2029 Defensive Back Newcomers: Winter

Last week, we released our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/north-carolina/rankings/2029-north-carolina-high-school-football-rankings/">updated 2029 rankings</a>, and we've been breaking down the class. We've interspersed pieces breaking down the newcomers and stock-risers with big-picture pieces analyzing the freshman class as a whole. After spending last week on the offense, we've moved to the defensive side of the ball. Here, we're evaluating all 10 defensive backs who entered the rankings.   Editor's Note: If you missed our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/2029-offensive-stock-risers-winter/">Behind the Scenes</a> or "<a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/3-things-to-know-about-the-2029-class-winter/">3 Things To Know</a>" pieces for the 2029 class, check them out.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Newly-Ranked 2029 Defensive Backs</h2>    Graham is a high-upside defensive back with length and speed, and he played in a ton of nickel and dime packages for a strong, young Mallard Creek defense. He's a smooth mover for his size, and he's well-coached, too, as his technical abilities are far beyond what you'd expect from a guy his age and size.     Usually, when freshman safeties make an early impact, it's in the passing game as a deep safety. But Ikard's specialty is as a physical run defender. His tape is full of huge hits and impressive open-field tackles. His range and athleticism should lead to future ball production, and he's a guy we're excited to watch as he continues to develop.     Walker should turn some heads when he gets more consistent playing time. A highly athletic corner, the Rolesville staff is extremely high on the freshman, an indication of his talent and work ethic. He had an interception and a pass deflection in limited varsity action last season, and he should earn plenty more playing time next season.     Williams' ball skills were on full display in 2025, as he picked off five passes for Sun Valley as a freshman, earning some impressive accolades in the Union County area. He's a guy we've heard a lot about, but would like to scout further in person.     Listed as a two-way player on the roster, Nesby started all season at safety and slot corner and experienced almost instant success. He forced a fumble and had 24 tackles by his third game of the year. By the midway point, he was getting occasional touches as a gadget guy on offense. Wherever he is, Nesby is usually making good things happen for Asheville.     Famble didn't play a ton on Crest's state-championship team, but when he got on the field, fireworks happened. The long, rangy safety picked off three passes and returned one for a touchdown. His range as a free safety is really impressive, and if a quarterback gets lazy or is late with his deep ball, Famble will pounce. The defensive back coaching at Crest is excellent, and he looks like a guy who could put up big numbers when he gets more consistent playing time.     Greiner played more as a linebacker than a safety for Seaforth, and he excelled as a freshman, earning all-conference honors for his play. He racked up 89 tackles and flashed great zone coverage skills, using impressive quickness to step in front of passes. I'll be interested to see how his body develops, but the instincts are undeniable.     Beck looks like a lab-built defensive back, with excellent speed and above-average length. He flashed elite potential for A.C. Reynolds as a freshman. Going forward, he's likely to have more playing time, with several departing seniors on the roster at both corner and safety. He's a guy to know for the future.     Though Stokes played some deep safety in single-high looks, he's not afraid to make tackles. He doesn't have a ton of film yet, which is part of the reason he just snuck into the rankings, but he has ample athleticism and is a player we look forward to scouting further.    This is the time of year when we have the most time to dive into film, reevaluate prospects, and change our minds about players. Send your film on Twitter/X (<a href="https://x.com/whelms21">@whelms21</a>), so I can evaluate you. Want to share Prep Redzone with a friend? Promo Code Helms30 is good for 30% off your first billing cycle.

Last week, we released our updated 2029 rankings, and we've been breaking down the class. We've interspersed pieces breaking down the newcomers and stock-risers with big-picture pieces analyzing the freshman class as a whole. After spending last week on the offense, we've moved to the defensive side of the ball. Here, we're evaluating all 10 defensive backs who entered the rankings.