STOCK RISERS: 2025 Defensive Backs See Big Rankings Boost

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These 2025 defensive backs saw a big boost in the latest Prep Redzone rankings...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["340536"],"_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-675b0fca3dda3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A tough, physical defensive back who can make plays in all three phases of the game, Hayward is a Florida Gators signee who proved time and time again that he's one of the best defensive backs not only in Georgia, but across the state. After an excellent senior season where he made plays in both coverage and against the run, Hayward is now ranked as the No. 1 overall DB and the No. 12 overall prospect in the state. He made his biggest plays on offense, but defensively, Hayward may not have lit up the stat sheet, but he still showed that he can be a shut-down defender in coverage with the ability to make a big hit on the ball carrier.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["667527"],"_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-675b0fca3de26"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the very best players in Middle Georgia, Dinkins proved week by week why he's one of the top overall defensive backs in the state. The former Georgia Tech commit flipped his commitment to Georgia, giving the in-state Bulldogs a ball-hawk in the secondary who also shows good instincts and impressive physical toughness against the run. He runs well and covers a lot of ground in coverage. The tough, quick-reacting defender brings good size at 6-foot-0 180-pounds and is now ranked as the No. 7 DB and the No. 44 overall prospect in Georgia after his terrific 2024 senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1313904"],"_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-675b1b6d3067e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A physical, hard-hitting defensive back who knows how to strike behind his pads, Jones shows great instincts against the run and above-average ball skills when defending the pass down the field. He roams the field like a quiet assassin and knows just when to strike and make a play. He's risen in the rankings more and more over time, and now he's ranked as the No. 10 DB and the No. 51 overall prospect in the state. He's one of the more dependable defenders in the area and signed with the North Carolina Tar Heels during the Early Signing Day period.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1186925"],"_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-675b1b6d306d1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A natural athlete who has a nose for the football in the secondary, this small-town defender knows how to run, hit, and make big plays all all aspects of the game. He's a dangerous returner on special teams and can make plays on offense, but his instincts, quickness, and toughness have allowed him to rise in the latest 2025 Prep Redzone rankings. After an outstanding senior season where he made 32 tackles and an eye-opening seven INTs, Miller showed he's an elite defender in coverage and was able to sing with the South Carolina Gamecocks during the Early Signing period. He's now ranked as the No. 79 overall prospect in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1313999"],"_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-675b1d14c112a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A hard-hitting cornerback with outstanding length and athleticism, Woods was one of the fastest-rising defensive backs in Georgia this fall and earned an opportunity to sign with the mighty Ohio State Buckeyes during the early Signing Day period. Woods brings a promising frame, strong instincts in coverage, and is physical enough to make a strong, secure tackle against the run. His potential is easy to see, and now he's ranked as the No. 102 overall prospect in the state and could see his ranking rise even more in the final update next year. As a senior, Woods made 41 tackles, broke up five passes, and forced two fumbles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->