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The South Bay area is extremely deep at the defensive back position going into the 2026 high school football season. Here is a look at the players to watch: TOP DEFENSIVE BACKS 1. Jalen Flowers, Palos Verdes, Jr.: Flowers had a big offseason and has caught the eye of just about all of the top colleges. He was a first-team All-Area pick last year, and with another big season he could be the state’s top recruit in the Class of 2028. He had five interceptions last season. 2. Pole Moala, Serra, Sr.: Moala, who is headed to UCLA, reclassified to become part of the class of 2027. He was a first-team All-Area selection last season at Leuzinger. His move to Serra will definitely strengthen an already deep and talented position group for the Cavaliers. Moala had three interceptions and seven pass break-ups last season. 3. Wesley Ace, Serra, Sr.: The Cavaliers are expecting a big season from Ace. The San Jose State commit had a strong track season last spring, winning a CIF-SS championship and qualifying for the CIF State finals. 4. Noah Clark, Inglewood, Sr.: Clark had a breakout season for the Sentinels a year ago. The Washington State commit had 92 tackles and intercepted three passes. 5. Elias Emerson, Torrance, Sr.: Emerson had a big year for the Tartars, earning Pioneer League defensive player of the year honors. He had 77 tackles and eight sacks. 6. Derrick Coleman, Serra, Jr.: Coleman is Serra’s leading returning tackler (71). The safety is another fast riser in the class of 2028 and will have a lot of eyes on him this season. He recently released his list of the nine colleges he will choose from, which included USC and UCLA. 7. Bennie Saulter, Carson, Jr.: Saulter will be part of a strong Carson secondary. The junior holds six offers from colleges. With a big season, that number should rapidly increase. 8. Kyle Westbrook, Redondo Union, Sr.: Westbrook had 35 tackles and two interceptions last season. He earned first-team All-Pioneer League honors. 9. Santi De La Torre, Redondo Union, Sr.: De La Torre is another returner in the secondary for the Sea Hawks. He recorded 52 tackles and intercepted three passes last season. 10. Darren Panton, Carson, Sr.: Panton is another key returning player in the Carson secondary. He had 29 tackles and two interceptions last season. Others to watch: Jack Strosnider, Mira Costa, Sr.; Nathan Horta, Redondo Union, Sr.; Tytus Salagi, Carson, Jr.; Dion Edwards, Serra, Jr.; Vince Aleman, North Torrance, Sr.; Kingston Davies, Mira Costa, Sr.; King Berry, Lawndale, Sr.; Michael O’Dell, Carson, Sr.; Dylan Gobee, West Torrance, Sr.; Nick Bellasarian, Mira Costa, Sr.