Tag: cornerbacks

Wisconsin offers class of 2025 Miami (OH) cornerback commit

Wisconsin offers class of 2025 Miami (Ohio) cornerback commit

Wisconsin football extended an offer to class of 2025 cornerback Cairo Skanes on Wednesday.

The 6-foot, 155-pound cornerback committed to Miami (Ohio) back in June. Nonetheless, Skanes boasts over 20 offers from programs including Charlotte, Princeton, Troy, Richmond, James Madison and Michigan State.

Despite being unranked by both Rivals and 247Sports. On3 lists Skanes as the No. 152 cornerback and No. 51 recruit from North Carolina for the class of 2025. While his commitment to Miami (OH) still holds true, On3’s recruiting prediction machine awards Miami just a 5.5% chance to retain the playmaker.

Every other program holds under a 10% likelihood of securing a commitment from the cornerback, per On3.

Wisconsin has secured 22 commitments for its class of 2025. As of Oct. 16, Luke Emmerich, Grant Dean, Jaimier Scott and Remington Moss comprise UW’s current cornerback group.

Through seven games of his senior slate, Skanes has accumulated 51 total tackles and two tackles for loss for Providence Day School in Asheville, North Carolina.

Wisconsin makes the top 10 for four-star class of 2026 cornerback

Wisconsin makes the top 10 for four-star class of 2026 cornerback

Wisconsin top class of 2026 cornerback target Victor Singleton included the Badgers in his final batch of schools on Friday.

Luke Fickell’s program was listed alongside Missouri, Tennessee, Michigan, Ohio State, Kentucky, Penn State, Oregon, Nebraska and Texas A&M.

Over 20 college programs have extended an offer to Singleton thus far, per 247Sports. Those include Pittsburgh, Mississippi State, Louisville, Illinois, Iowa and Cincinnati.

247Sports considers the 6-foot, 160-pound cornerback the No. 45 overall recruit, No. 4 cornerback and No. 2 recruit from Ohio for the class of 2026. If Wisconsin were able to land the dynamic playmaker, he would emerge as one of Fickell’s most impressive recruiting victories for the class of 2026.

Wisconsin extended its offer to Singleton on Mar. 11, 2024, roughly two months before Singleton’s offers began to balloon. He represents Central Catholic High School in Toledo, Ohio, and is considered a four-star by On3, ESPN, 247Sports and Rivals.

Both 247Sports and On3 project the top cornerback to land at Ohio State. On3’s recruiting prediction machine has the Buckeyes with a 94.9% chance to secure his commitment. 247Sports Ohio State insider Bill Kurelic made a crystal ball prediction in July favoring the Buckeyes as well.

Still, Wisconsin’s inclusion is more than notable. It will now compete with some of the most prestigious programs in the country to land one of the nation’s most promising players.

Wisconsin cornerback among PFF’s highest-graded true freshmen entering Week 4

Wisconsin cornerback among PFF’s highest graded true freshmen in 2024

Wisconsin cornerback Xavier Lucas is ranked No. 8 among ProFootballFocus’ highest-graded true freshmen through the first three weeks of the 2024 season.

The Pompano Beach, Florida, native was sandwiched between Texas linebacker Colin Simmons and Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith with an overall grade of 79.9. Texas wide receiver Ryan Wingo took the top spot with a 90.6 mark, followed by South Carolina’s superstar edge Dylan Stewart at 85.9.

Outside of OSU’s Smith, other Big Ten notables include Nebraska wide receiver Jacory Barney Jr., Washington tight end Decker Degraaf and Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola.

Through three games, Lucas owns the only takeaway by Wisconsin’s defensive unit after intercepting Western Michigan quarterback Kaleb Eleby in garbage time of Week 1. He also registered two tackles in the contest.

The true freshman then suffered a minor injury during the Badgers’ second game of the season against South Dakota, though he returned for the Badgers’ 42-10 loss to No. 4 Alabama on Sept. 14.

Nonetheless, Lucas has firmly cemented himself as a valuable piece in defensive coordinator Mike Tressel’s secondary. While veteran Nyzier Fourqurean will continue to take lead snaps alongside star corner Ricardo Hallman, Lucas will certainly be in the mix down the line.

