As we prepare for the start of the 2026 Ohio high school football season, we’re breaking down the top players by position. Throughout the preseason, we’re ranking Greater Canton’s top 10 quarterbacks, running backs, receivers/tight ends, offensive linemen, defensive linemen, linebackers, defensive backs, specialists and two-way players.
Today, we look at the top 10 defensive backs, starting with Massillon’s Deontay Malone and Braylon Gamble and McKinley’s Shad Davis.
Watch Ohio High School Football Live on NFHS Network all year
Deontay Malone
Massillon, CB, Class of 2027
What to know: Malone is an Ohio State commit who excels on offense, defense and special teams. According to reports, he was a primary recruiting target of Buckeyes defensive backs coach Tim Walton. The four-star standout ranks 33rd nationally as a cornerback and is No. 11 in Ohio regardless of position, according to 247Sports.com. Last year he was Massillon’s third-leading solo tackler and tied for the team lead in interceptions with three.
Braylon Gamble
Massillon, FS, Class of 2027
What to know: Gamble is a Boston College commit who helps anchor a talented Massillon secondary. He originally committed to Miami (Ohio) and also had Mid-American Conference offers from Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Kent State, Ohio and Toledo. He is ranked the 147th-best safety in the nation and is No. 61 in Ohio regardless of position, according to 247Sports.com. Last year he tied Malone for the team lead in interceptions with three.
Shad Davis
McKinley, SS, Class of 2027
What to know: Davis is a second team All-Ohioan who holds offers from three Mid-American Conference schools and Youngstown State. He finished fourth on the team in tackles last season.
Grady Hirst
West Branch, SS, Class of 2027
What to know: An All-Ohio quarterback and Youngstown State commit, Hirst also anchors the Warriors secondary. He led West Branch and tied for fourth in the area with four interceptions.
Jonathan Lemon
Perry, CB-SS, Class of 2027
What to know: Lemon could end up being a 1,000-yard rusher and one of the area’s top defensive backs. He had a team-high four interceptions in 2025.
Aydan Stephens
East Canton, CB, Class of 2027
What to know: A two-way impact player, Stephens was a first team All-Inter-Valley Conference and All-Northeast Inland District cornerback last year. He made 103 tackles and intercepted four passes.
Ontrell Hunter
Fairless, CB, Class of 2027
What to know: Hunter is a versatile athlete who also has a shot to make an impact at receiver. He led the Falcons in interceptions last year with four.
Parker Reinhart
Tuslaw, CB, Class of 2027
What to know: Reinhart tied for the team lead and for fourth in the area in interceptions with four in 2025. He is also the Mustangs’ top returning tackler.
Cole Jones
Marlington, FS, Class of 2027
What to know: Jones can play in the secondary and at linebacker. He led the Dukes with four interceptions in 2025.
Bronson Brown
Fairless, CB, Class of 2028
What to know: Brown is another Falcon who will form a solid tandem with Hunter in the secondary and at receiver. A state track qualifier in the hurdles, he had three interceptions last season.
Reach Mike at mike.popovich@cantonrep.com
On X: @PopperUSATODAY | On Instagram: mike_popovich | On Snapchat: popovich_mike | On TikTok: mikepopovich
The Canton Repository sports department can be contacted via email at sports@cantonrep.com.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Ohio high school football’s Top 10 Canton-area defensive backs to watch
Reporting by Mike Popovich, Canton Repository / The Repository
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mike Popovich, Canton Repository | USA TODAY Network
