2027 Watchlist Check-In: DBs

This offseason, we're taking a look at some of the players sitting just outside our rankings. Our watchlist check-in series looks at those players who often just need an opportunity. These rising juniors have been injured, stuck behind others on the depth chart, or just don't quite have enough varsity film to be ranked. But they're close, and many will enter the rankings this year.   Here, we're looking a few quality defensive backs who could start this season and raise their stock.    With solid size and a strong football I.Q., McGill often finds himself in position to make plays. He's a likely candidate to move into the rankings soon, thanks to a strong display of tackling as a sophomore. From the film we've seen, he has good tackling technique and a willingness to put himself in the middle of things to make plays.     It's hard to break the rotation of secondary players on a loaded Providence Day squad, but Liles could find himself with more opportunity in 2025. He's a good athlete and track runner who runs several distances and participates in the long jump. If he gets an opportunity on the field in 2025, he could surprise some people.     Like many younger Weddington players, Simmons has made a bigger name for himself at camps than on varsity so far, but there's reason to believe that will change. He bounced between junior varsity and varsity as a sophomore. He's a guy who looks like a future standout free safety with few deficiencies against either the run or the pass. He may have to wait on talented older players to graduate, but should make some sort of impact this season.     Despite being undersized, Rhyne is a good tackler who can play either safety or corner. His length suggests his brightest future is at corner and his short-area quickness could allow him to shift inside and play in the slot. He's made the most of his varsity opportunities, but hasn't gotten much playing time so far, something that should change in 2025.     Freeman's size often leads opposing teams to target him, but he's an excellent corner in off-man coverage and has made numerous big plays over the course of his varsity career. I got the chance to see him in person late in the year and came away impressed with how often he was in on a play. As he continues to grow, I'm interested to see if the college interest follows.     While he lacks elite size, Hawes plays a box safety/slot corner role for New Hanover's JV squad, where he stands out due to his hitting ability. He loves to play football and that's evident on film. Hawes ends up in the right place at the right time and makes big plays for his defense. I'd expect him to make an impact on varsity in 2025.     Wright is an excellent athlete with a high football I.Q. That allows him to be in position to make plays, despite being a bit undersized. He's an excellent kick returner and strong tackler on the back end. With some more size and polish, he could turn into an excellent college prospect.    Want to make sure you're on our radar or raise your stock? Sign up for our <a href="https://events.prepredzone.com/e/1488/register/combine-series-north-carolina">2025 Spring Combine</a> at Clayton High School on May 4. Use offer code 'HelmsCombine25' to get $10 off your registration. Prep Redzone and college scouts will be in attendance to evaluate prospects as they go through combine drills, position work, and 1-on-1s.

This offseason, we're taking a look at some of the players sitting just outside our rankings. Our watchlist check-in series looks at those players who often just need an opportunity. These rising juniors have been injured, stuck behind others on the depth chart, or just don't quite have enough varsity film to be ranked. But they're close, and many will enter the rankings this year.