Seattle Seahawks sign former Wisconsin cornerback to practice squad

Seattle Seahawks sign former Wisconsin cornerback to practice squad

The Seattle Seahawks signed former Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Faion Hicks to their practice squad on Friday.

The move arrived a few days after the Cleveland Browns released the UW alumnus to finalize their 53-man roster ahead of the 2024 season. Tyus Bowser, a veteran outside linebacker who spent all seven of his NFL seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, also signed to Seattle’s 17-man practice squad last week.

Following his collegiate tenure in Madison, Hicks was drafted in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL draft by the Denver Broncos. He appeared in two games for the Broncos in 2022, spending most of the season on the practice squad.

Denver released Hicks prior to the 2023 season, and he signed with the Saints in Sept. 2023. There, he played on the practice squad for the season before being released once more ahead of the offseason.

https://twitter.com/seahawksPR/status/1829565942873072123

 

Chiefs released 2023 draft pick CB Nic Jones on Wednesday

Kansas City #Chiefs released 2023 draft pick CB Nic Jones on Wednesday | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ initial selections for the 53-man roster aren’t yet in the clear as the front office continues to make adjustments.

According to the team’s transactions log, Kansas City has released cornerback Nic Jones. The 2023 seventh-round draft selection became expendable following the waiver claim of defensive back Eric Scott.

Jones played nine games during his lone season with the Chiefs, collecting four tackles. He was among the many young defensive backs competing for limited spots in the secondary. The Ball State standout showed flashes of promise in training camp last year, but they didn’t translate immediately during his limited time on the field.

The 6-foot, 185-pound cornerback was selected 250th overall because of his excellent ball skills and versatility, with snaps inside and outside on defense. He also stood out as a strong special teams performer, catching Kansas City’s attention.

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has managed to retain several players cut over the last 24 hours to the practice squad. There will continue to be movement as the team seeks the best personnel ahead of Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens.

Marshon Lattimore returns to practice ahead of Week 1 kickoff game

Marshon Lattimore may have been limited in Thursday’s practice, but his return to practice is a welcomed sight leading into game week.

The New Orleans Saints are 10 days away from their regular season opener versus the Carolina Panthers and one step closer to a complete secondary.

Marshon Lattimore, the Saints’ star cornerback, return to practice for the first time since suffering a hip flexor injury early in Saints training camp. It’s been a bit of an odd timeline this offseason for Lattimore in relation to his health and relationship with the team.

There was apparent tension between Lattimore and Dennis Allen that was addressed when the cornerback returned for mandatory minicamp. Allen previously said that he wasn’t losing sleep over Lattimore’s status, but he would have been listed as a limited participant on Wednesday if the team had to issue a regular injury report.

It’s been relatively quiet since Lattimore’s injury and has led to some speculating those tensions were either downplayed earlier in the summer or flared back up. Regardless, the silence allowed the narrative of Lattimore’s discontent to further. We saw him work with trainers once, but not much was said about his progress.

Lattimore returned as a limited participant in Thursday’s practice. It may be limited, but it’s a good sign of his availability for Week 1. His running mate, Paulson Adebo, just returned from injury as well. Having both of their cornerbacks was necessary going into the season.

If Lattimore returns in time for kickoff, the Saints’ most formidable position group will be at full strength for the season opener.

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Brandon Facyson IR trip puts Raiders woefully thin at cornerback

Brandon Facyson IR trip puts Raiders woefully thin at cornerback

Something will have to give here. Wednesday the Raiders placed Brandon Facyson on injured reserve, which means he will miss at least the first four games of the season. And leaving the Raiders in a precarious position at the position.

As of right now they have the three starters — Nate Hobbs, Jack Jones, and Jakorian Bennett — and rookie fourth round pick DeCamerion Richardson.

And that’s it.

Obviously that means one injury and they’re starting a fourth round rookie. Which is bad enough. But even if Richardson were a player they could trust to handle the job, it still leaves them with a real depth problem.

They would have the option of activating a cornerback from the practice squad each week until Facyson returns. Currently that cornerback would be Sam Webb. But that seems a tad ridiculous, especially considering so long as he is on the practice squad he is vulnerable to getting poached by another team.

I wouldn’t expect this situation to remain as it is now. I’d expect they will continue to seek to bring in a fifth cornerback.

