As we hit the preview portion of the 2023 FCS offseason, HERO Sports will rank the top returning players by position group.
While what happens on the field and how things finish at the end of the season is what really matters, preseason rankings give fans an idea of what players and teams they should keep an eye on.
Here are the top returning cornerbacks and safeties in 2023.
These rankings are formed by a combination of the author’s opinion/FCS knowledge (watching guys play, knowing what system they play in, strength of opponents, etc.), on-field production, pro potential, postseason accolades, how they perform against their toughest opponents, and PFF grades.
Scroll down for best FCS safeties
Best Returning FCS Cornerbacks
25. Garry Rosemond Jr., Merrimack
24. Robert Javier, Towson
23. Brandon Savage, Morgan State (transfer from Norfolk State)
22. Eddie Morales III, Monmouth
21. Wande Owens, Yale
20. Dominick Poole, The Citadel
19. Caleb Nelson, Sacramento State
18. Jalen Jones, William & Mary
17. Kamron Smith, Samford (transfer from Charleston Southern)
16. Woo Governor, Northern Iowa
15. Travis Blackshear, Furman
14. Jae’Veyon Morton, Morgan State
13. Alex Oliver, VMI
12. Myles Harden, South Dakota
11. Marcus Harris, Idaho
10. Javan Morgan, Florida A&M
9. Karon Prunty, North Carolina A&T
8. C.J. Siegel, North Dakota
7. Omari Hill-Robinson, Bethune-Cookman
6. Kameron Brown, Chattanooga
5. Raequan Ousley, Gardner-Webb
4. Ryan Poole, William & Mary
3. Dyshawn Gales, South Dakota State
2. Devin Haskins, Holy Cross
1. Maxwell Anderson, Weber State
Anderson was a breakout star in 2022. The 5-foot-11, 170-pounder shut down his side of the field, totaling 44 tackles, five interceptions, and 11 pass breakups. Anderson’s overall PFF defensive grade was 83.0, and his coverage grade was 81.0. He showed the ability to cover receivers on the outside or as a slot corner, playing 574 snaps as the wide CB and 218 snaps as a slot CB. Anderson earned First Team All-Big Sky honors along with All-American accolades from HERO Sports (First Team), The Bluebloods (First Team), the Associated Press (First Team), and Stats Perform (Third Team).
Best Returning FCS Safeties
25. Oshae Baker, UT Martin
24. Tommy McCormick, Idaho
23. Brandon Richard, Incarnate Word
22. Jordan Knapke, Northern Colorado
21. Reuben Lowery III, Chattanooga
20. Cameron Godfrey, Central Arkansas
19. Manny Smith, North Carolina Central
18. Andreas Keaton, Western Carolina
17. Rylan Cole, Indiana State
16. Gregory Reddick, North Alabama (transfer from Saint Francis)
15. Aaron Banks, Richmond
14. Michael Ruttlen Jr., Austin Peay (transfer from Princeton)
13. PJ Jules, Southern Illinois
12. Rassie Littlejohn, Stetson
11. Jamari Brown, Gardner-Webb
10. Clayborne Fields III, Chattanooga (transfer from Marist)
9. Kenny Gallop Jr., Howard
8. Brent Jackson, Rhode Island (transfer from Bucknell)
7. Lance Wise, Mercer
6. Hugh Ryan, Furman
5. Esaias Guthrie, Jackson State (transfer from Delaware State)
4. Rex Connors, UC Davis
3. Tamuarion Wilson, Central Arkansas
2. Lawrence Johnson, SEMO
1. Khalil Baker, North Carolina Central
Baker had a dynamite 2022 season, totaling 61 tackles, two TFLs, four interceptions, and five pass breakups. He had a season-high 10 tackles in NC Central’s Celebration Bowl win against Jackson State. The 6-foot, 185-pounder made his presence felt all over the field, and the accolades came pouring in. Baker earned All-American honors from the AFCA (First Team), Associated Press (First Team), and The Bluebloods (Second Team) along with being named on the BOXTOROW HBCU All-American Team. He also won the inaugural Aeneas Williams Award, which is given to the nation’s best defensive back in HBCU Division I college football, was named the MEAC Defensive Player of the Year, and was also named the Celebration Bowl Defensive MVP.
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