As the 2026 Oregon School Activities Association football season draws near, the Salem‑Keizer area is buzzing with anticipation. The Statesman Journal has compiled a list of the region’s most promising defensive backs, inviting readers to weigh in on who deserves the top spot in its annual poll.
Defensive Backs to Watch
Malakai Abballay of Sprague earned second‑team all‑conference honors last year in Class 6A Special District 1, establishing himself as a reliable presence in the secondary. Josiah Hawkins from Cascade not only secured first‑team all‑state recognition as a defensive back but also contributed as a wide receiver on a Class 4A championship squad. Noah Hockett of St. Paul anchored the Buckaroos on both sides of the ball, drawing a second‑team all‑state nod at defensive back while also quarterbacking the offense. Kellen Kuenzi of Silverton proved his versatility, earning an honorable mention in Special District 3 for his defensive work and adding speed to the 4×100‑meter relay team.
Tavin Kumm from McNary returns as a junior who will split time at quarterback and defensive back, a role that has expanded after several varsity contributors graduated. Julian Lutz of Sprague received honorable mention as a safety in Special District 1, further bolstering the school’s defensive backfield. Christian Newton from West Salem was highlighted as one of the state’s top corners, earning conference honorable‑mention accolades for his playmaking ability. Teak Shaw of Cascade, a freshman, has already seen increased varsity reps and is expected to grow into a larger safety role.
Lincoln Teeney of Silverton capped his breakout season by being named Class 5A defensive player of the year and Special District 3’s defensive player of the year, and he will now lead the Foxes’ title defense. Meanwhile, Haydin Tibbs from Scio collected second‑team all‑conference honors in Special District 2, contributing on both sides of the ball for the Loggers’ defense. The breadth of talent across these programs suggests a competitive fall, and the Statesman Journal’s poll aims to spotlight the player who most deserves the spotlight.