All-Pro Chiefs cornerback’s message to Steve Spagnuolo: ‘Wherever he needs me, I’ll go and play’

Kansas City #Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie message to Steve Spagnuolo: ‘Wherever he needs me, I’ll go and play’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie’s evolution continues as he enters the 2024 season, and he is ready to wear multiple hats as a defensive leader.

Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie spoke with the media on Monday, sharing his thoughts on defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s potential plans for him in the secondary.

“Like I always tell (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) Coach Spags, wherever he needs me, I’ll go and play,” said McDuffie. “Last year, being able to be at nickel really helped me out comfortability-wise, but being back on the outside (corner position) also (has) been really fun. Just getting back into the swing of things.”

McDuffie earned First Team All-Pro honors last season for his dominance in the slot. He’s accumulated 124 tackles, four sacks, and six forced fumbles through two seasons. He plans to improve on those stats as he potentially becomes the primary starting cornerback.

“I feel like corner is such a perfectionist type (of) position, your technique has to be flawless,” said McDuffie. “So, just going to work each and every day (and) just trying to perfect both positions has been a lot of fun for me.”

The absence of L’Jarius Sneed this year has been discussed often, as has whether McDuffie can fulfill that role. He appears confident in taking over the position and continuing his All-Pro play on defense.

Trent McDuffie on role as Chiefs’ top cornerback: ‘I’m still growing and learning’

Trent McDuffie told reporters that he is ‘still growing and learning’ in his new role as the #Chiefs’ top cornerback. | @EdEastonJr

Offseason changes to the Kansas City Chiefs’ defense have forced adjustments on the team’s depth chart, with some players taking on new responsibilities.

One such player is third-year defensive back Trent McDuffie, who will be taking over as Kansas City’s top cornerback this season. In comments to the media on Monday, McDuffie made it clear that he not backing down from the challenge of leading Steve Spagnuolo’s defense in 2024.

“Last year, [I was] All-Pro, but I felt like I still was learning so much,” McDuffie explained. “Last year was really my first time at the nickel position, Then this year [with] L.J. [L’Jarius Sneed] leaving moving to the outside, [it is] a whole different ballgame. On the outside, on the island, you got to be a technician and come into this camp knowing that I might have to do some more of that.

“Each and every day, I’ve been just working little by little on technique and just trying to perfect myself out there. I’m still growing and learning, and I feel like that’s one thing that wakes me up every day.”

McDuffie knows his new role will require constant coverage on the opposing team’s best wide receiver. He is embracing the challenge and isn’t concerned about the adjustments.

“I told Spags [Steve Spagnuolo] wherever you need me like I always said, that’s where you can put me,” said McDuffie. “Going against the best of the best, that’s why we play this game to go against the best of the best, so be able to compete no matter who it’s against. I’m ready to do that.”

The evolution of McDuffie’s playing style will determine so much about the Chiefs’ defense in 2024.

Chiefs DB Joshua Williams’ training camp focus: ‘I’m working to become the best me I can be’

Kansas City #Chiefs DB Joshua Williams’ training camp focus: ‘I’m working to become the best me I can be’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs secondary significantly changed in the offseason by not retaining top cornerback L’Jarius Sneed. The decision to move on from their lockdown defensive back has provided the opportunity for the many young players on the roster entering training camp.

Chiefs defensive back Joshua Williams expects to be in the running for Sneed’s role in the secondary, as he explained to reporters after Wednesday’s practice.

“LJ (L’Jarius Sneed) was a great player; he was an all-pro level player. I definitely took notes from leadership play style, all those types of things.” said Williams. “that’s something I tried to take notes, and little tidbits add to my game, and every day, I’m working to become the best I can be, but I’m definitely taking tips from how he approached it.”

Since being selected by the Chiefs in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Williams has accumulated 58 tackles, 12 pass deflections, and an interception. He hopes the 2024 season will provide more significant playing time with the starters on defense.

“Coming into opportunity, LJ leaving, and I feel like that’s a challenge in itself. So, the first two years were a different role. The opportunity opened up with such a great player like LJ leaving.” Said Williams. “I’m just doing everything I can to show the coaches I’m willing to do everything possible to step in there.”

Williams will compete alongside Trent McDuffie throughout training camp for the other starting cornerback spot. Entering his third season, he’s had experience and can potentially fill the role of the recently departed Sneed.