Stock Risers: 2022 Defensive Backs

We released our postseason rankings update for the class of 2022 Monday, adding over 50 new players and updating the rankings of the 90 players we had ranked before the season. In this series, we’ll take a look at a few guys at each position that have moved up our rankings. First up, the defensive backs. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="98198" first="Brodrick" last="Gooch"], 6’1 200- Heritage (No. 4 DB, No. 48 overall)</strong> Gooch has been in our rankings for a while but we slowly transitioned him from the offensive side of the ball to defensive back. We first listed him as a receiver, then as an athlete and now we’re unashamed in listing him as a defensive back, where he’s the second-ranked safety in the state. He has smooth hips and great length at safety, where he’s being recruited, and his extensive experience as a receiver has given him great ball skills for the position. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="141402" first="Ishmel" last="Atkins"], 6’3 170- Northern Guilford (No. 6 DB, No. 69 overall)</strong> Atkins projects as a true safety at the next level, but he plays all over the defense for Northern Guilford, lining up at slot corner, linebacker, safety and even occasionally as a wide corner. Atkins has tremendous length and a great feel for what offenses are trying to do, often reacting much like a linebacker. Atkins helps out against the run and while he hasn’t yet gotten the recognition he probably deserves, he’s a top player. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="129247" first="Kevin" last="Brown"], 6’1 180- Southern Wayne (No. 7 DB, No. 76 overall)</strong> Brown is a prototypical outside corner, with good length to match up against bigger receivers and enough speed to stay with faster receivers. He excels in man coverage where Southern Wayne often put him on an island and let him work. He has the opportunity to move up in the rankings with a bit more refinement in his technique and more opportunity after a short season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="133332" first="Te’khi" last="Moss"], 6’1 165- South Mecklenburg (No. 8 DB, No. 87 overall)</strong> Moss plays much larger than his 165-pound frame and is a guy that could become dominant with a bit more weight. He’s physical and has no problems taking on bigger receivers, tight ends or even offensive linemen in the running game. He has great length and uses that well. Moss was productive as a deep safety, though I think he’s best suited at corner going forward. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="141373" first="Kendarious" last="Hopper"], 6’1 190- Shelby (No. 10 DB, No. 102 overall)</strong> Hopper plays linebacker in Shelby’s unique, 4-4 defense, but I really like his upside as a strong safety so I ranked him as such. Hopper is a big hitter that loves to play the run. He’s obviously physical and plays downhill, but when he gets the chance to open it up and move sideline to sideline, he can really move. In limited coverage reps, he’s shown great balance and tackles well in space. He’s not going to be a center fielder in the back, but he offers a lot as an in-box safety.