Top 10 cornerbacks to watch out for in Week 9 of college football ft. Nohl Williams
As more high-powered offenses continue to roll through college football, cornerbacks, the defenders who can stop them, remain at a premium. Great CBs can be found anywhere, from traditional powers like Michigan to surprises like Navy to disappointments like Kansas. Here are 10 of the top cornerbacks in action in Week 9.
10 cornerbacks to watch in Week 9
#10. Cam Lockridge, Fresno State
A JUCO addition who came off the bench last season, Lockridge has had a busy 2024. He has 31 tackles this year and has broken up 10 passes. That includes a trio of interceptions. Lockridge and the Bulldogs play San Jose State this week.
#9. Trey Amos, Ole Miss
A transfer from Alabama, Amos is getting plenty of action with the Rebels. Amos has 29 tackles and has broken up a dozen passes, which ties for second in the nation. He has three interceptions, with one in each of his last two games. The Rebels host Oklahoma this week, which has struggled with passing.
#8. Charles Brantley, Michigan State
Playing a massive state rivalry game this week, Brantley has a chance to make some big plays. A junior, Brantley has 26 tackles and eight pass break-ups. Those include a trio of interceptions, one of which was a pick six. Brantley is primed for a memorable Week 9.
#7. Will Lee, Texas A&M
A transfer from Kansas State, Lee has been a standout with the Texas A&M Aggies. Lee has 28 tackles, which ties for second most on the team. He also has managed nine pass breakups. This weekend, Lee will face LSU, which will give him an opportunity to shine.
#6. Michael Coats, Nevada
Coats was a JUCO who stepped into a massive opportunity. He's broken up 15 passes this season for Nevada, which leads the nation. Two weeks ago, he had a game for the ages against Oregon State, with seven pass break ups and a pair of interceptions. This week, Coats plays at Hawaii.
#5. Dashaun Peele, Navy
Peele had a remarkable Week 8. Against Charlotte, he not only intercepted a pair of passes-- but he also returned each for a touchdown. On the season, Peele has 19 tackles and has broken up six passes, with another interception. He's part of the reason that Navy has been one of the surprises of the season.
#4. Cobee Bryant, Kansas
A two-time All-Big 12 pick, Bryant had a game to remember last week. He picked off three passes in the win over Houston. For the season, Bryant has 23 tackles and has broken up eight passes, with four of those going for interceptions. The Jayhawks will face Kansas State this week, and Bryant will try to replicate an all-time top cornerback performance.
#3. Will Johnson, Michigan
The standout corner prospect is having a fairly quiet season, largely because defenses are too smart to throw at him. He has 14 tackles and has broken up five passes. The Wolverines have benefited from a pair of Johnson pick-sixes, which are his only interceptions of the year so far. He'll be looking for another big play against Michigan State.
#2. Terrence Spence, James Madison
Spence came over from FCS Holy Cross and has been an impact player from day one. The 6-foot-2 senior has 21 tackles and has managed four interceptions, with a pick six among them. The Dukes will play Southern Miss this weekend.
#1. Nohl Williams, California
Williams continues to lead the nation in interceptions with a whopping six picks (two more than anyone else). The senior standout cornerback has 25 tackles and has broken up a total of 10 passes in seven games. Williams and the Bears will face Oregon State this week, and he will look to continue his run of secondary excellence as arguably the nation's top cornerback.
Which cornerbacks will you be watching in Week 9? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!