2027 Stock-Risers: Defensive Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've reached the final installment of our Stock-Risers series, just in time for the high school season to start in North Carolina. The defensive back class is still in flux but there are some strong defenders in the 2027 class. These defensive backs are stock-risers in the 2027 class after strong offseasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2027 Defensive Back Stock-Risers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["366314"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c8a9e5c8cc2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Crumel is going to be extremely difficult to unseat as the state's top corner in his class, an opinion that got stronger once I saw him in practice earlier this offseason. He has excellent length and intincts that should lead to plenty of production on the ball. He didn't have any interceptions last year, but the rest of the secondary is solid and he should still see targets because of that. He has the hands and ball skills to end up with some interceptions this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["946850"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c8a9e5c8d73"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bryant blew up in the offseason, picking up a dozen or so Power Four offers before playing a snap as a sophomore. I'm impressed with how well he knows the nuances of playing defensive back, as he already recognizes entire route concepts and knows the assigments of his teammates as well. He can play box safety, free safety or in the slot and that versatility should make him and excellent candidate to play early and often in college.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["897125"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c8a9e5c8dce"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Drummond is a prototypical free safety, able to make quick reads and break on the ball to make quarterbacks pay for mistakes. He's best in pass coverage right now, but as he puts on more weight, he's going to prove himself valuable against the run as well. He's a smart player and fits Providence Day's defensive system well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["378949"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c8a9e5c8e58"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">While he mostly plays a center field, free safety role, Rankin isn't afraid to mix it up in the running game. He wraps up well and plays bigger than his slight frame would imply. A smart player, Rankin had good ball production last year with several pass breakups and forced fumbles. I'll look this season for him to get a little more aggressive and trust his instincts more, because he's usually moving in the right direction.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1004079"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c8a9e5c8eae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Vincent isn't the biggest corner you'll find but that doesn't mean he isn't physical. He has good ball skills, and frequently puts himself in position to make plays. He's able to stay stride-for-stride with faster receivers and he's shown the ability to be physical enough matchup with taller and bigger wideouts in man coverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->