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There have been years in which it’s been difficult to pick a preseason list of top five defensive backs in Livingston County.
It’s typically not a strong position in the county, and often the top players from the previous season were seniors.
The county has a solid group of returning defensive backs who established themselves last season, as the players in the 2025 preseason top five combined for 15 interceptions a year ago.
Here is the preseason list of the top five defensive backs in the county leading into the start of official practices Monday, Aug. 11:
1. Landon Aeschliman, Fowlerville, Sr.
Aeschliman slots in as a defensive back for now, having made first-team all-county in the secondary last season, but he could end up playing a hybrid position combining outside linebacker and safety.
He led the county with five interceptions in 2024, one year after older brother Adam finished first in the area with five. Aeschliman, an all-state pole vaulter, had 30 tackles, a fumble recovery and a defensive touchdown.
What he lacks in technique he makes up for with instincts and quickness.
“If you watch him on the field, he doesn’t have the best footwork,” Fowlerville coach Matt Copeland said. “He’s not a prototypical football player, just a playmaker. He just sees things really well. It’s something you can’t really coach into a kid.
“He’s kind of an alley defender, playing the edge, that third linebacker who can walk off against a three-receiver set on the wide side of the field. We’re going to try to hide him from the offense and get him in good spots we can use his instincts.”
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2. Drew Lynn, Howell, Sr.
Lynn has started at cornerback the last two seasons, making first-team all-county as a junior, but will move to safety because of his ability to get to the ball carrier.
He had 37 solo tackles among a total of 61 last season, intercepting two passes and making one sack. Lynn was a second-team all-county selection as a sophomore. He has offers from Kalamazoo College and Heidelberg University.
“He’s gotten faster,” Howell coach Brian Lewis said. “He’s gonna play safety this year. He’s such a positive tackler, we’ve got to get him in a position to be around the ball a little bit more.”
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3. Prince Hayes, Pinckney, Sr.
Hayes made second-team all-county last season after picking off three passes as part of a Pinckney defense that had 13 interceptions. He had 14.5 tackles at cornerback.
“He has great instincts,” Pinckney coach Buck West said. “He knows what to do to be successful. He and Max Berish were tied in interceptions last year. If we saw a higher percentage of passes, they would’ve had a few more.”
4. CJ Sageman, Brighton, Sr.
Sageman had two interceptions last season, one of which he returned for a touchdown against Canton and the other coming in a playoff victory over Grand Ledge. He received all-county honorable mention.
Sageman also plays a key role as a run-stopper, making 24 solo tackles and 25 assists last season. His versatility will allow Brighton to put him in the best position to help the team.
“He can do everything,” Brighton coach Brian Lemons said. “If we need him to play safety, he’ll play safety. If we need a corner, he’s a guy who can move around a lot.”
5. Max Berish, Pinckney, Sr.
Berish had three interceptions last season to tie for second on the team and made 24 tackles. Like Hayes, he will be counted on to see significant action on both sides of the ball.
“He’s just instinctive with his ball knowledge,” West said. “He’s also tough and strong, squatting 405 and benching 230, 235. He’s going to be a good tackler. He’s really team-oriented, one of our leaders as a captain.”
Contact Bill Khan at wkhan@gannett.com. Follow him on X @BillKhan
