There is a greater emphasis now than ever before on vertical passing attacks in football at both the college and pro levels. That has led to even more reliance on the secondary players across the country as teams look to find the perfect combination of size, speed, fluidity, hands and ball instincts in their cornerbacks and safeties. We took the time to break down this year’s college football rosters in order to identify the best players at each of those positions as we continue to build the perfect lineup. Here is a look at our choices for our optimal college football lineup in the secondary.
CB: Desmond King, Iowa Hawkeyes
The reigning Thorpe award winner as college football’s best defensive back would be an absolute lock as a shutdown cornerback in our secondary. King tied for the second-most interceptions in the FBS with eight last season and he was credited with 13 pass breakups. Pro Football Focus graded him as the second-most efficient tackler among cornerbacks with just a single missed takedown attempt all season. King doesn’t have elite size at 5’11’’ and 200 pounds, but he is an elite athlete with outstanding instincts and ball skills that was clearly the best defensive back in the nation last season. Many people feel that he would have been among the top cornerbacks selected in the 2016 NFL Draft had he come out, but he decided to stay for one more year of seasoning. Even though Mel Kiper Jr. doesn’t have him on his big board, other scouting agents have him ranked as the top cornerback in the nation entering the 2017 season.
And don’t forget, his ability to return kicks on special teams makes him that much more valuable as the top cornerback on our board.
CB: Jalen Tabor, Florida Gators
Tabor was brought along slowly at Florida where he was able to play the No. 2 cornerback spot behind Vernon Hargreaves III. Tabor was excellent with four interceptions including two returned for touchdowns along with 14 pass breakups. He could have put up even better numbers if he had started the full 13 games instead of just nine and he will get his opportunity to show his immense potential when he moves in to the No. 1 cornerback position for the Gators this season. Florida will rely heavily on the 6’0’’, 191-pound Tabor to match up against the opponents top receivers and he should have no problem matching up against them.
FS: Jabrill Peppers, Michigan Wolverines
Peppers started last year at safety before being slotted in to the linebacker role. If that wasn’t enough, he worked as a receiver and running back while also getting work as a return man. His versatility is a major bonus but the reality is that his overall skill set makes him the ideal weapon at the free safety position, which is where he will line up for Michigan in 2016. Peppers has the kind of elite instincts that can’t be taught and he will have the opportunity to attack against both the run and pass with everything in front of him from that position in 2016. Peppers is an outstanding athlete that can do it all and he will have every chance to showcase his skill set this season.
SS: Derwin James, Florida State Seminoles
Florida State has churned out countless top defensive back prospects to the NFL over the last few years and James is the next in line as a potential star safety for the Seminoles. The 6’3’’, 212-pound James stole the show with 91 tackles in his freshman season, which was the most by a first-year Seminoles’ player under head coach Jimbo Fisher. His outstanding play in coverage was matched by his ability to step up and make plays near the line of scrimmage as he registered 4.5 sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. All eyes will be on James to see what he has in store for his sophomore season and the entire nation is expecting another monster performance at the safety position. His teammate, Jalen Ramsey, was the top defensive back selected off the board in the 2016 NFL Draft and James should be in the same range at the 2017 Draft.
