2027 Rankings Newcomers - Defensive Backs

The Class of 2027 is full of talent from top to bottom, and it was fun taking a deep dive into some talented defensive backs who did a great job of putting good stuff on film and playing their way into our Spring Rankings update here in North Carolina! Let's take a look at a few of these athletic playmakers and tell you what impressed us about their overall game.    I got a pretty strong recommendation to check out Daniel, and what I saw on film was impressive. Last season, Daniel had 100 total tackles from his safety position, along with 5 pass breakups and 3 hits on the quarterback. If that sounds like Daniel was all over the field, you would be correct in that assessment. Daniel plays pretty close to the line of scrimmage and shows nice speed to be able to get to the football and tackle well in space. Daniel shows some ability to play the deep half in zone coverage, but I think he fits best in the rover role in the middle of the field and flats coverage, as it allows him to run support well in the running game. Daniel should have another productive season as a defensive leader for the Sabres.     Jalen showed some good athleticism on film from last season, especially with his ability to run support and tackle well from his corner position. I saw him up close at the CFI Carolinas Mega Showcase, and his speed and agility were a major plus in observing him operate through the agility circuit. Jalen should have a smooth transition to the Varsity squad this season, and that projection has him firmly on our Watch List. As long as Jalen works hard and stays consistent, he could find himself in the rankings by the end of the season.     Ta'Shaun is currently receiving interest from multiple ACC football programs, and he's a player on the rise. Coming from unranked into our Top 75 is a strong introduction. When you take a look at the film, though, you see why. With 50 tackles and 4 tackles for loss last season, Ta'Shaun shows himself to be a strong open-field tackler. Two other traits that are impressive: the first being his reaction skills. On multiple quick screens, Ta'Shaun instantly reads the play, sprints to the ball, and gets the ball carrier on the ground from his safety position. The second trait is his coverage discipline. Ta'Shaun knows how to pick up receivers crossing into his zone and doesn't get fooled by "switch" downfield concepts and breaks up passes with excellent technique.     An all-conference and all-region selection last season, Maurice plays a strong safety/outside linebacker role for the Cougars on defense. Taking a look at the film, Maurice shows some nice man coverage ability on slot receivers, playing proper trail technique, and breaking on the ball with proper timing. Maurice also likes contact, showing the ability to tackle well in the open field. Maurice also plays some running back on offense and shows off his speed in space with the football in his hands. I think on the next level he fits best on defense, though, and I'd like to see him in a camp setting against similar level players to see how he stacks up.     A corner prospect, Damarie plays very well in off-man coverage, showing excellent technique with his footwork and good reaction skills to the football when thrown at him. Damarie also tackles well in the running game and is not afraid to come up in outside run support. Teams took a few shots deep on him, and Damarie showed good long speed to stay with receivers on the outside. A couple of situations, Damarie also came on a corner blitz, and he got to the quarterback very quickly, so I think he could play some safety as well as an option. I'm excited to see what Damarie can put on tape after an offseason of further development.

The Class of 2027 is full of talent from top to bottom, and it was fun taking a deep dive into some talented defensive backs who did a great job of putting good stuff on film and playing their way into our Spring Rankings update here in North Carolina! Let's take a look at a few of these athletic playmakers and tell you what impressed us about their overall game.