2013 College Football Expert Picks: Top 5 Cornerbacks – Bradley Roby Top CB

2013 College Football Expert Picks: Top 5 Cornerbacks – Bradley Roby Top CB: Already one of the toughest positions on football to play, life isn’t getting any easier for cornerbacks as a majority of college offenses are using versions of the spread system. Cornerbacks are being asked to not only have the speed and agility to cover receivers, but they must also have the strength and tackling ability to bring down ball carriers in space. As a result, it takes a combination of athletic talent, mental focus and knowledge of the game for a player to dominate at the cornerback spot. That being said, the top corners in the country can be game changers for their teams, and there is a reason that corners have won the last 11 Jim Thorpe Awards given to the best defensive back in the country. With that in mind, here is a closer look at the best cornerbacks in the country heading into the 2013 college football season.

1.      Bradley Roby, Ohio State Buckeyes

With his combination of coverage skills and big play ability, Roby has been talking Heisman during the spring. While that particular award may be out of his reach, the Jim Thorpe Award is certainly possible. He is coming off a year when he broke up 19 passes and returned an interception and a punt for a score. He is already one of the nastiest cover corners in the country, and with the Buckeyes adding more talent along the defensive front this year, Roby should have even more opportunities to use his speed and athleticism to make big plays.

2.      Jason Verrett, TCU Horned Frogs

TCU’s move to the pass-happy Big 12 meant a lot more work for Verrett, but he rose to the occasion. He finished last season with six interceptions, and he led the country with 22 passes defensed. He wasn’t afraid to throw his helmet around either, finishing with 63 tackles, including 5.0 for loss. Plain and simple, Verrett is one of the best cover corners in the country. If Big 12 QBs continue to test him, he will continue to make them pay in what should be an impressive senior season.

3.      Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Oregon Ducks

While he has room to improve in terms of technique at the cornerback spot, his natural athleticism more than makes up for some of his other flaws. Ekpre-Olomu is coming off a year when he grabbed four interceptions and recorded 63 tackles. He also forced an incredible six fumbles, leaving little doubt about his willingness to deliver crushing hits when receivers to catch the ball in his area. In terms of physical tools, he might be the most-gifted corner in the country. If he refined his game at all in the offseason, he should make highlight-reel plays all year.

4.      Aaron Colvin, Oklahoma Sooners

He had the opportunity to play in a talented secondary for the first three years of his college career, and Colvin is set for a big senior year as he assumes a leadership role for the Sooners’ defense. After recording 84 tackles as a sophomore, he logged 2.0 sacks, four interceptions and 61 tackles last year as a junior. There really isn’t anything Colvin can’t do from the cornerback spot, and as the best returning player in the secondary, he will get plenty of more chances to make plays.

5.      Bene Benwikere, San Jose State Spartans

Benwikere plays in a small conference, but he makes big plays. He stuffed the stat sheet last year, picking off seven passes and defensing 11 more. He also added 67 tackles, including 7.5 for loss. Benwikere scored a pair of defensive touchdowns, as well. Plain and simple, the guy is a do-it-all weapon for the San Jose State defense and one of the top playmakers at the cornerback spot.

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