Top Class of 2027 Defensive Backs from Region 1 This Season

Florida has long been a hotbed for high school football talent, annually producing some of the nation's top linebacker prospects.  Florida athletes are known for their speed, agility, and raw athleticism; these running backs have made names for themselves and caught the attention of college coaches and scouts.   These players are talented and have college-level ability. Some have a few offers, but all have the ability to play college football at some level.   There are some big-time, highly rated prospects and several sleeper prospects who should all be getting looks at the next level. This list is full of stud prospects.   Prep Redzone Florida will always promote every player, hoping they get the opportunity to play college football at the next      1. Craighan Mitchell, Cornerback – Southwest Florida Christian   Height/Weight: 5'8", 140 lbs   Stats Summary: 21 tackles, 6 interceptions   Evaluation: Craighan Mitchell is the definition of a playmaker at cornerback. Despite his smaller frame, Mitchell possesses excellent instincts, quick reaction time, and fluid hips, which allow him to stay attached to receivers in man coverage. His six interceptions are a testament to his ball-tracking ability and aggression in contested situations. He plays with a lot of heart and tenacity. Adding strength will be crucial for him to handle more physical matchups, but his knack for creating turnovers and his high football IQ make him a player to watch.     2. Mario Pratt III, Free Safety – Impact Christian Academy   Height/Weight: 6'0", 160 lbs   Stats Summary: 66 tackles, 3 interceptions   Evaluation: Pratt is a rangy safety with a natural ability to patrol the deep third of the field. At 6'0", his length is a clear asset, allowing him to break on passes and contest throws over the middle. Pratt's 66 tackles show he's more than willing to step up and help in run support, though he's at his best reading the quarterback and closing on the ball in coverage. His three interceptions reflect his ability to anticipate and capitalize on mistakes. With some added muscle, Pratt could develop into a more physical presence, but his coverage instincts and versatility are standout traits.     3. Cole Huntley, Strong Safety – Foundation Academy   Height/Weight: 6'0", 170 lbs   Stats Summary: 76 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions   Evaluation: Cole Huntley is a physical, downhill safety who excels in the box while also showcasing ball skills in coverage. His 76 tackles highlight his willingness to stick his nose in traffic, and he's a sound tackler who rarely lets opponents escape. His three interceptions show his ability to jump passing lanes and make game-changing plays. Huntley also has solid closing speed, which allows him to clean up plays in space. To take the next step, improving his overall range in deep coverage will be key, but his versatility and physicality make him a force at the high school level.     4. Noah Flores, Strong Safety – Melbourne Central Catholic   Height/Weight: 5'7", 170 lbs   Stats Summary: 69 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions, 1.5 sacks   Evaluation: Flores plays much bigger than his size, and his production proves it. With 11.5 tackles for loss, Flores is fearless at attacking the line of scrimmage, often disrupting plays before they develop. He's an aggressive blitzer with 1.5 sacks, but he also has the awareness to drop into coverage and haul in three interceptions. Flores thrives on his instincts and motor, though his height could be a challenge at the next level when matched up against taller tight ends or receivers. Regardless, his ability to impact both the run and pass game makes him a valuable defensive piece for the Hustlers.     5. Quez Outten, Free Safety – Evangelical Christian   Height/Weight: 6'0", 160 lbs   Stats Summary: 42 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 3 interceptions   Evaluation: Outten is a smooth, instinctive free safety who excels in reading the quarterback's eyes and making plays on the ball. His three interceptions highlight his anticipation skills and ability to cover ground in the secondary. Outten's 42 tackles show he can step up and contribute in run support, but he's more effective as a deep defender where he can use his range to his advantage. He'll need to add bulk to handle more physical ball carriers, but his instincts and coverage ability make him a promising safety prospect.     6. Jake Contner, Free Safety – Providence School   Height/Weight: 6'2", 170 lbs   Stats Summary: 42 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions, 1.5 sacks   Evaluation: Contner has the size, versatility, and playmaking ability that coaches love in a free safety. At 6'2", Contner uses his length to disrupt passing lanes and his range to make plays on the ball, as seen with his three interceptions. He's also not afraid to come downhill and attack, evidenced by his six tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. Contner is a hybrid safety who can line up deep or closer to the line of scrimmage depending on the situation.     7. [player_tooltip player_id='895280' first='Angelo' last='Smith'], Free Safety – Chaminade-Madonna   Height/Weight: 5'10", 170 lbs   Stats Summary: 40 tackles, 3 interceptions   Evaluation: [player_tooltip player_id='895280' first='Angelo' last='Smith'] is a reliable safety with a well-rounded game. His three interceptions show he has the awareness and ball skills to be an asset in coverage, while his 40 tackles reflect his ability to support the run defense. Smith is technically sound, rarely out of position, and shows great discipline in his assignments. His speed, quickness and consistency and ability to make plays stand out on film.    Closing Thoughts   This group of defensive backs features a mix of ballhawks, physical tacklers, and versatile playmakers. Players like Craighan Mitchell and Jake Contner stand out for their ability to force turnovers, while Noah Flores and Cole Huntley bring toughness and versatility to their respective defenses. Each player has a unique skill set that makes them a valuable asset, and all of them have shown the potential to elevate their game to the next level.

Florida has long been a hotbed for high school football talent, annually producing some of the nation's top linebacker prospects. Florida athletes are known for their speed, agility, and raw athleticism; these running backs have made names for themselves and caught the attention of college coaches and scouts.