Rankings Update: New Class of 2027 Defensive Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We recently updated our Class of 2027 Rankings! In this article we are going to share a bit about some of the Defensive Backs we have added to the rankings for this update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1301268"],"_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-66ce818f43bca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Seeing significant playing time this Friday against Providence HS in a major showcase game in Charlotte, Mackenzee did an excellent job in showing why he should be a prospect in consideration of moving higher in our next rankings update. Mackenzee's size is a major plus - with his frame, he shows great length and wingspan with his arms. That allowed him to breakup 3 deep passes against him. I liked his discipline in zone coverage, and he did a good enough job in man coverage to stay close to receivers. As he improves his speed and body as he grows, he will be a player who should become an impressive prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1310418"],"_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-66ce818f43c4d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I have seen Austin up close at showcases where he was one of the top defensive backs in attendance, so I think he is appropriately ranked for where his game is at the moment. I think as Austin continues to grow and mature physically, his projection is a slot corner on the next level. Austin has good speed and discipline to compete in both man and zone coverage - though I think man coverage is his strength at the moment. The slot I think best fits Austin because he exudes some quick feet and change of direction ability, skills that are necessary for success in that particular defensive back position. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1198027"],"_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-66ce818f43caf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This young man has definitely impressed me. The Mustangs threw him in the fire last season on Varsity as a freshman, and he more than held his own. I thought Orlando played pretty well in the Keep Pounding Classic against Independence at Bank of America Stadium as well. I think he plays with good technique - I like his patience against wide receivers, he doesn't panic or give up on plays - he plays attempted jump balls by taller receivers well, and he knows how to play through the hands in contested catch situations. He is a candidate to be a riser in our next rankings update with continued good film. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1372991"],"_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-66ce818f43d07"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I thought Darius was impressive in his Week 1 game film. First off, Darius shows he is a physical outside corner, delivering sure tackles and big hits on two occasions in particular - one was in the open field against a wide receiver, the other on a quarterback from the completely opposite side of the field, showing great hustle. Darius also shows some good vertical skills, having a pass breakup in a jump ball situation, and playing through the wide receiver's hands. I think as Darius improves his overall speed, he has the look of a good corner on the high school level. He is on his way to being ranked in our next ranking updates. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->