January New Additions: 2027 DBs

We're in the midst of our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/updated-2027-north-carolina-rankings/">2027 Rankings Update</a>, and we're looking at every new player in the group. So, we're going position by position to tell fans everything they need to know about the newly-ranked players. Here, we're breaking down the five new additions to the 2027 defensive back rankings.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">New 2027 Defensive Backs</h2>    Jones has serious athleticism and can line up in a variety of positions. He averaged over 20 yards per catch on offense, and lined up at free safety, slot corner, and even linebacker as a defender. He's best as a hybrid box safety who can cause fits against the run, but his length and speed give him great coverage upside, as well. We're excited to see how he continues to develop over the next year.     Tarboro was so senior-laden in 2025 that it was difficult for underclassmen to crack the rotation. But Bullock will have an even bigger role in 2026 as the leading returning tackler on a defense that we expect to be elite once again. Because the Vikings play so aggressively, he'll often line up at linebacker, and he can hold his own against bigger blockers, thriving in the running game.     Despite his size, Lindsey is a true free safety with elite ball skills. He's picked off eight passes in two years, several by closing distances that quarterbacks simply don't expect him to be able to close. He has a great feel for how to read the quarterback's eyes and routinely makes difficult plays in space. He's a willing tackler who can come down and make plays in the box. He usually plays to the boundary because he has the range to make plays across the field, giving Eastern Alamance a distinct schematic advantage on defense.     Often tasked with covering the opposition's best receiver, Smith was incredibly productive on the ball, picking off six passes and returning an eye-opening three for a touchdown. He's always balanced in his backpedal, and he drives on the ball well, often able to bait quarterbacks into throws before quickly closing. The coverage skills are obvious, as is his athleticism, as he put up several big plays on an offense that struggled to find consistency.     Crenshaw has excellent ball skills as a cover corner, as evidenced by his three interceptions and eight pass breakups in 2025. He can play off-coverage or get physical with bigger receivers in press. He's rarely muscled off his line and maintains square shoulders so he can break on the ball out of his backpedal. He's physical in coverage, so we expect that to translate to future productivity as a run-defender.    There's plenty to come from Matt Morrow, Joshua Graham, and me on the 2027 rankings over the next week. Stay locked in with Prep Redzone for more insights, evaluations, and rankings updates. Want to share Prep Redzone with a friend? Promo code Helms30 will get them 30% off their first billing cycle for any subscription. Want to be evaluated? Send me your film! <a href="https://x.com/whelms21">@whelms21</a> on Twitter/X.

We're in the midst of our 2027 Rankings Update, and we're looking at every new player in the group. So, we're going position by position to tell fans everything they need to know about the newly-ranked players. Here, we're breaking down the five new additions to the 2027 defensive back rankings.