Multiple votes are allowed in the Upstate Ingles 2026 Preseason Top Defensive Backs poll, which is open until noon on July 30.
The top 10 candidates for Defensive Back of the Year include John Campbell, a St. Joseph's player who missed all of 2025 with an injury but had 115 tackles and three interceptions as a sophomore.
Campbell's impressive stats in 2024 earned him a spot on the list, along with several other talented defensive backs from the Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson areas.
Christian Chancellor Jr. from Daniel is committed to Clemson and ranked as the No. 16 player in the 2027 class, while Zion Dawkins from Gaffney is the state's No. 1 defensive back in the 2028 class.
Dawkins had four interceptions and 58 solo tackles in 2025, making him a strong contender for the award.
Aaron Gilliam from Southside Christian had 78 tackles, two interceptions, and two blocked kicks as an all-region player, while Tyvion Hall from Boiling Springs had four interceptions, including one he returned for a touchdown.
Gavin Sullivan from Hillcrest had 84 tackles, including 57 solo stops, and an interception, and has an offer from East Tennessee State.
Ja'bez Thomas from Dorman is a standout with eight interceptions and a returned touchdown in 2025, while Aidyn Wiggins from Byrnes is the state's No. 7 overall prospect for the Class of 2027 and is committed to Auburn.
Jaylon Watson from T.L. Hanna had four interceptions, including two in the first three games, and Tajeh Watson-Martin from Westside is committed to Virginia as a wide receiver but also a standout on defense as the state's No. 17 prospect.
Fans can cast their votes for the Upstate Ingles 2026 Preseason Top Defensive Backs until noon on July 30, with multiple votes allowed.
Source: Yahoo Sports