Vicksburg’s secondary loaded with talent and experience entering the 2026 season

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — 

Experience, confidence and a growing collection of college offers have created high expectations for Vicksburg High School’s secondary heading into the 2026 football season.

The Gators return several key pieces on the back end of their defense, led by juniors Corbin Walker and Landon Prentiss, two highly recruited defensive backs who have continued to attract attention from college programs across the country.

Despite Vicksburg featuring plenty of youth throughout its roster, Walker believes the Gators are prepared for whatever challenges await them.

“We have a young squad this year, but Coach Lacey has prepared us, so we ready to compete for that gold ball,” Walker said.

Walker established himself as one of the district’s top defensive backs during his sophomore season. He was voted the district’s Best Defensive Back after finishing 2025 with 20 tackles and two pass deflections as opposing offenses often hesitated to throw in his direction.

His performance has helped generate plenty of attention at the next level. Walker has received offers from Alcorn State, Jackson State, Mississippi Valley State, Jacksonville State and several other programs, with his recruitment continuing to grow.

Rather than allowing the attention to distract him, Walker spent the summer preparing himself for what he expects to be a dominant junior season. One of his primary focuses was adding weight and becoming more physically prepared for another year of varsity football.

Walker won’t be alone in the secondary.

Prentiss has also become a popular name on the recruiting trail after putting together an impressive sophomore campaign. The junior cornerback finished 2025 with 22 tackles and three pass deflections while becoming another defensive back opposing quarterbacks were reluctant to challenge.

With the season quickly approaching, Prentiss believes Vicksburg has the pieces to make 2026 special.

“I feel great about this upcoming season because we got a greater defense and newer offense, so ya’ll will see something special this year,” Prentiss said.

College programs have taken notice of Prentiss’ ability. He has collected offers from the University of Memphis, Alcorn State, Jacksonville State, UNLV and Gulf Coast Community College.

Prentiss also earned All-District and All-County honors for his performance last season, and his expectations for the Gators are anything but modest.

“Expect us to go 10-0,” he said.

Vicksburg’s secondary gained another experienced weapon during the offseason with the addition of junior Dru Gleese, a transfer from St. Aloysius.

Gleese brings three years of varsity experience to the Gators and is coming off a productive season in which he allowed zero touchdowns while recording 20 tackles and seven pass deflections.

Although Gleese has yet to play an official snap in a Vicksburg uniform, expectations are already high for what he can add to an experienced secondary. He has spent the summer participating in camps and preparing for his first season with the Gators.

Warfield is another piece of the puzzle after seeing significant action as a sophomore last season.

Playing safety, Warfield recorded an interception and developed a reputation for breaking up deep passes. His impact wasn’t limited to coverage, either. When he wasn’t tracking down passes, Warfield showed his willingness to attack the backfield on blitzes and deliver hits on ball carriers.

Together, Walker, Prentiss, Gleese and Warfield give Vicksburg a secondary filled with experience, versatility and potential.

The four defensive backs have been developing under defensive backs coach Paul Wilson Jr. and head coach Christopher Lacey, who runs the Gators’ defense.

For Walker and Prentiss, the college offers and individual accolades continue to pile up. For Gleese, a new chapter is beginning after transferring across town. For Warfield, another season brings another opportunity to build upon the promise he showed as a sophomore.

But as the season approaches, their individual journeys have come together with one purpose — helping Vicksburg win.

The Gators will get their first opportunity to prove themselves Aug. 28 when they host Natchez to officially kick off the 2026 season