Cornerback talent is plenty at the FCS level coming into the 2024 season.
Whether he’s a master of the interception, or he is a sticky-cover kind of guy – we’re going to take a look at the talent, conference by conference.
Take a look at the best CBs by conference.
RELATED: Top 30 Returning FCS Cornerbacks Nationally
BIG SKY
Trevin Gradney, Montana, Jr.
2023 STAT LINE: 5 INTs, 12 passes defended, 27 tackles
Gradney, an in-state talent from Billings, has been an All-Big Sky kind of talent for the Griz since he first got on the field in 2020-21. He started out as a special teams standout, and last year he ascended to become an All-American at corner. Draft Scout has him as the No. 3 cornerback prospect in the FCS this year. Gradney’s not the only good CB coming into 2024, as Idaho’s Abraham Williams and Montana State’s Jon Johnson are also highly regarded.
BIG SOUTH-OVC
Oshae Baker, UT Martin, Sr.
2023 STAT LINE: 49 tackles, 9 passes defended, 6.5 TFLs
Baker is a native Floridian – a hotbed for talented defensive backs. He has proven he is versatile, starting games at corner and safety during his special career with the Skyhawks. He also has been a special teams standout as a returner. One of his better games in 2023 was against Georgia (5+ tackles, forced fumble). Also a star? Eastern Illinois CB Kaleb Lyons comes to the Panthers after posting 6 INTs last year at Morehead State, and SEMO’s Joedrick Lewis is really strong, too.
CAA
Isas Waxter, Villanova, Sr.
2023 STAT LINE: 26 tackles, 3 INTs, 4 TFL, 11 passes defended
Waxter missed the entire 2022 season with an injury but came back strong last year and ended up an All-CAA selection. He’s an outstanding cover corner and has turned heads with pro scouts. A New Jersey native, he has been a mainstay in the program – even starting two games for the Wildcats as a true freshman in 2019. The CAA also has New Hampshire’s Wande Owens and North Carolina A&T’s Karon Prunty.
IVY
Isaiah Reed, Brown, Sr.
2023 STAT LINE: 50 tackles, 5 INTs, 8 passes defended
A Florida native, Reed has been a contributor for three seasons and has another to go. He has caught the eye of scouts, but before he thinks about that, he has the chance to help the Bears have their best season in several years. Dartmouth’s Jordan Washington is also expected to be strong.
MEAC
Carson Hinton, Howard, Sr.
2023 STAT LINE: 50 tackles, 4.5 TFLs
Hinton, a Detroit native, was a key part of the MEAC championship season with the Bison in 2023. He started off the year with a 6-tackle game against FBS Eastern Michigan, and a few weeks later he had a special game against the Big Ten’s Northwestern (8 tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 sack). He has even played some WR in his Howard career (11 receptions in 2021). Also, keep an eye on Carlvainsky Decius at Morgan State.
MVFC
Dalys Beanum, South Dakota State, Sr.
2023 STAT LINE: 29 tackles, 5 INTs, 12 passes defended
Beanum, a Nebraska native, is listed as the No. 1 cornerback prospect in the FCS by Draft Scout coming into the 2024 season. He has played in 52 games in his career, has 11 career interceptions and 2 TDs, along with 29 passes defended. South Dakota’s Shahid Barros and Southern Illinois’ David Miller are also stellar.
NEC
CJ Barnes, Duquesne, Sr.
2023 STAT LINE: 60 tackles, 3 passes defended
Barnes has played at free safety for three years at Duquesne but was considered a cornerback prospect coming out of Lake Gibson HS in Florida when he was a recruit. He is considered a pro prospect at corner by some outlets, FS with others. Last year he started 11 games and helped his team reach the FCS playoffs – registering 10 tackles against Youngstown State in the first round.
PATRIOT
Nahil Perkins, Fordham, Grad.
2023 STAT LINE: 62 tackles, 17 passes defended, 3 INTs
Perkins will be a team captain this fall and is coming off of a First Team All-Patriot League season for the Rams. He’s a part of a solid secondary coming back. He led the league in passes broken up in 2023. The cornerback is a Georgia native. One of his top 2023 games was against FBS Buffalo (8 tackles, 6 solo).
PIONEER
Eric Haney, San Diego, Sr.
2023 STAT LINE: 41 tackles, 2 INTs, 5 TFLs
Haney is not only a solid All-Pioneer League cornerback for the Toreros, but he’s also a standout return man. San Diego played well in the final five games of 2023 and is looking to turn things around after a 4-7 season, and Haney will be a key part of that resurgence.
SOCON
CJ Williams, Western Carolina, Sr.
2023 STAT LINE: 59 tackles, 8 passes defended, 3 TFLs
Williams, an Alabama native, is 31 games into his Western Carolina career. He really broke out in 2023 and is respected as the No. 5 cornerback prospect in the FCS according to Draft Scout. WCU had a breakout year in 2023 and looks to take it another step this fall, and Williams will be relied upon there.
SOUTHLAND
Bruce Harmon, Stephen F. Austin, Sr.
2023 STAT LINE: 20 tackles, 9 passes broken up
Harmon, an in-state talent who played at Rockwall-Heath, opened up 2023 with six tackles and three passes broken up against FBS Troy and never looked back. An All-Conference selection last year in the UAC, he’s now in the Southland and will be a key member of any success the Lumberjacks have.
SWAC
Kendall Bohler, Florida A&M, Sr.
2023 STAT LINE: 39 tackles, 14 passes defended, 2 TFLs
Bohler, who hails from the Orlando area of Florida, began his college career at Mercer but has really blossomed with the Rattlers. He was a First Team All-SWAC selection for the HBCU national champs with several media outlets.
UAC
A.J. Seay, North Alabama, Jr.
2023 STAT LINE: 25 tackles, 2 INTs, 6 passes defended
This Georgia native began his FCS career at Presbyterian and now is turning heads at North Alabama – with at least two years to go. He was listed as an All-UAC performer last year as a sophomore by Phil Steele Magazine.
