STOCK RISERS: 2024 DBs See Rankings Boost

The 2022 school year is coming to a close, and after college coaches were able to evaluate prospects during spring practice, new offers were extended and new prospects saw their stock take off. The new 2024 Prep Redzone Rankings were released this month, and we saw plenty of new defensive backs earn a ranking in the latest update. Here are a few 2024 defensive backs who saw their stock rise in the latest rankings... &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="321438" first="Noah" last="Dixon"] –  Troup County</strong> One of the top young defenders in West Georgia, the Troup County defensive back is coming off a fantastic sophomore season where he made plays on both sides of the ball. Now, he’s seeing his recruitment take off with offers this spring from Georgia, Oklahoma and Kentucky. He has plenty of length and athleticism in his 6-foot-2 175-pound frame and showed great ball skills all season. Dixon is also capable of lining up in multiple positions in the secondary, showing his range and ability to come down and help against the run. In coverage, the West Georgia standout covers a lot of ground and knows how to play the ball. He has reliable hands on offense with enough speed and quickness to take off for big yards after thee catch. As a run defender, Dixon knows how to strike the ball-carrier and drive him backwards. This was a big spring for the athletic defender, and he’s bound for a gigantic junior season this fall. Dixon is now ranked as the No. 32 prospect in Georgia and the No. 6 DB prospect. &nbsp; <strong> [player_tooltip player_id="137441" first="Jalyn" last="Crawford"] - Parkview</strong> One of the fastest-rising DBs across Georgia, Crawford is an excellent defensive back in coverage who knows how to make a play on the football. He’s a silky-smooth cornerback with length at 6-foot-0 170-pounds, and he hold a number of different D1 offers at the moment. He closes really well on receivers, he’s technically sound, shows great footwork, and does a great job of reading the quarterback. If the receiver is lucky enough to get a step on him or get behind him at all, Crawford does a good job of closing well at the last minute and breaking up the pass.  Crawford broke up 9 passes last fall as a sophomore, playing against some tough 7A competition each week. Crawford climbed the rankings in the latest update, now ranked as the No. 37 overall prospect in Georgia and the No. 8 DB prospect. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="335643" first="Carson" last="Westbrook"] – Schley County</strong> He may not have an ideal size, and his play may not blow anyone away, but after picking off five passes, the most across the state for any sophomore, Westbrook comes in as the No. 12 DB prospect in Georgia for the 2024 class. Westbrook is a small-town defensive back who with a nose for the football. A smaller, tougher safety, Westbrook tracks the ball well in the air and knows how to make a play on it when he’s around. He secures the ball well and always finds himself in a position to make a big play. He’s also made 49 tackles and recovered three fumbles as well. He doesn’t play against the best competition, but Westbrook proved to be a true playmaker in year two and will be asked to take on an even bigger role as a junior. He may not have D1 interest at the moment, but he’s still a Middle Georgia defensive back to know this fall. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="325243" first="Jivan" last="Baly"] - Meadowcreek</strong> Ranked as the No. 83 overall prospect in Georgia and the No. 13 DB, Baly is a long, instinctive defensive back out of Meadowcreek. The Atlanta native has had a nice sophomore season, showing he can lockdown receivers on the outside. He has a nice frame for someone his age and appears to be fundamentally sound on an island by himself. He’s racked up over 30 tackles last season, proving he can bring a physical presence as well. He’s a cover-corner on the rise and he plays the ball well in the air. He reads the quarterback well and reacts quickly as the play develops. He uses the sideline well in coverage and appeared to play better and better as the season went along. If he continues to develop properly, more offers could be on the way. Right now, Baly has earned offers from Florida State, Kentucky, among others. &nbsp;