Editors note: This is the seventh installment in the eight-part “YPS Top 50” series from Your Prep Sports highlighting 50 of the top returning football players for the 2026 season.

Ryan Murken

Your Prep Sports

The YPS Top 50 is an eight-story series that highlights 50 of the top returning football players in the Your Prep Sports area broken down by position group.

Over the past several days the series has featured six position groups – quarterbacks, running backs, pass catchers and offensive line on offense and defensive line and linebackers on defense.

Today the focus remains on the defensive side of the ball with a look at the top returning defensive backs in the area.

The series will wrap up tomorrow by highlight the top special teams players.

Here is a look at six of the top returning defensive backs in the area.

Neil James

Senior, West High

One of the best athletes in the state regardless of position James has cemented himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the state.

The 6-foot-2, 180-pound James has the combination of elite size and speed that makes him a lock down corner.

A first team all-district pick last season, James had 16 tackles and an interception and led West High with eight passes defended.

A three-sport standout that also excels in basketball and track and field look for the versatile James to make a major jump on offense this season as a receiver after making six receptions for 74 yards last season.

Adrian Clerry

Senior, Liberty High

One of the most versatile players in Class 5A Clerry could have easily landed on the lists of top returning wide receivers or special teams players in the area.

The dynamic Clerry caught 40 passes for 357 yards and four touchdowns and also rushed for 92 yards and three touchdowns last season on offense.

He was equally explosive on special teams averaging 17.7 yards per return on 10 punt returns and 26 yards per return on 14 kick off returns.

As good as Clerry was on offense and special teams he was even better on defense.

Clerry made 28 tackles and picked off two passes from his cornerback spot on his way to earning Class 5A honorable mention all-state honors.

The 5-foot-10, 170-pound Clerry ranked second on the team with four passes defended last season and returned an interception for a touchdown.

Coden Kurtz

Junior, City High

Kurtz began last season splitting reps at quarterback but has always done his best work in the secondary and that is where Kurtz will look to excel this season in his third season in the program.

The 5-foot-11, 175-pound Kurtz saw action as a freshman two seasons ago making 13 tackles and picking off a pass and was even better last season.

In six games last fall Kurtz made 17.5 tackles including two for loss before an injury ended his season.

A three-sport standout that also excels in basketball and baseball, Kurtz is a prototypical field general at safety that uses his athleticism and intelligence to be a big-time playmaker.

AJ Hodge

Senior, West High

Hodge is a long, rangy athlete that excels as a coverage cornerback but is also an excellent open-field tackler making him a versatile key in a talented West High secondary.

The 6-foot-1, 175-pound Hodge ranked fifth on the team with 32.5 tackles last season including two tackles for loss on his way to earning first team all-district honors.

Hodge is excellent in coverage, ranking second on the team with six passes defended to go with an interception last season.

However, Hodge is also a physical, sure tackler with 25 of his 32.5 tackles last season going as solo stops.

Hodge and James combine to give West High one of the better potential corner back combinations in the state.

Cooper Lester

Junior, Liberty High

Lester played all over the field in his first varsity season but appears to have found a home at safety where he emerged as a playmaker last season ranking in the top 10 on the team in tackles.

The 6-foot-1, 188-pound Lester ranked eighth on the team with 24 tackles last season including 2.5 tackles for loss.

Lester also forced a fumble and recovered a fumble in his first season of varsity action helping Liberty High limit opponents to 19.5 points and 267 yards of total offense per game.

An excellent athlete, Lester played running back, receiver and quarterback last season along with his duties at defensive back.

Lester rushed for 42 yards and a touchdown, caught seven passes for 35 yards and also returned kicks.

Look for the Lightning to continue to find ways to get the ball in Lester’s hands this season.

Cade Towler

Senior, West High

Towler brings versatility to a loaded West High secondary with the ability to play any spot in the back end of the Trojan defense.

The 5-foot-11, 170-pound Towler was a first team all-district pick last season after making 15.5 tackles on defense to go with 11 receptions for 147 yards and a touchdown on offense.

Those numbers should soar for Towler this season as he takes on a larger role on both sides of the ball.

Look for a big season from Towler on defense as his track speed and physicality make him an excellent compliment at safety to the other returning cornerbacks in the West High secondary.

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