Five Defensive Backs Looking For Big Junior Years

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is the second report today featuring defensive backs in the Prep Redzone Kansas Rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Each of these prospects is ranked in the Kansas Class of 2027, but all of them are outside the Top 100 and looking for more respect. Each also plays for a school in Northeast Kansas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beginning in August, I will shift some attention to focusing on team previews.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coaches in Northeast Kansas are encouraged to send me a team prospectus if you would like your program to be featured by Prep Redzone. I can be reached at <a href="mailto:deckscoutks@gmail.com">deckscoutks@gmail.com</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In case you missed it, here is a link to today's earlier report on five ranked defensive backs in the Kansas Class of 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/spotlight-on-2026-defensive-backs/","type":"wp-embed","providerNameSlug":"prep-redzone"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-prep-redzone wp-block-embed-prep-redzone"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/spotlight-on-2026-defensive-backs/ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1515789' first='Ethan' last='Curry'],</strong> DB, 5'10”, 170, Lawrence, '27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first thing to know about Curry is that he is a “football player.” He is tough and versatile. The Lawrence prospect is ranked No. 128 overall by Prep Redzone Kansas. He can play either safety position or could develop into an outside linebacker. He has played running back on the other side of the ball. He finished with 70 tackles last season for the Lions. I can tell by his film that he likes to hit ball carriers. He is aggressive and flows fast to the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1592178' first='Deontae' last='Fields'],</strong> DB, 5'11”, 155, Labette County, '27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Labette County's Fields is ranked No. 130 in the Kansas Class of 2027. He can play cover corner or safety. &nbsp;As a sophomore, he recorded 37 tackles and five interceptions. He broke up 15 pass attempts. He has solid speed and could be utilized on special teams units in college.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1594488' first='Noah' last='Valburg'],</strong> DB, 5'10”, 190, Rock Creek, '27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rock Creek is going to have a sturdy and dangerous defense this fall. Valburg is ranked No. 237 overall by Prep Redzone Kansas. He has quickness, which can be used in coverage or as a blitzer. He recorded 68 tackles as a sophomore and made four interceptions for the Mustangs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1610777' first='Dejay' last='Schlegel'],</strong> DB/WR, 5'9”, 150, Neodesha, '27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you blink at a game, you might miss the Bluestreaks' Schlegel. The speedster is ranked No. 254 overall by Prep Redzone Kansas. He picked off opposing quarterbacks four times as a sophomore. He also registered 59 tackles. He chipped in on offense, making 13 receptions for 193 yards and four touchdowns. Look for an increased role and numbers in his junior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1611964' first='Jarek' last='Jankowski'],</strong> DB/RB, 6'0”, 165, Christ Prep Academy, '27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jankowski is ranked No. 278 overall in the Class of 2027. He registered 53 tackles in 11 games for the Patriots. He also picked off three pass attempts for interceptions. Watching his film, I liked his closing speed, and he can high point the ball to break up passes. He can be utilized as a punt and kick returner.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->