New Additions: Top 2025 Defensive Backs Earn New Ranking

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Which 2025 defensive backs earned a new Prep Redzone ranking?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1313904' first='Javion' last='Butts'] - Jones County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top defensive backs across Middle Georgia, it's easy to see why this hard-hitting defender was added to the latest Prep Redzone rankings during the summer update. A current North Carolina commitment, Butts is a physical, instinctive safety with more than enough size and versatility at 6-foot-1 180-pounds. He roams the back end in coverage but has no problem playing close to the line of scrimmage in order to help against the run. A reliable, sure-tackling defender, Butts is coming off a strong junior season where he made 51 tackles and two INTs. Butts held an impressive offer list before committing to the Har Teels and proved that he has a high ceiling as a run-stopping safety who can also cover plenty of ground in coverage. One of the very best defensive backs in the area, Butts was an easy addition to the 2025 rankings, coming in at No. 61 overall in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1313928' first='Zachry' last='Harden'] - Newton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top 2025 defensive backs east of Atlanta, Harden absolutely earned the right to be added to the latest rankings update. At 6-foot-2 190-pounds, Harden brings a physical presence with strong instincts in coverage. He reads the quarterback's eyes and breaks on the ball with ease, turning into a receiver when the ball comes his way. He's a physical defender who knows how to hit, and can leave a bruise on the running back on any particular tackle. A current Minnesota commitment, Harden has the size and playmaking instincts in coverage that has now made him the No. 106 prospect in the country. He's a versatile weapon who can cover receivers both on the perimeter and in the slot, showing he can make a big tackle against the run anywhere on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1313922' first='Ian' last='Williams'] - Cass</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A tough, hard-hitting defender who loves to come downhill and make a play from his safety spot, Williams was an impactful defensive back last year for Osborne who will head up north to play at a Cass program on the rise. At 5-foot-11 180-pounds, Williams is a sure-tackler who does a good job of striking the ball-carrier behind his pads. His best football is on the rise and will only get better under the Cassdefensive staff. Williams is coming off an impactful junior season last year where he made 73 tackles and four INT,taking two of them back for touchdowns. He also recovered two fumbles and took them back for scores and broke up 14 more passes in coverage. He's an excellent run defender who plays the ball like a receiver, making it easy to add him to the 2025 Prep Redzone rankings. He's now ranked as the No. 117 overall prospect in Georgia for the 2025 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1313954' first='Osiris' last='Gilbert'] - Peachtree Ridge</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An impressive cover-corner on the rise, Gilbert shows quick feet, smooth hips, and above-average closing speed when breaking on the ball in coverage. He reads the quarterback well and found a way to make an impact among a talented group of defenders at Buford. Now, he'll play at Peachtree Ridge for his senior season and has a chance to be one of the top defensive backs in the region. He can play on an island and brings a track background as he can really run. His length and speed allows him to stay with some of the faster receivers he will see throughout the 2024 season. He made a recent commitment to CONN this summer and has now been added to the latest 2025 Prep Redzone rankings. Look for Gilbert to help lead one of the state's most talented secondaries during the 2024 season for the Lions this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->