Time to highlight the defensive backs of Southwestern Indiana.
Like the previous two, there was plenty of talent on display last season, and surely more will come to the forefront in 2026. Whether it is a momentum-turning interception, a pass breakup or tackle in the backfield, the responsibility of the secondary can often decide outcomes.
Here are 24 defensive backs, listed in alphabetical order, to watch this season.
Brody Fehn, North Posey (Junior)
Fehn had 34 tackles in 11 games for the Vikings last season. He earned All-PAC honors in 2025.
Brody Phillips, Vincennes Lincoln (Senior)
Phillips had 55 tackles, 10 for loss, 3 sacks and 1 interception for the Alices last season. He was an All-State selection in 2025.
Camden Clowers, North Posey (Sophomore)
Clowers had 54 tackles in 11 games for the Vikings last season.
Carter Becher, North Knox (Junior)
Becher had 72 tackles in 10 games for the Warriors last season.
Cole Ridens, Gibson Southern (Senior)
Ridens had 61 tackles in 13 games for the Titans last season.
Colton York, Vincennes Lincoln (Senior)
York had 62 tackles and 2 interceptions in eight games for the Alices last season.
E’Ani Clardy, Reitz (Senior)
Clardy had 44 tackles and 5 interceptions in 11 games for the Panthers last season. He earned All-SIAC honors in 2025. Clardy is a relied-upon figure for Cory Brunson’s group.
Eli Elkins, North Posey (Senior)
Elkins had 60 tackles and 2 interceptions in 10 games for the Warriors last season.
Eli Powers, Princeton (Senior)
Powers had 49 tackles and 2 interceptions in 10 games for the Tigers last season.
Evan Heldt, Memorial (Junior)
Heldt had 26 tackles and 2 interceptions in 10 games for the Tigers last season.
Garrett Deal, Tecumseh (Senior)
Deal had 59 tackles and 5 interceptions in 11 games for the Braves last season. He earned All-PAC honors on the defensive line in 2025.
Gavin Winegard, Mater Dei (Senior)
Winegard had 43 tackles and 1 interception for the Wildcats last season. He earned All-SIAC honors in 2025.
Hudson King, Forest Park (Senior)
King had 102 tackles and 1 interception in 10 games for the Rangers last season. He earned All-PAC honors in 2025.
Hudson Montgomery, Southridge (Senior)
Montgomery had 53 tackles and 3 interceptions in 10 games for the Raiders last season.
Lane Young, North Posey (Junior)
Young had 61 tackles, including 13 for loss, and 1.5 sacks in 10 games for the Vikings last season. He earned All-PAC honors in 2025.
Leyton Battles, Vincennes Lincoln (Senior)
Battles had 80 tackles and 4 interceptions in 10 games for the Alices last season.
Micah Toler, Heritage Hills (Junior)
Toler had 19 tackles and 3 interceptions in 12 games for the Patriots last season. He is expected to be a key piece in year one for Kevin Tempel after the departure of a talented senior class.
Owen Schaeffer, Tecumseh (Senior)
Schaeffer had 60 tackles and 2 interceptions in 11 games for the Braves last season. He earned All-PAC honors in 2025.
Parker Steckler, Southridge (Senior)
Steckler had 82 tackles and 1 interception in 10 games for the Raiders last season. He earned All-PAC honors in 2025.
Rylan Fletcher, Forest Park (Junior)
Fletcher had 42 tackles and 2 interceptions in 10 games for the Rangers last season.
Sam Gasser, Southridge (Senior)
Gasser had 41 tackles and 2 interceptions in 10 games for the Raiders last season.
Skye Knepp, North Daviess (Senior)
Knepp had 70 tackles and 2 interceptions in 12 games for the Cougars last season.
Tyce Winchell, Heritage Hills (Senior)
Winchell had 42 tackles and 2 interceptions in 11 games for the Patriots last season. He earned All-PAC honors in 2025. Tempel expects another productive season from Winchell, who will take over as Heritage Hills’ starting quarterback.
“He’s going to be a pretty dynamic player,” Tempel said.
Zack Russell, Southridge (Senior)
Russell had 63 tackles, including 10 for loss, and 1 sack in 11 games for the Raiders last season.
Markos Tsegaye is a sports reporter for the Courier & Press. He can be reached at mtsegaye@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X @10_Markos_
This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: 24 defensive backs to watch from Southwestern Indiana this season
Reporting by Markos Tsegaye, Evansville Courier & Press / Evansville Courier & Press
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By Markos Tsegaye, Evansville Courier & Press | USA TODAY Network
