NEW ADDITIONS: 2026 Atlanta-Area Defenders Earn New Ranking

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Which 2026 Atlanta-area defenders earned a new ranking in the latest Prep Redzone update?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1089001' first='Dorian' last='Barney'] - Peachtree Ridge</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A dynamic defensive back with outstanding length and ball skills at 6-foot-1 175-pounds, Barney is a true lock-down cornerback right now and is playing that way as a sophomore. He reads the quarterback well and knows how to make a play on the football. He's tough, but instinctual. He can bait the quarterback into throws in coverage, but he also knows how to make a sound, fundamental tackle against the run. He was very productive for a Peachtree Ridge program back on the rise, making 32 tackles, four INTs, and breaking up 10 more passes. He already holds offers from Tennessee, South Carolina, Virginia Tech, among others. He's quickly becoming one of the top 2026 cornerback prospects in the South, and he's now ranked by Prep Redzone as the No. 20 overall prospect in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1089009' first='Evan' last='Harvey'] - Sandy Creek</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A big-time defensive end who lived in the backfield last season, Harvey is a productive 6-foot-3 225-pound game-wrecking sophomore who absolutely earned his latest ranking, coming in at No. 130 overall in the state for the 2026 class. Just a sophomore, Harvey made 31 tackles last season and an eye-opening 16 TFLs, 11 sacks, and 24 more QB hurries. He's quick off the snap and has enough strength and to overpower weaker offensive linemen. He's stout against the run and constantly finds his way into the backfield. He's one of the top young defenders in the Atlanta area and is starting to see his recruitment pick up. A true playmaker on the defensive line, Harvey is now ranked as the No. 130 overall prospect in the state and could see another rankings boost in the next update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='854249' first='Damyon' last='Pearson'] - Brookwood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An impressive young sophomore with big-time instincts and natural playmaking ability, Pearson is a reliable cover corner who has no problem making a strong tackle on the ball-carrier. One of the top young defenders in Gwinnett County, Pearson made a big impact as a sophomore this fall, making 43 tackle,s breaking up five passes, forcing two fumbles, and recovering two more. He flashed Power Five potential last fall and has the potential to see his recruitment really pick up in the off-season. He was an easy addition to the latest rankings update, now coming in at No. 140 in the state for the 2026 class. He has decent size at 5-foot-10 170-pounds and will only get bigger, stronger, and faster this off-season heading into an important junior season. He's absolutely a 2026 DB to keep an eye on the next two years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->