New Number One, Top Dubutants and Risers in the 2027 DB Class

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Missouri 2027 Rankings Reboot dropped last week with lots of movement within and plenty of new additions to the charts. Today we have the overview of the secondary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>*** Use code <strong>StopPRZ30</strong> to slash 30% off your subscription to Prep Redzone ***</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading"><em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/missouri/rankings/2027-rankings/"><strong>Tap here for access to the 2027 Missouri Rankings Reboot</strong></a></em></h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">New Number One</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1325176' first='Evan' last='Via'] of Ladue Horton Watkins elevated to not only the top cornerback in the Class of 2027 but the top overall player in the secondary after opening up film breakdown from the 2025 season. Via goes both ways, has the physical traits and athletic fluidity and explosivity needed at this particular premium position at the power conference level. [player_tooltip player_id='1324009' first='Keiran' last='Govan'] of Republic also made a big move into the Top 10 and made an argument for top prospect in the secondary. Govan did nail down top safety prospect and could inevitably grow into a linebacker if his genes take him that route. He is explosive, versatile, physical, aggressive and instinctive which are the defensive pre-requisites playing defense up the middle of the field. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">New Additions</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Half of the Top 10, the Top 15 and the Top 25 are new additions to the database throughout the offseason, meaning lots of fresh talent emerged during the 2025 season and through the camp and combine offseason. SLUH's [player_tooltip player_id='1752607' first='John' last='Ramella'] is the top ranking DB debutant and second highest ranking addition in the rankings release. Similar to Govan, Ramella has the capability to play deep and in the box, play the pass and the run, defend with athleticism and tackle with physicality.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Top New Additions</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2147686' first='Noah' last='Bell'] of Oak Park is our second ranked safety and came through Lindenwood in June with excellent measurables. His junior year film stood out well before the camp circuit however, and he put together Kyle Hamilton type flashes. A big 2026 could mean big things for the big safety.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2099143' first='Todd' last='Baston'] of Raytown South is a long, smooth and fluid athlete that can play all over the back half, fill lanes, and ball hawk with the best of them. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1355424' first='Dale' last='Clark'] out of Ray-Pec is the top nickel on the list. He has play history on both sides of the ball and can also be dangerous in the return game. He is undersized but difficult to beat laterally with his short area athletic ability and has verified speed in the 10.9s in the 100m.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2143080' first='Elijah' last='Endsley'] from Pembroke Hill has great size and length and plays both sides of the ball. He is one to show up on recruiting boards at both DB and WR at programs at multiple divisions. He is graded at the FBS level for both sides of the ball in terms of potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other notable additions in the Top 15 include [player_tooltip player_id='2147525' first='Kingston' last='Thomas'] from Lutheran North who we observed live at the EDGYTIM MLK Showcase in Chicagoland in 2025 and displayed exceptional coverage skills and competitiveness. [player_tooltip player_id='1335415' first='Jeremiah' last='Reed'] transferred into Lift For Life from East St. Louis (IL) this offseason but lit up the Lindenwood camp during the one on one sessions. His overall competitiveness was exceptional and played well above his undersized measurables. [player_tooltip player_id='2143645' first='Miles' last='Lowe'] from Chaminade is another safety with great size, physicality and football instincts, and very little action for his ability on the field. Similar to Govan and Ramella, don't be surprised to see him potentially on the depth chart at linebacker down the road as he continues to fill out his frame and grow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Additional Additions</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1231821' first='Jordan' last='Moore'] | Platte County<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2090554' first='Mason' last='Casso'] | Rockwood Summit<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2143130' first='Javione' last='Williams'] | Oak Park<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2164411' first='Pierce' last='White'] | Palmyra<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2143575' first='Junior' last='Poppen'] | Lee's Summit North<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2169246' first='Travon' last='Flowers'] | Park Hill South<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2143472' first='Zavion' last='Adams'] | Lafayette-Wildwood<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2143565' first='Phillip' last='Watts'] | Raymore-Peculiar<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2173565' first='Breandan' last='Kelsey'] | Van