​Polk County defensive backs valuable in the high school game. And sometimes that means being the most valuable at the highest level.Just last year Lakeland senior cornerback Jordan Young made a myriad of plays in the 2025 FHSAA Football State Championships — one was a big hit that set the tempo that eventually led to a 15-8 win over Gaither in the regional semifinals and the next couple games, his play, along with his secondary brothers, highly contributed to an underwhelming passing game in state for Lakeland’s opponents.Guys like Young, Deonte Fielder (Lakeland), Travoris Black (Lakeland), Dominick Harris (Lakeland), Ahmaad Watts (Lakeland), Raeshaun Pugh (Lake Wales), Kris Williams (Auburndale), Adonis Culyer (Auburndale), Messiah Borders (Lakeland Christian), Cal O’Connor (All Saints), among many others in Polk County, are valuable. But who’s the best?That’ll be up to you to decide.Best secondary players: 41 Polk County high school football defensive backs to watch in 2026Best linebackers: 32 Polk County high school football linebackers to look for in 2026Still, all these players are competing to be the best and eventually dominate on the highest level – much like Polk County’s and specifically, Haines City’s Derwin James, who this past year (2025) earned Professional Athlete of the Year because of his season of 94 tackles, two sacks, three interceptions, one forced fumble and seven pass deflections.How did James become so good? Simply put, it was the mindset that led to his impeccable eye for not cutting corners and enjoying the process, which right now, has led to him being the highest paid safety in the NFL twice. And nine years in, the 2018 17th overall pick is a five-time Pro Bowler and a five-time All Pro selection.It helps that, much like the best secondary players in Polk County now, he started at a very young age. But it takes a workmanlike mindset and a sacrifice to sign a contract like James.But who has that mindset that has led to being the best in the county right now? You decide. This poll will end at 8 p.m., Monday, Aug. 31.