Standout 2027 DBs: SSAA's Top Playmakers This Season

Florida has long been a powerhouse for high school football talent, consistently producing some of the nation's top defensive back prospects. Known for their speed, agility, and pure athleticism, these players have made a name for themselves and drawn interest from college coaches and scouts.   Many of these athletes already hold offers, while others are still flying under the radar, but all have the ability to compete at the college level. This list includes highly rated standouts as well as underrated prospects who deserve more attention.   At Prep Redzone Florida, we're committed to promoting every player and helping them earn the opportunity to play at the next level.   1. Aldrech Meyer, Cornerback – LaBelle High   Height/Weight: 5'7", 150 lbs   Stats Summary: 12 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 5 interceptions, 14 passes defensed, 1 fumble recovery   Evaluation: Meyer is a compact, twitchy defensive back with good quickness and reaction time. His low center of gravity allows him to change direction seamlessly, making him a difficult matchup for shifty receivers. Despite his smaller frame, he plays with an aggressive mentality, as shown by his 2.5 tackles for loss. His ball-tracking ability is a major strength, with 5 interceptions and 14 passes defensed indicating sharp instincts and excellent timing when breaking on passes. He possesses fluid hips, allowing him to transition from his backpedal to a sprint with ease, making him effective in both man and zone coverage.   2. Hunter Moore, Cornerback – Oak Plank Christian Academy   Height/Weight: 6'1", 165 lbs   Stats Summary: 34 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 5 interceptions, 17 passes defensed   Evaluation: Moore is a long, rangy corner who uses his size to his advantage when contesting passes. His 6'1" frame allows him to be physical at the catch point, and he shows good recovery speed when tracking receivers downfield. His 17 passes defensed showcase his ability to read quarterbacks and react quickly to throws. He's fluid in coverage, with smooth footwork and an ability to cover ground in a hurry. With 34 tackles and 2 tackles for loss, he's not afraid to step up in run support, displaying solid tackling technique and a physical presence despite his leaner frame.   3. Luke Beach, Cornerback – Jupiter Christian   Height/Weight: 5'10", 160 lbs   Stats Summary: 25 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 5 interceptions, 6 passes defensed   Evaluation: Beach is a well-rounded corner with above-average speed and good instincts in coverage. He plays with a smooth, controlled style, keeping his hips low and his eyes on the quarterback while maintaining coverage responsibilities. His 5 interceptions highlight his ability to bait quarterbacks into bad throws, while his 6 passes defensed suggest he has active hands and quick reactions. His tackling ability is solid, and he's not afraid to play physically against the run, as shown by his 2 tackles for loss. He moves well laterally and has enough burst to close on passes in both man and zone schemes.   4. Garret Ridley, Free Safety – Interlachen High   Height/Weight: 6'1", 175 lbs   Stats Summary: 80 tackles, 5 interceptions, 3 passes defensed, 2 forced fumbles   Evaluation: Ridley is a physical, hard-hitting safety who thrives in run support. His 80 tackles indicate he's heavily involved in stopping ball carriers, showing strong tackling technique and a willingness to initiate contact. He possesses solid range and closing speed, allowing him to make plays on the ball, as seen with his 5 interceptions. His 2 forced fumbles emphasize his physicality, as he looks to dislodge the ball whenever possible. Ridley has a good blend of size and athleticism, and while he's effective in coverage, his biggest strength is his ability to impact the game in multiple areas, from run defense to forcing turnovers.   5. Kadyn Thomas, Cornerback – Space Coast High   Height/Weight: 5'9", 165 lbs   Stats Summary: 29 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 10 passes defensed, 5 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery, 1 blocked punt   Evaluation: Thomas is a high-motor corner with great instincts and an aggressive playing style. His 5 interceptions and 10 passes defensed highlight his ability to track the ball and make plays in coverage. He has a strong break on passes, often getting his hands in to disrupt catches. He's also an active player on special teams, as seen with his blocked punt, showcasing his all-around playmaking ability. His tackling numbers and 2.5 tackles for loss suggest he isn't afraid to engage in physical play. Thomas' speed, anticipation, and ability to jump routes make him a dangerous corner who can change the momentum of a game with a key turnover.   6. Grayson Jones, Strong Safety – Lakeland Highland Prep   Height/Weight: 6'0", 160 lbs   Stats Summary: 24 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 4 interceptions, 2 passes defensed, 1 forced fumble   Evaluation: Jones is a versatile safety who can be used in multiple roles within a defense. His combination of range, tackling ability, and instincts allows him to be effective in coverage while also contributing against the run. His 4 interceptions show his ball-hawking nature, and his 1 sack suggests he can be an effective blitzer when called upon. His ability to create turnovers with both interceptions and forced fumbles makes him a key playmaker in the secondary. Jones has solid athleticism, showing good closing speed and a willingness to be physical when attacking ball carriers.   7. Luke McLaughlin, Cornerback – Seffner Christian Academy   Height/Weight: 6'0", 155 lbs   Stats Summary: 23 tackles, 4 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery   Evaluation: McLaughlin is a smooth-moving, instinctual corner who plays with patience and discipline in coverage. He has the ability to track the ball in the air and position himself well to make plays, as shown by his 4 interceptions. His 6'0" frame gives him an advantage against taller receivers, and he plays with strong technique when contesting catches. His tackling numbers indicate he can contribute against the run when needed, and his fumble recovery showcases his ability to capitalize on opportunities. McLaughlin has the agility and awareness to excel in both man and zone coverage, making him a dependable presence in the secondary.   Defensive Backs Overview   This group of defensive backs showcases a great blend of size, quickness, and playmaking ability. Hunter Moore stands out as a tall, rangy corner who can lock down receivers, while Garret Ridley brings a physical, downhill safety presence with elite tackling numbers. Kadyn Thomas is an aggressive, all-around playmaker with a knack for finding the ball in the air and making special teams contributions. Aldrech Meyer and Luke Beach both show impressive coverage skills and quick reactions, with Meyer excelling in route anticipation. Grayson Jones provides versatility as a safety who can blitz, cover, and force turnovers, while Luke McLaughlin adds a steady, disciplined presence with strong positioning and ball skills.   This group is full of defensive backs who can disrupt passing games and contribute in multiple ways, making them key assets to any secondary.

Florida has long been a powerhouse for high school football talent, consistently producing some of the nation's top defensive back prospects. Known for their speed, agility, and pure athleticism, these players have made a name for themselves and drawn interest from college coaches and scouts.