VOTE: Who's San Joaquin County's top defensive football player?

Quarterbacks and touchdowns get plenty of attention. This one is for the players trying to stop them. From pass rushers coming off the edge to linebackers flying to the ball and defensive backs locking down the secondary, San Joaquin County has no shortage of defensive playmakers entering 2026. The

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What is the story about?

Quarterbacks and touchdowns get plenty of attention.

This one is for the players trying to stop them.

From pass rushers coming off the edge to linebackers flying to the ball and defensive backs locking down the secondary, San Joaquin County has no shortage of defensive playmakers entering 2026.

The Record and Martin Dentistry have selected 30 players for the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year poll, with nominees coming from our top-10 rankings at defensive line, linebacker and defensive back.

Now, you make the call.

Who should be The Record’s Martin Dentistry Preseason Defensive Player of the Year?

Voting closes at 11:59 p.m. Sept. 18, just as Week 3 games wrap up. There are no voting restrictions, so vote now and vote often.

Here are the nominees

(athletes listed by position, then alphabetically by last name).