Cornerbacks Stepping Into the Spotlight in 2023

Author:
Matt Perkins
Publish date:
Mar 18, 2023

Continuing my series on players emerging from the shadows in 2023, let's take a look at the cornerbacks.

1. Kalen King, Penn State

Overshadowed by: Joey Porter Jr., Devon Witherspoon

While his teammate Porter was the guy who got all the headlines in 2022, it was actually King who was the more effective corner. With him and fellow projected first-rounder Witherspoon headed to the draft from the Big Ten, King takes over as CB1 in the conference. He is long and twitchy and one of the best man corners in the entire country.

Jan 2, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback Kalen King (4) catches an interception against Utah Utes wide receiver Devaughn Vele (17) in the first half of the 109th Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl.
© Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

2. Josh Newton, TCU

Overshadowed by: Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson

A transfer from ULM before last season, Newton quietly was one of the most effective corners in the pass-happy Big 12. He's one of the unquestioned leaders of a Horned Frogs team that is out to prove that 2022 wasn't a fluke.

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3. Javon Bullard & Kamari Lassiter, Georgia

Overshadowed by: Kelee Ringo

Neither Bullard nor Lassiter have Ringo's truly elite physical traits, but both can do it all at the cornerback position. Bullard spent most of 2022 in the slot but projects to move outside opposite Lassiter with Ringo now in the draft. The Dawgs continue to put out elite defenders at all three levels.

Jan 9, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; TCU Horned Frogs running back Corey Wren (21) runs the ball between Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Kamari Lassiter (3) and defensive back Javon Bullard (22) during the first half in the CFP national championship game at SoFi Stadium.
© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

4. Travis Hunter, Colorado

Overshadowed by: All of FBS

The nation's number one recruit a year ago now has the chance to show why he was so highly rated coming out of high school before committing to Coach Prime and Jackson State. With all four first and second-team All-Pac 12 performers off to the NFL, it's time for a new era in the conference. Hunter has all the physical tools you could want in a corner, and he'll get a chance to prove it this fall.