Horn<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2143716' first='Israel' last='Nelson'] | Raytown<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2264051' first='Lucas' last='Skinner'] | Oakville<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2143598' first='Andersen' last='McDonald'] | Pembroke Hill<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2143582' first='Matt' last='Cisco'] | Platte County<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2242171' first='Reece' last='Frederickson'] | St. Michael<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2264149' first='Adrian' last='Craig'] | MICDS<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2264155' first='Gaines' last='Trigg'] | Pembroke Hill</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Five Risers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Biggest gainer in the overall rankings is Hickman's [player_tooltip player_id='1325186' first='Jeyshan' last='Scott'] who moved 162 places up the charts and on the fringe of the Top 25 amongst all DBs. Scott is a Division I potential player based on his physical and athletic traits. He has short area burst, acceleration, reactive athleticism and aggressiveness attacking the run. Scott has the frame, length and athletic ability to provide value at the FCS level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1323484' first='Mikey' last='Vonner'] of Fort Zumwalt North is the highest ranked biggest riser, moving 151 places in the overall rankings and coming in Top 10 amongst the cornerback prospects and 17th amongst all secondary prospects. He has length, quick feet, good body control, can react and mirror, plays with technique.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1324007' first='Xanden' last='Johnson'] from Warrensburg is the third biggest riser on the chart, gaining 131 positions in the overall rankings. Johnson is a Top 20 corner in the state, plays hard and physical, brings a thump when he hits, displays good feet in transition and plenty of football instincts. Johnson is one of our top Division II prospects which should lead to some Division I looks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1188305' first='Corde' last='Bruce'] of Oak Park is our 4th biggest riser, gaining 74 overall positions and sitting on the fringe of the Top 15 safety prospects in the state. Bruce is another top Division II prospect that shows decent coverage ability, good ball skills, and tested well for his projection this summer with a 4.75x40 and over 32 vertical.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rounding the Top 5 Riser list is [player_tooltip player_id='1325180' first='Bryce' last='Kenner'] of De Smet Jesuit, who gained 73 places in the overall Rankings Reboot. Kenner is a quality Division I prospect with the versatility that allowed him to play all over the defensive backfield at safety, corner and nickel. Kenner has an excellent ceiling and looks to have quick feet, loose in the hips, able to mirror, transition and change direction. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Additional Risers</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1287002' first='Jackson' last='Rutledge'] | Seckman (+46)<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1323475' first='Cy' last='Wilmes'] | Blue Springs South (+28)<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1667966' first='Mike' last='Hollis'] | St. Mary's (+28)<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1187162' first='Ethan' last='Parrish'] | Lincoln College Prep (+26)<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1188264' first='Quincy' last='Jones'] | St. Louis University (+18)<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1236716' first='Cole' last='Leverett'] | Capital City (+18)<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1188345' first='Bookee' last='Kritza'] | Rock Bridge (+8)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">More on the 2027 Missouri Secondary</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:html --> https://prepredzone.com/2026/04/2027-missouri-rankings-watch-list-no-fly-zone-edition-encore/ <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> https://prepredzone.com/2026/04/2027-missouri-rankings-watch-list-no-fly-zone-edition/ <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> https://prepredzone.com/2026/03/newly-added-missouri-athletes-that-will-surge-in-2026/ <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> https://prepredzone.com/2026/03/show-me-state-dbs-with-next-level-potential/ <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:acf/position-ranking-table {"name":"acf/position-ranking-table","data":{"class":"2027","_class":"field_65cfb7374abb9","position":"2495","_position":"field_65cfbfcb19ad6","national_rankings":"0","_national_rankings":"field_660c1d73c0e49","state":"2437","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a7baf58efa0a"} /--> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading"><em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/missouri/rankings/2027-rankings/"><strong>Tap here for access to the 2027 Missouri Rankings Reboot</strong></a></em></h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>*** Use code <strong>StopPRZ30</strong> to slash 30% off your subscription to Prep Redzone ***</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/nielstopczynski/status/2086898950582268079","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/nielstopczynski/status/2086898950582268079 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->