the field. Because of that, he may not have the most interceptions on this list, but he is the guy you put in man coverage on the opposing team’s best receiver. He’s had a very busy offseason competing at college camps and is determined to show why he’s the best DB in the area in 2026.
4. Jaston White, senior, Wayne
White finished with 83 total tackles and seven pass deflections last season for the Generals. He picked up a college offer over the summer after putting in a ton of work in the offseason and honestly is just getting started. At 5-10, 160 pounds he is a smaller safety at the next level, but his high motor and instinctive play makes up for it. He has improved his read-and-react ability in the secondary as well, which could lead to some interceptions this fall. He was a First Team All-SAC selection last season and is expected to do much of the same as a senior.
5. Alex Scott, senior, East Noble
Scott was also in the top 10 wide receiver rankings, but he is equally good in the secondary. He led a stingy Knights defense last season with five interceptions to go along with 32 tackles and eight pass deflections. What makes him dangerous on both sides of the ball are his hands and footwork. He’s got fluid coverage skills, but most importantly, has a high football IQ, which allows him to be a step ahead defensively. Scott is going to be a huge asset in Kendallville this season on both offense and defense.
6. Tyree Eldridge, senior, Wayne
Speaking of being versatile, Eldridge is another kid that will be expected to play both wide receiver and defensive back this season for the Generals. He was one of my top 10 wideouts, but has to make this list as well, especially since he was Second Team All-SAC last season as a DB. He’s more than likely going to be a DB at the next level. In fact, he picked up an offer from Marian University this summer and will likely get more offers soon. In addition to his improved hands and technique from last season when he walked away with five interceptions, he also has become more of a vocal leader for the Generals. It should be a huge season for him.
7. Drake Hall, senior, DeKalb
Hall is going to make a name for himself this season at both running back and defensive back for the Barons. At 6-3 and 200 pounds, Hall has tremendous size for a DB that easily translates to the next level. He was named First Team All-NE8 at safety as a junior and he has gotten faster and stronger. What stands out the most with him is his ball-hawk mentality. He isn’t scared to attack the football. His six picks, three pass deflections and one forced fumble just proves he can do it all at the safety position. Hall is preparing for a huge senior season in Waterloo.
8. Caleb Hollingsworth, senior, Homestead
Hollingsworth has noticeably been in the lab working on getting bigger and stronger for his senior season for the Spartans. At 6-1, 170, Hollingsworth has some great size as a safety for the next level. He is pretty fast as well, evidenced by his 4.55 40-yard time. He finished with 70 total tackles and two INTs last season, but only managed Honorable Mention All-SAC at a deep position in the league a season ago. With some added muscle and a chip on his shoulder, Hollingsworth should have a huge senior season for Sparty.
9. Linkoln Grabner, senior, Carroll
“Link” is fresh off his commitment to Indiana State this summer. The 6-2, 205-pound safety finished with 90 total tackles as a junior to go along with four interceptions, 14 pass deflections and a pair of forced fumbles for the Chargers. He’s put on even more muscle this past offseason and will utilize his physicality in the secondary to be a disrupter this fall. As a team captain, Grabner hopes to lead the Chargers to a deep run in Class 6A.
10. KJ Alexander, senior, South Side
After being voted All-SAC Honorable Mention last season, Alexander is ready to shine this year for the Archers. He quietly finished with 40 tackles and three interceptions in his junior campaign. He is a multi-year starter who has played since he was a freshman. Having saw him multiple times last season, he reallu has come into his own as a standout cover corner and safety. He displays a quick trigger and has excellent spatial awareness that sets him apart from other players at his position. That attribute more than likely comes from playing both sides of the ball and being very familiar with South’s offensive scheme under Coach Andre Goodwell. He took some early lumps in his career by seeing a lot of playing time as an underclassman, but with a healthy senior season, the offers should start rolling in for him, possibly to play basketball AND football.
These opinions represent those of DC Hendrix and Outside the Huddle. No opinions expressed on Outside the Huddle represent those of any of our advertisers. Follow DC Hendrix on X at dchendrix.
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