STOCK RISERS: 2026 DBs To Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 rankings are out on Prep Redzone, and it's full of talented running backs across the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who are towards the top of the 2026 rankings? Let's take a look…</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='695524' first='Jalon' last='Copeland'] - Valdosta</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While freshman don't normally play at the varsity level at Valdosta, it's easy to see that they have one of the top young cornerbacks in the roster in freshman, [player_tooltip player_id='695524' first='Jalon' last='Copeland']. A big-time athlete with impressive ball skills, the South Georgia playmaker has good size already for his age at 6-foot-0 175-pounds with the ability to play on both sides of the ball. No matter where he's lined up, Copeland is a threat to make a big play. He's a smooth runner, he's agile, and brings plenty of speed to Valdosta's offense and defense. He's a natural playmaker with quickness, instincts, and the ability to catch the ball at it's highest point. He's a true weapon who will only get better and better over the next several years. Look for Copeland to have a breakout sophomore season for Valdosta in 2023. If he continues to work hard and develop his craft, the D1 offers are likely to come his way in bunches down the road.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='695525' first='Javion' last='Romer'] - Tift County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Romer may be on the smaller side this second, but make no mistake, he's a willing tackler with plenty of toughness. An above-average athlete, Romer has no problem coming up and making a sure tackle on the ball carrier. He's tough for his size and more than held his own against some impressive upperclassmen in South Georgia. He needs to continue working on building some muscle or mass, but his ability to tackle in the open field and run down the ball-carrier makes him a South Georgia defensive back to keep a close eye on in the coming years. He's a young defensive back on the rise, and he has a chance to have a big-time sophomore season for Tift County in 2023. He appears to be technically sound in coverage, so look for him to make plenty of plays on the football in the coming years. His best football is still way ahead of him, and that's good news for Tift County.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='283918' first='Tyriq' last='Green'] - Kell</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top young athletes across Cobb County, Green is a dynamic player who made an impact in all three phases of the game last season as a freshman. The 6-foot-0 185-pounder is quick, agile, and has a natural feel for the secondary. He tackles well, he's reliable in coverage, and has natural playmaking ability. On offense, Green is shifty, runs well, and has the potential to bust a big run on any particular play. He's a weapon on special teams as well, making him one of the more well-rounded players on the Kell roster. He may be young, but all Green does is make plays. In the secondary last year, Green made 25 tackles and showcased his talent often. On offense, The Kell freshman rushed for 223 yards and three touchdowns. Look for his role to increase more and more as a sophomore in 2023 in all aspects. He's one of the top DBs across the state and could see some D1 offers come his way down the road.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->