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.

Willingham, one of the best 2028 DBs in the state, is the true X factor for North Atlanta. He is a true corner prospect with prototype traits. He is listed around 6’0 185, but broad shoulders and length allow him to play and look even bigger than that. He physically attaches to routes, can accelerate to the ball, and still has tread on the tires in his development. I think he can find an extra gear, and that is what I will be looking for this fall.

A dynamic young athlete in the Atlanta area, this promising defensive back opened up plenty of eyes during the 2024 season where he was named First-Team All-Region due to his five INTs, 11 pass-breakups, 23 total tackles, and two forced fumbles. Already one of the top young DBs across the state, Willingham is ranked as the No. 4 ATH and the No. 27 overall prospect in the state for the 2028 class. He’s a instinctive defender in coverage with terrific natural ball skills. College coaches have taken notice, and now the playmaking freshman has earned his first SEC offer from the Auburn Tigers. Look for more and more to come his way soon.

With early offers from FBS programs, most notably Auburn, Willingham has already emerged as one of the premier 2028 prospects in the state. Willingham flashed from his first game on the HS scene, showcasing his ball skills and range with an impressive INT and some physical tackles against Kell. His length, range, and instincts flashed as a freshman, consistently finding himself in positions to make plays on the football. All while proving difficult to separate against. Willingham is only going to improve as he makes jumps physically, meaning he hasn’t even started to play his best ball.

Kell tested Bryce Willingham Bryce Willingham 6'0" | 160 lbs | DB North Atlanta | 2028 State GA , who was making his first ever start at the HS level, as a freshman. He proved himself by making a physical INT through traffic. He has a basketball background and there is plenty of physical upside left in the tank. There are several athletic indicators here, and he added an offer from Georgia State to back that up.