‘27 Coverage Counter: 5 Top 100 DB’s on the Rise

Prep Redzone Graphic: Capt. Conan’s Coverage Club

Santino Bernal March 7, 2026 @ 06:25 AM

As the first week of March comes to a close, I wanted to take another look at the current junior class. Earlier this week I brought back the ‘Coverage Counter' series to shed light on prospects that should be mentioned more.   Initially this second report was going to be specifically focused on the defensive side of the ball. While that is still the case. There was one position group that caught my eye while looking at the rankings. The DB's are honestly a really underrated position group in this class. These five are currently in the Top 100, but they could use some more recognition.    [player_tooltip player_id='1352560' first='Braesyn' last='Williams'] - Derby, 6'2”, 180    Up first is the 2nd ranked DB in our rankings. Williams of Derby may not be No. 1 at his position currently, but he has the potential to claim that spot. He was very impressive during his junior season. The 6-foot-2 corner possesses quite a few intangibles that high-level recruiters look for. First off, he has an ideal frame and has the length to press receivers at the line as well as break up passes. He's also a great athlete, and it shows when breaking on a pass or when he's going up for 50/50 balls. Not to mention he's a threat once he gets his hands on the ball. Williams finished the ‘25 campaign with 50 total tackles, three interceptions, and 12 pass breakups.   [player_tooltip player_id='1515789' first='Ethan' last='Curry'] - Lawrence, 5'10”, 175   Out of all the DB's in this class, Curry of Lawrence will head into the ‘26 season with some of the most experience. He'll be a three-year starter during his senior campaign, and has been an All-League performer the past two years. Through two varsity seasons the 5-foot-10 safety has recorded 123 total tackles and multiple pass breakups. Curry is an athlete back at safety. He possesses the speed to cover a lot of ground, and can erase big plays down the field. He's also developing into a playmaker on offense and special teams. Look for him to be one of the top two-way players in the Sunflower League next season.    [player_tooltip player_id='944898' first='Joey' last='Lonergan'] - Blue Valley, 6'2”, 195   This next DB is one of the more physical ones in the class. Lonergan of Blue Valley has the ability to play close to the line of scrimmage to stop the run. But he also possesses the skill set to cover pass catchers down the field. In addition, he's capable of making game changing plays on special teams. During the ‘25 campaign Lonergan piled up 58 total tackles, five TFL's, three pass breakups, and a pair of blocks on special teams. He's primed to be an All-League performer yet again during his senior year.      [player_tooltip player_id='1673801' first='Jackson' last='Riley'] - Maize South, 6'3”, 205   Riley was on his way to having a great 2025 campaign before having season ending surgery in Week 5. Through four weeks the junior tallied 37 total tackles, four pass breakups, and one forced fumble. Since the conclusion of the ‘25 season he's been working hard. He's added around 10 pounds of muscle while also becoming a bit more explosive. Riley's received some next level interest this year, as he's been invited to multiple Junior Day's. I'd expect for him to have a huge bounce back season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1125656' first='Kobie' last='Henley'] - Salina South, 6'3”, 180   Capping off this group of DB's is Henley of Salina South. Out of the safeties featured in this report, Henley arguably has the best vision and instincts. He's quick to recognize plays and breaks on the ball in a hurry. Much like his peers in this report he also possesses the length and athleticism to contest passes. Henley also excels at running the alley. Which is how he collected 82 total tackles in 2025. He'll be Salina South's top returning defender in the fall.

As the first week of March comes to a close, I wanted to take another look at the current junior class. Earlier this week I brought back the ‘Coverage Counter' series to shed light on prospects that should be mentioned more.