Defensive backs stock-risers in PRZLA’s latest 2027 rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone Louisiana released its latest 2027 class rankings update last week and continues taking a deeper dive into some of the newest developments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A few familiar faces on the defensive side of the ball saw their rankings rise within — or, in one instance, into — the top 100 after strong performances junior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at some of the more sizable leapers among defensive backs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1612641' first='Markez' last='Davis'] — 6-3, 170 DB/WR — Northwest</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Raiders' multisport standout has exploded from an intriguing wide receiver seemingly more focused the basketball court when he first hit the Prep Redzone Louisiana radar two years ago to one of the breakout recruiting stories of the offseason with his recent commitment to LSU as a long, fluid cornerback. Davis has sprouted up another couple of inches and, though early in his development in the role, shows sky-high potential with his explosiveness and ball skills he brings to DBU and the tutelage of secondary coach Corey Raymond.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1356113' first='Marvin' last='Joseph'] Jr. — 6-0, 180 DB/ATH — Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='942208' first='Mason' last='Moore'] — 5-10, 170 DB — Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both Wildcats safeties were both key playmakers as sophomores on the program's state championship run and are among the big reasons for confidence in the team's potential this fall. We haven't had verified speed numbers on Joseph since earlier in his career, and Moore doesn't have the prototypical size many college coaches eye for the position. But few players are as smart and instinctive as the Central duo, who both possess an elite nose for the ball and a knack for high-impact plays both in coverage and as tacklers — or, in Joseph's case, huge plays in all three phases.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='934563' first='Devin' last='Lavalais'] — 6-1, 180 ATH/DB — Marksville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The multisport star has been highly ranked from early in his career and takes a nice leap back forward after a year that included visible physical development, a memorable run leading his Tigers' second basketball title in three years and a football recruiting explosion. "Bam" has a strong build, instincts and an explosive burst that make him a nightmare for opposing offenses in the middle of the field with his abilities to read and break on throws down the field and to provide some physical enforcement. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1632323' first='Kaston' last='Lewis'] — 6-1, 180 DB/ATH — Iowa</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of Louisiana's major stock-risers of this season and particularly the playoffs, Lewis was one of the top playmakers on Iowa's historic first-ever state-title run with his all-around athleticism, instincts, ball skills and toughness on display both at running back and in the secondary. Lewis possesses good natural speed and plays even faster with his recognition and break. And when he arrives, he has all the physicality, timing and hands to be effective both as a tackler or playing the ball in the air. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1737490' first='Bra'jon' last='Melancon'] — 6-1, 160 DB/WR — North Iberville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Like Davis, Melancon initially hit the PRZLA radar with his multisport athleticism — in his case, in track and field — and early flashes as a pass-catcher, but has leaped up the rankings for his potential as a long, fluid cornerback prospect. He was highly productive on both sides of the ball this season with more than 700 yards as a receiver and five interceptions as a defensive back. He is a quick, springy athlete who consistently makes plays on throws his direction with his length and ability to track the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595354' first='James' last='Tyson'] — 6-0, 180 DB — St. Charles Catholic</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tyson debuted in the Prep Redzone Louisiana top 100 even before breaking into his Comets' lineup this season after having to sit a year following a transfer. He backed up that confidence with his opportunities in the fall and checked boxes, opened eyes with his 10.67-second 100-meter dash times during track season this spring and moved up even further in the rankings this month. Tulane may have landed another local steal with his commitment as the latest notable recruiting find and win for defensive backs coach J.J. McCleskey.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->