2026 Rankings Newcomers: Defensive Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone North Carolina recently updated their Class of 2026 Rankings, and several players were added to the rankings after strong junior seasons! This article will focus on selected defensive backs added to this ranking update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1454280"],"_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-67887eeee56f0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When you lead the state of North Carolina in interceptions with 11 on the season, then it's a pretty easy decision to add to you to the state rankings, period. The first thing that stands out about Brett is his size at 6'3, that's always a trait that makes coaches take a deeper look from a recruiting standpoint. Brett had 87 total tackles, a high number for a defensive back, but reflective of how athletic he is and how well he gets to the football overall. Brett has a little recruiting attention right now and was named as an All-Conference and All-State player by various publications. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1600444"],"_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-67887eeee577a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I watched Ja'ziyah play live earlier this season in a big game, and he had a major game-changing play with a 100 yard Pick 6 which ended up being the difference in a close victory. I kept an eye on him the rest of the season, and all he did was continue to make impact plays both in run support and as a pass defender in the secondary. Ja'ziyah ended up being named All-Conference, and with his size and speed, I think he will get some deserved recruiting attention soon. Check out an interview I did earlier this past season with Ja'ziyah. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/pepman704/status/1834406205772456364">https://twitter.com/pepman704/status/1834406205772456364</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1600453"],"_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-67887eeee57da"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I had the pleasure of seeing Trey last month at a postseason showcase, and he really showed well there, being named a top performer overall. Trey does a great job of staying in phase with wide receivers in man coverage, and he has grown exponentially from when I saw him before the season physically. His team last season had a tough year, but seeing him at the showcase, Trey had a great attitude and wanted to continue to get reps every chance he could. Trey has had some recruiting attention, and he is a candidate to have a breakout season next year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1582696"],"_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-67887eeee5836"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We just talked about one of James's teammates here in this article, and I wanted to add James to the Watch List because he has some very good athletic traits that allow him to be a playmaker. He's listed as an ATH/WR, but I think his biggest impact is as a Defensive Back. James is not afraid to come up in run support and does so with good speed and tackling well in space. James can also make an impact on Special Teams as a Kickoff and Punt Returner. James can be a help to a team on the next level, and I'm excited to see his growth this upcoming off-season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1551045"],"_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-67887eeee5891"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">With 57 Tackles and 2 Interceptions for a very good Cleveland program, I wanted to add Josh to our Watch List because these are the kind of players that can really add to that production going into their senior year. With his size, Josh can continue to grow and add to his frame and not lose any speed or athleticism. Josh has had some recruiting attention from several schools, and I'm sure they love the same things I do - Josh's ability to tackle in the open field, and his ball skills in pass coverage. His highlight film is a fun watch!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Also added to our rankings update:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1426855' first='Gavin' last='Gibson'] - Independence</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1580029' first='Nazir' last='Vines'] - Wilson Prep </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->