Newly-Ranked 2028 Defensive Backs

Last week, we dropped our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/north-carolina/rankings/2028-rankings/">updated 2028 rankings</a>, and we've been breaking down the players who told the story of the update by position. Here, we're looking at the newest players in the rankings. After going <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/behind-the-scenes-of-the-2028-rankings-spring/">behind the scenes</a> of the 2028 class update, here are the six newly-ranked defensive backs in the 2028 class.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Which Linebackers Were Added to the 2028 Rankings?</h2>   Editor's Note: Check out our other newly-ranked position pieces:   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/newly-ranked-2028-qbs/">QBs</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/newly-ranked-2028-rbs/">RBs</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/newly-ranked-2028-ol/">OL</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/newly-ranked-2028-wrs/">WRs</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/newly-ranked-2028-edge-rushers/">Edge Rushers</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/newly-ranked-2028-idls/">IDLs</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/newly-ranked-2028-lbs/">LBs</a>    Sometimes, adding a guy to the rankings is a formality. But we always evaluate every new player so they have a full evaluation on their profile, even if they're an established out-of-state transfer like Brown. A large portion of the ACC has offered the long, speedy corner. The first thing I look for with corners is their hips, and he can open up from his backpedal to full speed as quickly as anybody you'll find. All the physical pieces are there, and he'll continue to grow as a technician at Rolesville.     Brown probably should have hit our rankings sooner. In fact, Brown impressed my colleague, Matt Morrow, at an <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/09/berry-at-rocky-river-defensive-standouts/">early-season game</a> last year. As the season progressed, we lost him in the chaos, but as we looked back at our notes earlier this offseason, we remembered how impressed we were and added him to the Top 200 of the rankings. He's versatile enough to play multiple secondary roles, but he's best as a box safety with excellent coverage skills, especially over the middle of the field.     I'm a big fan of Watson's game on an improving Reynolds team, and I think he was <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/unsung-heroes-central-piedmont-7a-8a-conference/">underappreciated</a> last season. Despite not being the biggest guy on the field (or even in the secondary), he's a sure tackler who lives around the ball. The Reynolds coaching staff is high on Watson, and I think he could have an even better season in 2026.     Delfino is a key piece of a budding defense at Ballantyne Ridge. He hit our radar <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/devin-delfino/">just after</a> our winter rankings update, and we immediately made a note to add him this spring. He has excellent ball skills and some upside, given that he's still growing into his body. He'll probably play this season in the 175-180-pound range, and that added strength should serve him well with the ball in the air, allowing him to turn some of his pass deflections into interceptions.     Savage isn't your typical free safety prospect. He's a two-way star, but it doesn't feel like he was simply thrown back there because of speed and ball skills. In fact, he didn't have an interception last year. What he did do was lead a blossoming West Columbus defense in tackles, adding two sacks and two fumble recoveries. A multi-sport star, I'm interested to see how Savage's body develops, and if he stays at free safety, drops into the box more often, or even plays more as a SAM linebacker, adding more weight in the process..     A talented two-way player, Hunt is explosive on offense, but we like him best as a versatile defensive back prospect. He has excellent length, acceleration, and anticipation, allowing him to succeed at free safety. But he also has a good feel for mirroring receivers in man coverage, and he has more than a few impressive highlights at corner. He'll continue to develop, but we like him as a high-upside corner prospect, given his impressive physical profile.    Next week, we start our look at the 2029 class. Make sure to DM me on Twitter/X (<a href="https://x.com/whelms21">@whelms21</a>) with your film, measurements, and times so we don't miss you. Want to share Prep Redzone with a friend? Promo code Helms30 will get them 30% off their first billing cycle for any subscription.

Last week, we dropped our updated 2028 rankings, and we've been breaking down the players who told the story of the update by position. Here, we're looking at the newest players in the rankings. After going behind the scenes of the 2028 class update, here are the six newly-ranked defensive backs in the 2028 class.