Top 10 returning SEC cornerbacks to watch out for ahead of 2024 CFB season ft. Jason Marshall Jr.
While the SEC is the toughest league in college football, it is a bit depleted at the cornerback position. Most of the preseason lists of top defensive backs focus on the Big Ten or Big 12. But here are 10 SEC cornerbacks who could make a big mark in the 2024 season.
Top 10 returning SEC cornerbacks for the 2024 season
10. Jay'Vion Cole, Texas
Cole is a transfer from San Jose State. Last season, he had 38 tackles and broke up 10 passes with the Spartans. He also had three interceptions. He's only 5-foot-10 but has impressive speed and good ball skills.
9. Marlon Jones Jr., Vanderbilt
A rangy 6-foot-1 corner, Jones is a transfer from FCS Eastern Washington. In the past two seasons, Jones has broken up seven passes and added six interceptions. He had two pick-sixes last year and was twice an All-Big Sky pick. Given the issues with Vanderbilt's defense a season ago, Jones will certainly have plenty of chances to shine in 2024.
8. Mark Davis Jr., Vanderbilt
A transfer from Southern Illinois, Davis proves what can happen when talent meets opportunity. At 6-foot-2, he's rangy and athletic. Last season at SIU, Davis broke up 10 passes and picked off three. Again, given Vanderbilt's defensive issues, Davis could shine from day one.
7. Gentry Williams, Oklahoma
In 10 starts last season with the Sooners, Williams had 30 tackles, four tackles for loss and three interceptions. A four-star recruit, Williams was a track star in high school. He uses that speed in the secondary. He'll help Oklahoma make its jump into the SEC.
6. Malik Muhammad, Texas
Muhammad played off the bench as a freshman and showed massive potential. He had 31 tackles and broke up four passes with an interception. Muhammad also got some special teams time and returned a blocked punt for a touchdown. A consensus top-100 recruit, the 6-foot-tall Muhammad is ready to step into a bigger role this season.
5. Key Lawrence, Oklahoma
A transfer from Tennessee, Lawrence has played a part-time role for three years in the OU secondary. With 157 career tackles, 11 pass break ups and three interceptions, Lawrence is experienced and talented. The 6-foot-1 Lawrence packs enough of a wallop to play at safety but is speedy enough to star at corner.
4. Gavin Holmes, Texas
Holmes transferred in from Wake Forest before the 2023 season. He had 16 tackles and broke up a pair of passes for the Horns off the bench. A year ago, Holmes showed flashes of big play ability, but with a spot open, he'll likely shine in 2024 for the Horns.
3. Zy Alexander, LSU
A transfer from Southeastern Louisiana, Alexander started eight games for the Tigers in 2023 before suffering a season-ending injury while returning an interception. Alexander had 44 tackles, seven pass break ups and a pair of interceptions. At 6-foot-2, Alexander is lanky and can cover even the most explosive outside receivers.
2. Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky
A developing star, Harston had 68 tackles last season at Kentucky, including 11 pass break ups, five interceptions and a pair of pick-six scores. The 6-foot-1 junior is ready for another big season for the Wildcats in 2024.
1. Jason Marshall Jr., Florida
Marshall is a 6-foot senior who is outstanding in pass coverage. In the past two seasons at Florida, he's broken up 19 passes. Marshall has just two interceptions, but he's certainly done a solid job when offenses have been unfortunate enough to throw at him.
Which SEC cornerbacks are you excited to see in 2024? Let's hear your thoughts below in our comments section!