Prep Redzone AL's 2025 Preseason All-State Team: DB Selections

We've made it to August! With the season quickly approaching, it's time for us to give our preseason All-State selections!   Today, we're focusing on some of our lockdown DBs across the state!   You won't want to miss out on this group of talent. Be sure to check out their film below. Now, here are our preseason selections:   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">7A</h2>    Jayden Aparicio-Bailey is an extremely talented 2027 DB set up for another big season in the 7A this fall.   “At 6'2 180 Bailey is highly athletic, has great size, plays with impressive speed, and provides excellent coverage and run support from the safety position. In coverage, Bailey is a ball hawk DB who consistently flies around the field to pick off and break up passes- it's seriously difficult for QBs to throw against him, he's terrific at locating and tracking the ball in the air.   Bailey is just as productive against the run- he flies downhill to fill in lanes and rack up tackles down by the line of scrimmage for little gain. I'm most impressed with Bailey's skills in pursuit- he plays with a ton of effort and has great closing speed he uses to make hustle plays against the run from deep downfield.“   Over the last few months, Bailey has received offers from Alabama, Oregon, Texas, and many more. It'll be exciting watching Bailey this fall; everyone should have their eyes on him going into this year.     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">6A</h2>    [player_tooltip player_id='1213561' first='Zyan' last='Gibson'] is a lockdown DB out of Gadsden City who's set up for another huge season in the 6A this year.   “At 6'1 175, Gibson has great size and athleticism at the position. He has great speed, hands, and instincts that make him incredibly hard to throw against. Gibson is an all-around reliable defender- he reads and reacts to plays quickly, rarely gets beaten downfield, and can make huge plays on the ball in man and zone coverage.   Gibson is really versatile as well- he can line up inside and outside, is physical against the run, and does a great job reading opposing QBs' eyes to break up and intercept passes.”   Gibson is committed to Alabama and is sure to have another huge season this upcoming fall- it'll be exciting to watch!     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">5A</h2>    [player_tooltip player_id='1653623' first='Jaylen' last='Scott'] is a talented DB out of Williamson who's torn up the 5A over his first two seasons starting.   "Scott is a hybrid safety who flies around the field to dominate opposing rushing and passing attacks. He plays with a ton of speed and instincts out in coverage- he isn't easily baited, doesn't let anyone get behind him, and has the ball skills to easily create INTs and PBUs   Scott is also dominant against the run. He flies downhill from the secondary to wrap up and take down RBs near the line of scrimmage and in the open field to prevent huge plays. It's super impressive seeing how well-rounded Scott already is as a sophomore- he has an incredibly bright future ahead."   Last season, Scott recorded 107 total tackles (41 solo, 2 for loss), 4 INTs, 12 PBUs, and one FF.   Earlier this summer, Scott committed to Auburn! Everyone should watch out for him, and Williamson defends this fall, they have a huge season ahead.     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4A</h2>    [player_tooltip player_id='1337985' first='Dylan' last='Purter'] is a shutdown member of Booker T. Washington's secondary who's set up for a big senior season.   “At 6'2 175, Purter plays with a ton of speed and instincts he uses to locate and fly to the ball nearly every snap. Purter is excellent at recognizing and reacting to plays; he isn't easily baited downfield and has a great understanding of where he needs to be to create the greatest impact.   Purter is terrific in coverage. He provides a ton of security over the top of his defense and is great at tracking and getting his hands on the ball, coming away with some huge INTs/PBUs all over the field. Purter is just as good at making plays in the backfield against the run and pass- he's a reliable blitzer who uses his speed to fly downhill from the secondary and deliver some huge hits to opposing QBs/RBs.“   A while back, Purter committed to LSU, where he's sure to have a ton of success. Until then, every offense in the 4A will continue to get frustrated by him this fall- just watch.     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3A</h2>    Keshuan Jones is a talented DB out of Colbert County who dominated offenses across the 2A last season.   "At 6'0 180, Jones has great size, instincts, and speed he uses to his advantage every snap- he can cover lots of ground and frequently makes sideline-to-sideline plays out in coverage and against the run.   Jones is incredibly reliable in coverage- he's patient, doesn't let WRs behind him, and is quick to react to QBs, consistently flying to WRs to break on the ball and rack up PBUs and INTs. Against the run, Jones is a great tackler who doesn't allow for any yardage after making first contact."   Watch some of Jones' tape below and you'll see what I mean. He's a seriously gifted DB in the 2A that should have a big senior season this fall.     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2A</h2>    [player_tooltip player_id='1757986' first='Eli' last='Harris'] was a big piece of Falkville's defense last fall, landing himself as our pick in the 2A.   "If you're throwing the ball [player_tooltip player_id='1757986' first='Eli' last='Harris']' way, you're making a mistake. He's a certified ball hawk who excels at breaking underneath passes and getting his hands on the ball to haul in INTs and PBUs. I'm seriously impressed with how well Harris does in coverage. He's a constant threat over the top that doesn't allow for anything to be completed on his side of the field.   On top of that, Harris is great at getting involved against the run. He's quick to react and constantly puts himself in a good position to create in open space and down by the line of scrimmage."   Make sure you watch out for Harris this upcoming fall; he's a talented DB with a huge senior season ahead of him. Falkville's secondary will be one to watch in the 2A.     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1A</h2>    [player_tooltip player_id='1585506' first='Kade' last='Carroll'] was a huge piece of South Choctaw's defense last fall, making him our choice in the 1A.   "At 6'1 170, Carroll is a ballhawk who can fly around the field to cover just about anyone. Carroll has excellent ball skills, great hands, and is terrific at making plays on the ball, constantly coming away with PBUs and INTs.   Carroll has also demonstrated some serious talent as a tackler. He's a complete defensive back who's willing to play the run and make tough tackles in open space- it's impressive to watch."   Watch some of Caroll's tape down below. He and South Choctaw are going to have a big season this fall, and we're excited to watch.

We've made it to August! With the season quickly approaching, it's time for us to give our preseason All-State selections!