Offensive players get the headlines. This one is for the other side of the ball.
From disruptive defensive linemen and downhill linebackers to defensive backs who can change a game with one play, here are some of the defensive players ATS Network is watching entering the 2026 season across the PSAL, CHSFL, Section VIII and Section XI.
This isn’t a ranking. It’s a watch list — and there are plenty of spots still waiting to be claimed.
Mamadee Sangaray — Iona Prep | DB | 2027
One of the area’s premier returning defenders, Sangaray recorded 93 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and five interceptions last season on his way to All-League and first-team All-State honors. At 6-foot-1, 195 pounds, the rising senior also holds multiple Division I offers.
Joshua Simmons — Iona Prep | LB | 2027
At 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, Simmons certainly looks the part, and his play earned him CHSFL All-League honors as a junior. He returns to the middle of an Iona Prep defense expected to once again have championship aspirations.
David Agyemang — Fordham Prep | DL | 2027
A 6-foot-4, 240-pound defensive lineman, Agyemang earned CHSFL All-League recognition as a junior. His combination of size and experience makes him one of the league’s defensive linemen to watch this fall.
Charles Costanzo — Monsignor Farrell | DB | 2028
Costanzo earned CHSFL All-League honors as a sophomore, making him one of the more intriguing young defenders in the league. At 6-foot-2 and around 210 pounds, he already brings unusual size to the secondary.
Caleb Rivera — Holy Cross | LB | 2028
Another defender who earned CHSFL All-League recognition as just a sophomore. Rivera enters 2026 with two varsity seasons still ahead of him and an opportunity to establish himself as one of the league’s next standout linebackers.
Brody Riedel — Long Beach | LB | 2027
Riedel enters his senior season after earning first-team All-State honors at linebacker in 2025. He’s already proven himself as one of Nassau County’s better defenders and gives Long Beach an experienced presence in the middle of its defense.
Joe Karpowicz — Ward Melville | DB | 2027
Karpowicz picked off four passes last season, tying for second among Suffolk County defenders. He’s a legitimate two-way difference-maker who also produced more than 750 receiving yards for Ward Melville.
Luke Martini — Wantagh | LB/DB | 2028
Yes, he’s already on our running backs list — but six interceptions are impossible to ignore. Martini led Nassau County in interceptions while also rushing for nearly 2,000 yards, making him one of the area’s most impactful two-way football players.
More Names Are Coming
This isn’t meant to be a final ranking or an exhaustive list.
It’s a starting point.
The PSAL, CHSFL, Section VIII and Section XI are loaded with defenders who will make themselves known once the season begins — including players stepping into bigger roles, transfers arriving at new programs and underclassmen ready to break out.
Think we missed someone? Let ATS know.
Football is almost here.
ATS will be watching.