Crumel is likely going to be most heavily recruited as a corner, thanks to his prototypical build and skill set, but he can also play safety, and that versatility is a huge plus. He was working a lot last offseason on gap integrity as a run-stopper at safety, turning a former weakness into a real strength. Even with all of that, he’s at his best on an island and picked off four passes last season for the Comets.

I originally pegged Crumel as a corner because of his build, but he’s also played some as a free safety, and I think he has the versatility to play both. He has excellent drive on the ball, and he’s far more physical than his size would suggest. In all ways, he plays bigger than his frame suggests.

Although Crumel might play some safety for Clayton this season, he has to make our list as the top corner in Johnston/Harnett County. He has the talent, technique, and production (seven pass breakups as a freshman) to be a truly elite defensive back. He’s physical in the running game and I’m interested to see if he can make a bigger impact closer to the middle of the field this season rather than out on an island every play.

Crumel could move safety this season, and I’m intrigued by how that will affect both his play on the field and his recruiting stock. He’s an instinctual football player who isn’t afraid to hit and has good ball skills. Assuming he can hone his ability to fill gaps and succeed as a run defender at safety, he’s a high-upside, versatile defender who can be deployed in a variety of sets.

Akedran was one of the most dominant athletes at the NLG Myrtle Beach event. Widely regarded as the #1-rated defensive back in the class of 2027 by Prep Redzone North Carolina, he continues to impress on all fronts.

His size is the first thing that stands out—yet despite his frame, Akedran moves with the fluidity and quickness of a much smaller defensive back. His long arms, combined with a physical playstyle and the ability to bend and change direction, make him a nightmare for opposing receivers.

With his rare blend of size, athleticism, and technique, AK should be considered one of the top defensive backs in the nation.

Crumel is going to be extremely difficult to unseat as the state’s top corner in his class, an opinion that got stronger once I saw him in practice earlier this offseason. He has excellent length and intincts that should lead to plenty of production on the ball. He didn’t have any interceptions last year, but the rest of the secondary is solid and he should still see targets because of that. He has the hands and ball skills to end up with some interceptions this season.