ELON — Few position groups on Elon's roster experienced more offseason change than the defensive backs.
 
The Phoenix lost four members of its 2025 secondary to FBS programs at three different positions. Cornerbacks Ishmel Atkins and Brycen Scott transferred to Sam Houston and Louisville, respectively, while free safety DJ James-Hamilton moved to Ohio and spur Jesse Powell II joined Coastal Carolina.
 
Their departures leave Elon replacing significant production, but preseason All-American Tony Hart III gives the Phoenix an established leader around whom to rebuild.
 
"We lost a few guys, but we have a lot of young talent here that's coming up and are ready to ball," Hart said. "Whenever my name is called, I'm ready to go and do what I have to do."
 
Hart returns to his bandit role after starting all 12 games at the position in 2025. He finished third on the team with 82 tackles, including 48 solo stops, and added two tackles for loss, two interceptions, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and two pass breakups. His season included 12 tackles against Rhode Island and 11 against Campbell.
 
The redshirt junior earned third-team All-CAA and Phil Steele All-CAA recognition following the season. He was named to the preseason All-CAA team and selected as a third-team Phil Steele preseason FCS All-American entering 2026. His return to a more traditional strong safety role should allow Elon to use his size and physicality closer to the line of scrimmage.
 
Jevean Brown has followed a different path into a leadership role.
 
Brown was a late addition to Elon's 2025 roster after transferring from Central Missouri, but he quickly became an important part of the defense.
 
"Everyone was welcoming, helpful just getting me adjusted, and just accepting me as one of the guys," Brown said. "We're flying around and we're playing physical. We're going to do our job and be the best group we can be."
 
He appeared in 10 games, started twice at spur and finished with 35 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, a forced fumble and two pass breakups. His best performance came against Rhode Island, when he recorded 10 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble and a pass breakup.
 
One year after joining the program, Brown enters the 2026 season as a team captain. His rise gives the secondary an experienced voice as younger players adjust to larger roles.
 
At cornerback, Eric Jones provides the most returning game experience. Jones played in all 12 games and made three starts last season, recording 27 tackles, three pass breakups and a tackle for loss.
 
The Phoenix also added Remington Moss, a former four-star recruit who spent his freshman season at Wisconsin. Moss earned first-team all-state honors in Virginia after recording two interceptions and 12 pass breakups as a high school senior.
 
Freshman Xavier Porter adds another long, physical option at 6-foot-4 after earning city all-star recognition at West Charlotte High School.
 
"Xavier is growing rapidly," first-year cornerbacks coach Jalen Hairston said. "This fall camp, he's really shown flashes of competing to be a guy. It really starts with his length and he does a great job of being confrontational at the line of scrimmage."
 
At free safety, Ross Smith is looking to replace James-Hamilton. Smith played in all 12 games as a reserve last season and finished with 12 tackles and a tackle for loss. Smith is joined by another veteran in Senquavious Alsobrooks who will see time at free safety following a season-ending injury last season.
 
The secondary will look different, but Hart's production, Brown's leadership and the competition throughout the depth chart give Elon several pieces with which to build.
 
Defensive Backs Personnel
Senquavious Alsobrooks | R-Sr. | Griffin, Ga.
Jevean Brown | Gr. | Columbia, Mo.
Cole Clark | R-So. | Washington, D.C.
Jayden Cowart | Fr. | Lynchburg, Va.
Sincere Cyrill | R-Fr. | Kennesaw, Ga.
Tyler Dent | Fr. | Charlotte, N.C.
Jordan Glover | R-So. | Durham, N.C.
Tyler Hart | R-Fr. | Baltimore, Md.
Tony Hart III | R-Jr. | Baltimore, Md.
CJ Hector | So. | Suwanee, Ga.
Will Helms | Fr. | Big Sky, Mont.
Landon Herzberg | R-So. | Charlotte, N.C.
Eric Jones | R-Jr. | Gwinnett County, Ga.
Nick Jones | So. | Charlotte, N.C.
Codey Larkins | R-Fr. | Knightdale, N.C.
Remington Moss | R-Fr. | Dumfries, Va.
Tyler Owens | Fr. | Manassas, Va.
Levi Perlstein | Fr. | Sandy Springs, Ga.
Xavier Porter | Fr. | Charlotte, N.C.
Rishon Postell | Fr. | Atlanta, Ga.
Ross Smith | R-So. | Marshville, N.C.
Adam Velasquez | R-Fr. | Centreville, Va.
 
 
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