DeKalb County has long been known for producing elite defensive backs, and the safety position is once again loaded with talent heading into the 2026 high school football season. From instinctive ball hawks to physical enforcers who thrive in the box, these five players have already established themselves as game-changers and will be counted on to lead their respective defenses this fall.
1. Myson Perry | Jr. | Southwest DeKalb | 6’1”, 180 lbs
There may not be a more disruptive defender in DeKalb County than Southwest DeKalb junior Myson Perry. Nicknamed the “Problem Child,” Perry has earned that title because he’s constantly creating problems for opposing offenses.
A true game-changing safety, Perry impacts every phase of the game. He recorded six interceptions—tied for the most in DeKalb County last season—while adding four forced fumbles, a blocked field goal, and a blocked punt to his impressive 2025 résumé.
Perry displays elite range in coverage and attacks the football in the air like a wide receiver. His ball skills are among the best in the county, and he’s become a master of forcing turnovers with perfectly timed “Peanut Punch” strips. Playing with a “see ball, get ball” mentality, he also flies into the backfield to make plays against the run and has proven to be a reliable open-field tackler despite his lean frame.
He finished last season with 55 total tackles (16 solo) and should once again be among the county leaders in interceptions while serving as the centerpiece of Southwest DeKalb’s secondary.
2. Derico Welch Jr. | Jr. | Cedar Grove | 6’5”, 180 lbs
At 6-foot-5, Derico Welch Jr. is one of the most physically imposing defensive backs in the state. Long, athletic, and physical, Welch is coming off a sophomore campaign in which he totaled 49 solo tackles and four interceptions, earning Second Team All-Region honors.
His size alone makes quarterbacks think twice about testing him deep, but it’s his technique that separates him from most defensive backs. Welch is fundamentally sound in every coverage, possesses outstanding change-of-direction ability for someone his size, and relentlessly pursues the football.
As Cedar Grove looks to return to its championship-caliber form, Welch will be one of the Saints’ defensive leaders and one of the most difficult safeties to beat over the top.
3. Seth Williams | Sr. | Lakeside | 6’3”, 190 lbs
Four-star standout Seth Williams enters his senior season as one of Georgia’s premier safeties and is set to announce his college commitment between Georgia and Clemson on July 31.
The heart and soul of Lakeside’s defense, Williams led the Vikings with 73 total tackles (42 solo) last season while adding two interceptions and a forced fumble, earning All-Region Honorable Mention recognition.
Despite standing 6-foot-3, Williams possesses elite speed that allows him to cover ground quickly in the secondary and chase down ball carriers from anywhere on the field. His instincts and football IQ consistently put him in position to make plays, whether he’s jumping underneath passing lanes or filling downhill against the run.
Williams is equally effective playing as a deep middle-of-the-field safety or rolling into the box as a hybrid linebacker, where he delivers some of the biggest hits in DeKalb County. Expect him to anchor the Vikings’ defense one final time and finish his high school career in dominant fashion.
4. Leland Walker | So. | Lithonia | 5’11”, 190 lbs
Lithonia continues to produce impact defensive backs, and sophomore Leland Walker appears to be next in line.
Walker burst onto the scene as a freshman, totaling 51 tackles (37 solo), two tackles for loss, three interceptions, and five pass breakups. His biggest highlight came on a spectacular 99-yard pick-six against Centennial.
Although slightly undersized, Walker plays much bigger than his listed measurements. His football instincts, play recognition, and technique are exceptional for such a young player. He attacks downhill with confidence, embraces being the last line of defense, and rarely misses in the open field.
Alongside fellow sophomore cornerback Timothy Behling and rising junior Edward Roberts , Walker gives Lithonia one of the brightest young secondaries in DeKalb County, and the duo has the potential to become one of the county’s best defensive back tandems over the next few seasons.
5. Rashaad Silver | Sr. | Columbia | 6’2”, 180 lbs
Three-star Arkansas commit Rashaad “Silver Surfer” Silver is widely recognized for his explosive playmaking ability on offense and special teams, but his contributions at safety deserve just as much attention.
Silver finished last season with 41 tackles (18 solo), two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery while consistently making momentum-changing plays for Columbia’s defense. His athleticism allows him to cover tremendous ground, whether he’s making an open-field tackle or forcing a turnover near the goal line.
One of his signature performances came against rival Miller Grove, where he recorded a team-high seven solo tackles and forced a crucial fumble that shifted the momentum of the game.
When you combine Silver’s athletic ability with his football intelligence and natural instincts, you get one of the most complete defensive playmakers in DeKalb County. As a senior, he’ll once again be a vital piece of Columbia’s defense and one of the Eagles’ most important leaders.
Honorable Mentions
Chase Thornton | Sr. | Martin Luther King Jr. | 6’1”, 160 lbs
2025 Stats: 87 tackles (52 solo), 6 TFL, 1 interception
Edward Roberts | Jr. | Lithonia | 6’3”, 210 lbs
2025 Stats: 68 tackles (47 solo), 2 TFL, 2 interceptions
Gemere Adams | Sr. | McNair | 6’2”, 215 lbs
2025 Stats: 75 tackles (57 solo), 16 TFL, 5 sacks, 2 interceptions
Tajuan Kirk | Sr. | Tucker | 5’10”, 170 lbs
2025 Stats: 43 tackles (26 solo), 1 forced fumble, 11 pass breakups
Noree Hayes | Jr. | Stephenson | 6’2”, 180 lbs
2025 Stats (at Arabia): 48 tackles (30 solo), 1 TFL, 2 pass breakups
Jermaine Kelly | Sr. | Cedar Grove | 5’8”, 160 lbs
2025 Stats: 31 solo tackles, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble
Jack Robinson | Sr. | Chamblee | 5’10”, 150 lbs
2025 Stats: 44 tackles (15 solo), 2.5 TFL, 3 interceptions
Vincent El Bader | Sr. | Dunwoody | 6’1”, 170 lbs
2025 Stats: 39 tackles (18 solo), 1 forced fumble, 1 blocked punt
Pontavious Wynn | Jr. | McNair | 5’9”, 140 lbs
2025 Stats: 30 tackles (16 solo), 3 TFL, 2 forced fumbles
Dmitrius Brown | Jr. | Towers | 5’9”, 170 lbs
2025 stats: 31 tackles (16 solo), 4 TFL, 2 interceptions
