STOCK RISERS: 2028 Defensive Backs See Rankings Boost

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These 2028 defensive backs saw a big rankings boost this summer...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1992115"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a6a3c57a3ce8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An elite cornerback prospect with five-star potential in the 2028 class, Goley made a significant jump towards the top of the rankings this summer, now ranked by Prep Redzone as the No. 2 DB and the No. 7 overall prospect in the state. The athletic 6-foot-1 175-pounder brings a lengthy frame with outstanding instincts and natural ball skills. A turnover machine with a knack for making big plays, Goley picked off an eye-opening six passes last season to go along with 32 tackles and 13 more pass-breakups. He's a sound cover corner bound for a dominant junior season this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["622410"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a6a3c57a3d32"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another elite defensive back who continues to rise in the Prep Redzone rankings, Boyd is a big-play defender for the mighty Carrollton Trojans with easy five-star potential. The 6-foot-0 190-pounder is now ranked as the No. 3 DB and the No. 8 overall prospect in the state for the 2028 class after a big sophomore season where he made 38 tackles, three INTs, two returned back for touchdowns, and seven more pass-breakups. He was named 1st-Team All-Region and is easily one of the very best defensive back prospects across the country for his class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2086190"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a6a3c57a3d79"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An electric playmaker who shines on offense, Carroll is a ball-hawk in the secondary and one of the very best safety prospects across the state in the 2028 class. The instinctive, sure-handed defensive back stands at 5-foot-10 175-pounds and made play after play last fall as a sophomore. The small-town athlete picked off an eye-opening seven passes last season while breaking up eight more. He plays fast, wraps up properly, and is now ranked by Prep Redzone as the No. 15 overall prospect in Georgia for his class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["873930"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a6b4995b5329"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An Atlanta-area defensive back who saw a boost into the top-60 across the state, Willingham is now ranked by Prep Redzone as the No. 10 DB prospect in the state after a strong sophomore season in 2025. The athletic 6-foot-1 190-pounder has length, quickness, and sticky hands that allow him to make consistent plays in coverage. He's a natural in the secondary who reads the quarterback, closes quickly on the ball, and wraps up properly when attacking the ball-carrier. The North Atlanta standout holds several impressive Power Four offers and should see more come his way over time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1208513"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a6b4995b5361"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An athletic two-way player who dominates wherever he's lined up, Bailey is a shifty, sure-handed weapon on offense who can turn around and make big plays in the secondary. A physical, hard-hitting cornerback, Bailey is also a playmaker in coverage who can shut down the opposing team's best wideout. The speedy athlete from Atlanta proved he's one of the best in the city for his class, making 41 tackles, breaking up 10 passes, and taking two INTs back for scores. He's now ranked as the No. 71 overall prospect in Georgia for the 2028 class who can climb even higher with a big 2026 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->