Top 10 returning ACC cornerbacks to watch out for in 2024 CFB season ft. Dorian Strong
The ACC has a ton of high-octane offenses on tap for 2024. The league may be decided based on who can slow the other's offense.
Which is where a collection of outstanding defensive backs enter the picture. Here are 10 of the best cornerbacks in the ACC this fall, who might be up to the task of shutting down some of college football's big-play offenses.
Top 10 returning ACC cornerbacks to watch out for in 2024 CFB season
#10 Kendren Smith, Virginia
A grad transfer from Penn, Smith obviously has more than enough smarts to compete in the ACC. A second-team All-Ivy League pick in 2023, he has 138 tackles and 24 pass break-ups in his career, including a pair of interceptions.
At 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, Smith is strong and physical and should be an impact player.
#9 Marcus Harris, California
Harris is a transfer portal addition by way of Oregon State and then Idaho. He was a first-team FCS All-American after a 2023 season that saw 51 tackles and 10 pass break-ups, which included three interceptions. Harris' career totals include 35 pass break-ups with six picks. He should be a day-one standout.
#8 Malcolm Greene, Virginia
A transfer ahead of the 2023 season from Clemson, Greene didn't have a big impact at UVA, with just 15 tackles. His career totals include 53 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and six pass break-ups, with a pair of interceptions.
Greene has plenty of experience and talent. He's only 5-foot-10, but he plays physically and could show massive improvement this year.
#7 Daryl Porter Jr., Miami
The 5-foot-10 Porter started his career at West Virginia. After two years there, he transferred to Miami, where he became a starter in 2023.
For his career, Porter has 80 tackles and a dozen pass break-ups including an interception. He was greatly improved last year and could star this season for the Hurricanes.
#6 Chandler Rivers, Duke
After a year as a part-time starter and another as a full-time starter, Rivers has a ton of experience at Duke. He has 110 tackles and 15 pass break-ups, including a pair of interceptions with a pick-six.
Rivers earned some all-Freshman honors and stepped up his game last season. He could be one of the league's top corners in 2024.
#5 Davonte Brown, Florida State
Brown is making the Florida tour, having previously played at UCF and Miami. He was a reserve last year for the Hurricanes but played well in two seasons as a starter at UCF. The 6-foot-2 Brown has 19 career pass break-ups, including three picks. He's a physical, rangy athlete who could shine in his third collegiate home.
#4 Aydan White, NC State
White has eight career interceptions and was an All-ACC pick in 2022. He had a bit of a slump last season but still broke up 10 passes with a pair of interceptions. White has All-American upside if he can stay consistent and get some push from the defensive front to help him create plays.
#3 Fentrell Cypess II, Florida State
A transfer from Virignia after 2022, Cypress was an honorable mention All-ACC in his first season with Florida State. He had 40 tackles and eight pass break-ups on the season. Cypress broke up 14 passes in his two years at UVA. He's experienced, speedy and could be an impact player in the Seminole defense.
#2 Quincy Riley, Louisville
A transfer from Middle Tennessee after 2021, Riley had broken up 19 passes including six interceptions in his two years at Louisville. That includes 14 pass break-ups in 2023, when he also had 49 tackles. He was an honorable mention All-ACC pick last year but seems destined for higher honors in 2024.
#1 Dorian Strong, Virginia Tech
A starter through most of his Virginia Tech career, Strong had a big 2023 campaign with eight pass break-ups including three interceptions. That took the three-year starter to 22 career break-ups and five picks.
He was a third-team All-ACC pick last season, but given his speed and experience, he may be the league's top cover corner this season.
Which ACC stars are you excited to see this fall? Weigh in with your comments below!