The countdown to the 2026 high school football season is on.
San Joaquin County returns plenty of proven talent, but a new season also means new names, new opportunities, and new players ready to break through.
Leading up to Week 0, The Record will highlight 10 players to watch at each position across the county.
Last up, the secondary.
Here are the top 10 defensive backs to watch in San Joaquin County this fall.
Note: Players are listed in alphabetical order by last name.
Antwone Beattie, Edison
Not many freshmen are trusted to line up across from an opponent's best receiver game after game. Antwone Beattie was. The 5-foot-11, 153-pound sophomore cornerback started every game he played, finishing with 17 tackles, eight pass breakups, and a punt-return touchdown. His speed
is unquestioned, too, after running a 47.04 in the 400 meters, the fastest freshman time in the nation and the top mark at the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters finals. Sacramento State, Nevada and Oregon State have already offered, and his recruitment is just getting started.
Jimmy Ducksworth, Chavez
Quarterbacks didn't learn their lesson after Jimmy Ducksworth's first interception. Or his second. By season's end, the 5-foot-10, 150-pound cornerback had intercepted a Chavez-record seven passes, with three different games featuring two picks. Ducksworth also broke up 11 passes and made 34 tackles, earning second-team All-SJAA honors. "In addition to being a lockdown corner, he’s also a dynamic wide receiver and return specialist, making an impact in all three phases of the game," coach Derek Graves said. "His ball skills, playmaking ability, and versatility make him one of the top defensive backs in the region."
Kemonnie Eskridge, Stagg
From never playing organized football before his sophomore year to becoming a Division I commit just two years later, Kemonnie Eskridge has come a long way in a short time. The 6-foot, 175-pound senior played primarily safety last season, piling up 59 tackles, breaking up nine passes and recovering two fumbles. Eskridge committed to Sacramento State after also receiving offers from Idaho and Fresno State. On3 has since rated him as a three-star recruit, ranking him No. 199 nationally at his position and No. 230 overall in California.
Jayden Harris, Manteca
Throw Jayden Harris' way at your own risk. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound safety made quarterbacks pay with a county-best eight interceptions, third most in the Sac-Joaquin Section, and broke up another seven passes while recording 55 tackles. Those numbers leave little doubt about Harris' standing as the county's top defensive back, and his recruitment reflects it. Ranked by 247Sports as a three-star recruit, the No. 116 player in California and No. 144 safety nationally, the VOL Co–Outstanding Defensive Player in 2025 held offers from Fresno State, UNLV, Idaho, Sacramento State, Montana State and San Diego State before committing to Washington State on June 27.
Damian Hernandez, Tokay
For the third straight year, Tokay knows exactly who will be lining up in its secondary. Damian Hernandez returns as one of the Tigers' most experienced defenders after starting each of the past two seasons. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound senior was second on the team with 73 tackles as a junior, broke up seven passes and forced a fumble on his way to second-team All-SJAA honors. "Damian has improved his speed and strength this offseason and is looking to be a force for our defense," coach Collin Rhoads said.
Beau Kesterson, Oakdale
Everyone knows about Oakdale's Wing-T. It churned out 5,728 rushing yards and 79 touchdowns last season, numbers that naturally stole plenty of attention. On the other side of the ball, senior Beau Kesterson was busy making plays of his own. The 5-foot-11, 160-pound defensive back totaled 45 tackles, three interceptions and nine pass deflections, added two tackles for loss and even blocked a punt on his way to first-team All-Valley Oak League honors.
Amari Lambert, Stagg
Stagg's defense wasn't short on talent last season, from two tackling machines at middle linebacker to a Division I commit at safety. Amari Lambert still managed to stand out. The 5-foot-11, 175-pound senior cornerback recorded 48 tackles, two interceptions and 11 pass breakups as a junior, earning SJAA Defensive Back of the Year honors while helping Stagg win eight games for the first time since 2013.
Braylon Lindsey, St. Mary's
Braylon Lindsey helped St. Mary's reach the doorstep of the postseason. Then he had to watch the Rams finish the job without him. The 6-foot, 177-pound cornerback started throughout the regular season and totaled 19 tackles, two interceptions, and a pass breakup before suffering a knee injury against rival Lincoln in Week 10 that ended his season. "Not being able to play during playoffs definitely changed my mindset," Lindsey said. "It made me realize that I can't take anything for granted."
Kesean McCullough, Lincoln
Five Division I programs are watching Kesean McCullough. His next step is to give them a reason to offer. The 5-foot-11, 170-pound junior has drawn interest from Fresno State, Idaho, Sacramento State, San Jose State and Washington State after a sophomore season with 27 tackles, two interceptions and two pass breakups. That performance earned McCullough honorable mention All-TCAL honors, and another jump could take his recruitment with it.
Nate Nemee, St. Mary’s
Replacing three secondary pieces who combined for 220 tackles, five interceptions and 14 pass breakups would be daunting if St. Mary's had to start from scratch. It doesn't. Nate Nemee already recorded 31 tackles and three pass breakups while seeing significant time during the Rams' state championship season. The 5-foot-9, 168-pound senior free safety and nickelback takes over as St. Mary's No. 1 safety, with coach Tony Franks expecting him to rarely leave the field.
This article originally appeared on The Record: San Joaquin County high school football 2026: Top 10 defensive backs
