Newly-Ranked DB Overview

Last week's <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/updated-2027-north-carolina-rankings/">2027 Rankings Update</a> was one of our biggest ever, with over 190 new players hitting the rankings since February. With a very limited amount of time before we move to the 2028 class, there just isn't enough time to properly cover every new addition. Instead, we're going to take a bird's-eye view and evaluate the newly ranked players in larger groups. Here's a 30,000-foot view of the 29 new defensive backs in the 2027 rankings.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What to Know About the Newly-Ranked DBs</h2>   Editor's Note: By this summer, we'll have full evaluations on every one of these players. We actually evaluated several in the lead-up to the rankings release (which is how some of them ended up ranked in the first place). Here, backlinks are our friends, so if we have a piece on the site with more info on a player, we'll link it below!   Other Newly-Ranked Overviews:   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/newly-ranked-quarterbacks-overview/">QBs</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/newly-ranked-wr-rb-overview/" id="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/newly-ranked-wr-rb-overview/">RBs/WRs</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/newly-ranked-ol-overview/" id="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/newly-ranked-ol-overview/">OL</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/newly-ranked-dl-overview/">DL/Edge</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/newly-ranked-lb-overview/" id="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/newly-ranked-lb-overview/">LBs</a>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Top-Ranked New Additions</h3>   We had several newly-added defensive backs who jumped into the top 200. A few of them have full evaluations, and the guys who don't will get one in the coming months.   [player_tooltip player_id='2110745' first='EJ' last='Davis'] | Grimsley   Davis is the second-highest-ranked debuant in this rankings update, slotting in at 53rd. The safety excels against the run, with 48 tackles last season, and has the size and lateral quickness to make plays as a deep safety in the passing game.   [player_tooltip player_id='2141041' first='CJ' last='Deloatch'] | Ambassador Christian   Deloatch is another corner who has really seen his recruitment take off this offseason. He wasn't targeted a ton last season, but has excellent length and speed, and the type of ball skills colleges are looking for.   [player_tooltip player_id='2111006' first='Ramir' last='Harris-Dupree'] | Grimsley   Harris-Dupree is hot on the recruiting trail after a great junior season. He can play off-man, press, and zone, with the athleticism and ball skills to make game-changing plays.   [player_tooltip player_id='2206752' first='Ace' last='Clements'] | Weddington   Clements flew under the radar last season on Weddington's star-studded defense, but he's a long, technically sound corner with great ball skills. Expect him to make some noise in 2026.   [player_tooltip player_id='2158963' first='Noah' last='Taylor'] | Wake Prep   Taylor has elite size and great speed, and was recently a top performer at our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/prz-exposure-camp-db-analysis/">Prep Redzone Exposure Camp</a>. He's a legitimate Division 1 college prospect and just needs one school to recognize his talent.   [player_tooltip player_id='683130' first='Ra'Sean' last='Williams'] | Rolesville   We've written a ton about Williams in recent weeks after he dominated at our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/prep-redzone-north-carolina-exposure-camp-winners/">Prep Redzone Exposure Camp</a>. He has elite recovery speed and ball skills, and I truly think he'd be a top 10 prospect if he were a bit taller.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2027 DB Sleepers</h2>   I want to highlight a few sleepers. Again, we'll have plenty of full evaluations over the next month or so, but these are just some preliminary "guys to watch out for."   [player_tooltip player_id='2005255' first='Jayden' last='Barnes'] | Middle Creek   Barnes is a prototypical corner with huge man coverage upside. His speed, length, hips, and footwork indicate he should have a great college career. With a bunch of other talented defenders on the roster last year, he could occasionally be forgotten, but as a senior, he should be one of the top corners in the state.   [player_tooltip player_id='2126976' first='Sam' last='Phillips'] | East Forsyth   I love Phillips' physical profile. His size, length, and speed make him a high-upside safety prospect. He isn't afraid to come down in the box to hit, and he has the athleticism to make plays on the back end.   [player_tooltip player_id='2138346' first='Lance' last='Parker'] | Franklin   A two-way player for most of his career, Parker took a big step forward as a safety in 2025. He has length and size, as well as a high I.Q., and he puts himself in position to make big plays.   [player_tooltip player_id='1321024' first='Christian' last='Liles'] | Butler   A talented multi-position athlete, Liles is a weight room warrior who could make a big impact for Butler after transferring in. I'm excited to see what he'll do with more playing time, and I think he could surprise some people in 2026.   Our 2027 rankings coverage is winding down. Stay locked in with Prep Redzone for more insights, evaluations, and rankings updates on the 2028 and 2029 classes. 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's 2027 Rankings Update was one of our biggest ever, with over 190 new players hitting the rankings since February. With a very limited amount of time before we move to the 2028 class, there just isn't enough time to properly cover every new addition. Instead, we're going to take a bird's-eye view and evaluate the newly ranked players in larger groups. Here's a 30,000-foot view of the 29 new defensive backs in the 2027 rankings.