2012 College Football Postion Rankings: Top 5 Cornerbacks

2012 College Football Postion Rankings – Top 5 Cornerbacks:The argument has often been made the no position is harder to play in football than cornerback. After all, having the speed and footwork to even keep up with a wide receiver is tough enough, but cornerbacks must have incredible acceleration and ability to change direction in order to react to the hundreds of routes they will encounter. Throw in the fact that covering receivers is only a small part of the position’s responsibilities, and it is easy to understand why it takes a special player to be a successful corner at any level. With that in mind, here is a look at the best at the position in college football.

2012 College Football Postion Rankings: Top 5 Cornerbacks

1.      Tyrann Mathieu, LSU Tigers

He isn’t the biggest or the fastest corner in the country, but nobody makes more meaningful plays. From timely interceptions to game-changing sacks and forced fumbles, he saves his most impactful plays for when the Tigers them the most. Mathieu is also special in the return game, but his versatility on defense alone is unmatched at the cornerback spot. The player nicknamed “Honey Badger” isn’t the most physically imposing, but he gets the job done where it counts. Mathieu was a Heisman finalist for a reason.

2.      David Amerson, N.C. State Wolfpack

At the next level, Amerson could end up becoming the best corner out of this group. He is a classic cover corner and has great technique and instincts. Last year, it paid off to the tune of 13 interceptions in 13 games. Amerson led the country in the category, and his total was the second most in college football history. His interceptions are bound to decline as quarterbacks refuse to even throw it in his direction, but the Wolfpack still have the luxury of Amerson shutting down half the field.

3.      Nigel Malone, Kansas State Wildcats

Although he is a senior this season, Malone will be playing just his second season for the Wildcats. The former junior college transfer made the transition look easy last season, grabbing seven interceptions to lead the team. Playing cornerback in the pass-happy Big 12 is no small order, but Malone more than held his own. A year of experience against top competition should have Malone even better prepared in 2012-13. His natural talent and instincts for reading quarterbacks was obvious last season, and he is just scratching the surface of his potential.

4.      Johnny Adams, Michigan State Spartans

Adams does a little bit of everything for the Spartans. He had three interceptions and four sacks last year, and he knows how to utilize his blazing speed. At roughly 170 pounds, Adams isn’t the biggest corner, but he isn’t afraid to put his hat on a ball carrier either. He had 51 tackles last season for a Spartans’ defense that was among the best in the Big Ten. The coaching staff will take full advantage of his versatility once again this year, unleashing the speedy corner in a variety of ways.

5.      Merrill Noel, Wake Forest Demon Deacons

He started as a freshman last season, and opposing quarterbacks tried to take advantage of him all year. The key word is tried because Noel responded to the challenge by breaking up a school-record 19 passes. He also added a pair of interceptions and 66 tackles, proving he is more than just a cover corner. His potential is matched only by his fearlessness. Noel’s surprising production as a freshman bodes well for his future, and in a few years, his name could appear at the top of this list.

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