2027 DB Report: Stock-Risers and New Additions

It's that time again! In case you missed it, we <a href="https://prepredzone.com/north-carolina/rankings/2027-rankings/">updated our 2027 rankings</a> last week, and we have plenty of stock-risers and new additions. I've already gone <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/10/behind-the-scenes-of-the-2027-rankings-update-october/">behind the scenes</a> on this update, giving fans an insight into our thinking and decision-making process within the rankings.   Here, we're going in-depth on some of the guys in the trenches, looking at both the new and the fastest-rising defensive backs. Here is our 2027 DB report.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2027 DB New Additions</h2>   We generally keep a strong tab on the defensive backs, so we only have a few new additions. Here, we break down those new players in the rankings.    Few defensive backs across the state have had the impact in the passing game that Stanley has for Southeast Raleigh. In recent years, the Bulldogs have had the horses on the defensive line to compete, but have been let down on the back end. That's not the case anymore. He has four picks, and his Southeast Raleigh defense allowed less than 50 passing yards to the high-octane Cleveland passing offense.     Spinks has been a key part of Cary's historical year. The Imps are 7-0 for the first time in school history, and are on track for their best year ever. Spinks has anchored a defensive backfield that is stifling opposing passing games. He has two interceptions and has come down from his safety position to make plays in the box as well, despite his size.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2027 DB Stock-Risers</h2>    Bailey has gotten more comfortable as he's gotten older and more experienced, and you can see that through his body of work this season. He's a modern safety who can act as a third linebacker while the Titans stay in nickel, can come down and play the slot, or play a center field role and read the quarterback's eyes. He's been productive, flying to the ball, making plays near the line of scrimmage and forcing several turnovers.     I mistakenly moved Randle down the rankings last update, and his play on the field prompted me to move up back near the top. He's a big defender who can play multiple spots in the secondary. He's likely a box safety at the next level, a guy who can come up and stop the run, or match up with bigger receivers and tight ends in coverage.     In terms of pure production, Heath's step forward has been one of the most noticable among safeties statewide. The Hough defensive back can play either safety position, and he's flashed some impressive ball skills as a junior. He's not the biggest guy, but he's a sure tackler who can come down and make plays near the line or create havoc as a blitzer.     Haynes' ball skills are among the best in the state (he may be THE best in the state with the ball in the air) and that's evidenced by three interceptions and three pass breakups, despite limited targets. He can really move, and though he's not known as much for his tackling, it's an area of his game that he's improved upon greatly. He's shown some excellent technical growth since he burst onto the scene as a high-upside, but unpolished defensive back.     Our biggest riser in the top 10, Geathers just keeps getting better since we first saw him around a year ago. Like most Providence Day defenders, he's versatile and excels in space, always willing to lay the boom. He's improved greatly as a man-to-man pass defender, something that will only help him on the recruiting trail.

It's that time again! In case you missed it, we updated our 2027 rankings last week, and we have plenty of stock-risers and new additions. I've already gone behind the scenes on this update, giving fans an insight into our thinking and decision-making process within the rankings.