As passing games heat up and offense rules supreme, cornerbacks are even more important than usual in college football. Shutting down top offenses is a massive challenge.
Here are 10 cornerbacks up for the fight and are must-watch components of college football's Week 8.
Top 10 cornerbacks to watch in Week 8
#10. Will Lee, Texas A&M
After junior college and playing at Kansas State, Lee is making an impact with the Texas A&M Aggies. Lee is second on the team in tackles with 22 and has broken up nine passes, including an interception. He'll be busy this weekend against Mississippi State.
#9. Aveion Terrell, Clemson
An outstanding sophomore who broke up six passes a year ago, Terrell has been impressive in 2024. He has 21 tackles while breaking up another eight passes, including a pair of interceptions. The 5-foot-11 Terrell will next get his chance to shine against Virginia.
#8. Mello Dotson, Kansas
After a second-team All-Big 12 season in 2023, Dotson has been one of the few bright spots for Kansas in 2024. The senior corner has 32 tackles and six pass breakups, including three interceptions. The Jayhawks have a good shot at victory when they host Houston this week.
#7. Michael Coats, Nevada
A JUCO recruit who didn't see much action last year, Coats has been busy for Nevada this year. He has 21 tackles and has broken up 11 passes, which ties for second in the nation. Coats also has three interceptions and will take a shot at Fresno State this week.
#6. Cam Lockridge, Fresno State
Another JUCO recruit who only started three games a year ago, Lockridge is shining in 2024. He's third on the Bulldogs in tackles with 29 and has broken up 10 passes, including three interceptions. He's fourth nationally in pass breakups and will play at Nevada this week.
#5. Jemari Harris, Iowa
At 6-foot-1, Harris has the length and skills to cover outside receivers. This season, he has 15 tackles and eight pass breakups, including three interceptions. Harris even has a pick-six this year. Harris will play at Michigan State this weekend.
#4. Will Johnson, Michigan
Arguably the best pure corner in the nation, the 6-foot-2 Johnson doesn't see a ton of action. His experience and reputation led teams to simply throw away from Johnson. This season, he has 14 touchdowns and five pass breakups, including a pair of pick-sixes. The Wolverines play at Illinois this weekend.
#3. Terrence Spence, James Madison
A transfer from Holy Cross, the 6-foot-2 Spence has 18 tackles and is tied for second in the nation with four interceptions. Spence even returned one pick for a touchdown. His Dukes face Georgia Southern this weekend.
#2. Charles Brantley, Michigan State
Brantley has been a productive part of the Spartans' surprising season. The junior has 23 tackles and has broken up eight passes, including three interceptions, one of which was a pick-six. Brantley and the Spartans will host Iowa this Saturday.
#1. Nohl Williams, California
Williams was a competent returning starter, but even Cal fans have to be surprised by how effective he's been for the Bears. The senior has 19 tackles and has broken up nine passes. But his six interceptions not only lead the nation, it's two picks ahead of his competition. Williams even managed a pick-six touchdown this year along with a kick return score. He's been a star.
Which cornerbacks will you be watching in Week 8? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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