January Stock-Risers: 2027 DBs

We recently released our January <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/updated-2027-north-carolina-rankings/">2027 Rankings Update</a>, and it's time to break down the players who tell the story of the update. I've hit a couple of big-picture items so far, namely <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/three-things-to-know-about-the-class-of-2027/">three things to know</a> about the class and my traditional <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/behind-the-scenes-of-the-2027-rankings-january-update/">behind-the-scenes piece</a>. Here, we're finishing the defensive side of the ball with a look at the 2027 defensive backs.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2027 DB Stock-Risers</h2>    Helms plays quite the versatile role for North Stanly, picking off seven passes in back-to-back seasons, while finishing second on the team in receptions in 2024 and doubling his tackle numbers in 2025. While he contributes everywhere on the field, his biggest impact is in coverage, where his ball skills are plainly evident. There's a reason he's among the state's interception leaders almost every season.     Heath was the unheralded defender on a state-championship defense loaded with Power Four talent. He led the Huskies in tackling and isn't afraid to come down to the line of scrimmage and hit. He flashed coverage upside as well, and plays bigger and faster than his athletic profile suggests.     A freak athlete, Lee is an alien on the defensive side of the ball. He flashed elite ball skills in 2025, picking off six passes. He's the type of player who can match up with receivers, tight ends, or even running backs, with elite speed and high-level coverage skills. The 6'3"+ safety trend is growing, and some college is going to benefit greatly from a guy who can play multiple positions against differing personnel groupings.     One of the best corners in zone coverage, he has excellent feel for both what receivers are doing and what the picture looks like behind him in coverage. He has excellent length and enough speed to match up with quicker receivers, as well as the size to counter larger wideouts. A multi-time stock-riser for us, he continues to move up our rankings.     We may eventually move Randle to the linebacker position, as his bread and butter is coming up and hitting in the running game. His game speed far outpaces what he runs off the field, and he can get downhill in a hurry. We were really impressed with his improved coverage skills in 2025, and we're not surprised he's getting Power Four looks.     One of the fastest prospects in the state, Vincent made a massive impact on the game as a versatile defender and special-teamer. He probably projects best as a slot corner with strong man coverage skills, and despite his size, he loves to come up and hit in the running game. We love his athletic profile and think he could be a potential FBS defensive back.     One of the top-ranked defensive backs in a loaded class, Bryant's role shifted a bit in 2025. In the past, he played more as a box safety or smaller linebacker, but he took on a more coverage-driven role last season and really made an impact. He picked off six passes, some in man coverage, some in Cover 1 and Cover 3 as a deep safety.    There's plenty to come from Matt Morrow, Joshua Graham, and me on the 2027 rankings over the next week. Stay locked in with Prep Redzone for more insights, evaluations, and rankings updates. Want to share Prep Redzone with a friend? Promo code Helms30 will get them 30% off their first billing cycle for any subscription. Want to be evaluated? Send me your film! <a href="https://x.com/whelms21">@whelms21</a> on Twitter/X.

We recently released our January 2027 Rankings Update, and it's time to break down the players who tell the story of the update. I've hit a couple of big-picture items so far, namely three things to know about the class and my traditional behind-the-scenes piece. Here, we're finishing the defensive side of the ball with a look at the 2027 defensive backs.