Vote: Who should be SBLive South Carolina’s top returning defensive football player from the Class of 2026?

There are plenty of great football players from the Class of 2026 returning for their junior seasons in South Carolina next fall. Who is the best?

We seek your help in determining this and ask you to vote in our poll: Who is the top returning defensive football player in South Carolina from the Class of 2026? Here are 12 players for your consideration.

Start voting, Voting will conclude on Feb. 29 at 11:59 p.m.

SOUTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL TOP RETURNING DEFENSIVE PLAYER FROM THE CLASS OF 2026

Jordan Strong, secondary, Lewisville

Strong had 7 interceptions and 50 tackles to help lead the Lions’ defense.

Jaylen Singletary, secondary, Hampton County

The 6-foot-160-pounder, who is also a running back, hauled in 6 interceptions and made 36 tackles for the Generals.

Terry Radford, line, Chester

Radford had 12 sacks and made 74 tackles, 16 of them for loss, for Chester. The 6-foot-1, 225-pounder also had 23 quarterback hurries.

Trent Garner, end/linebacker, Pendleton

Garner recorded 9 sacks and 84 tackles, including 20.5 for loss. The 6-foot-2, 180-pounder had 11 quarterback hurries as well.

Michael Boulware Jr., linebacker, Gray Collegiate Academy

Boulware was in on a whopping 155 tackles and had 4 interceptions for the War Eagles. The son of a former NFL player, Boulware also had 11 quarterback hurries and 2 fumble recoveries.

Marcus Henderson, linebacker, Berkeley

Henderson made 125 tackles to go along with 3 sacks and a fumble recovery. The all-region pick also caused a pair of fumbles.

Drake Porter, linebacker, Ben Lippen

The 6-foot, 175-pounder became a starter for the Falcons and performed in a big way with 133 tackles, including 7 for loss. Porter also had a pair of fumble recoveries.

Jayden Jenkins, secondary, Palmetto

Jenkins had 5 interceptions and he had 130 return yards on those picks. In addition, he made 32 tackles.

Caleb Geronomi, cornerback, White Knoll

The 6-foot, 160-pounder had 5 interceptions and 46 tackles for the Timberwolves, helping them reach the 5-A state championship game.

Raleigh Salters, linebacker, Dutch Fork

Salters made 91 tackles, including 8 for loss for the 5-A state champion Silver Foxes. The 5-foot-10, 180-pounder also had three pass breakups and one forced fumble.

Jermon Bowers, secondary, Whale Branch

The 6-foot-1, 160-pound strong safety had 4 interceptions and he returned 3 of them for touchdowns. Bowers also made 10 tackles and broke up a pair of passes.

Aiden Jones, end/tackle, Greer

Jones had 7.5 sacks and 15 hurries. The 5-foot-10, 260-pounder was in on 62 tackles, including 17 for loss, and forced one fumble.