Josiah Bedford Josiah Bedford 5'11" | 175 lbs | DB/ATH Overhills | 2027 State NC is one of the top defensive backs in the region and the leader of a veteran Overhills secondary. The senior checks a lot of the boxes you look for at the position—speed, quickness, strength, experience, and natural playmaking ability. Bedford can cover ground quickly, stay competitive in coverage, and has the ball skills to turn opportunities into turnovers. Beyond the physical tools, his leadership and experience stand out. With a talented group around him, Bedford has a chance to put together a big senior season and establish himself as a legitimate college prospect in the secondary.

Josiah Bedford Josiah Bedford 5'11" | 175 lbs | DB/ATH Overhills | 2027 State NC is one of the top defensive playmakers returning for Overhills. The Class of 2027 defensive back brings a physical presence to the secondary and has the versatility to play either cornerback or safety at the next level. A reliable tackler who consistently finds his way to the football, Bedford plays with confidence and toughness. What separates him is his ability to hold up in man coverage, making him a defender coaches can trust on an island against some of the region’s top receivers. With his combination of physicality, instincts, and versatility, Bedford is poised for a big season in 2026.

Josiah Bedford Josiah Bedford 5'11" | 175 lbs | DB/ATH Overhills | 2027 State NC , a junior defensive back from Overhills High School, is another athlete to keep an eye on during the tournament. Bedford brings a strong blend of athleticism, physical play, and instincts to the secondary, allowing him to consistently put himself in position to make plays on the football.

Bedford shows the versatility to line up in multiple spots in the defensive backfield, whether covering receivers on the outside or playing deeper in the secondary. His ability to read routes, react quickly, and compete at the catch point makes him a defensive back capable of impacting games. As the competition picks up this weekend, Bedford will have a great opportunity to showcase his skills against some of the top passing offenses at the event.

Bedford doesn’t have the elite size of some of the other safeties in the class of 2027, but he was extremely opportunistic and isn’t afraid to stick his head down in the running game. Bedford got better as the season progressed and looks like a guy who could continue to ascend our list.