What College Scouts Look for in High School Cornerbacks

When it comes to recruiting high school cornerbacks, college scouts are meticulously detailed in their evaluations. Cornerbacks play a critical role in any football defense, responsible for covering some of the most athletic players on the field. Here are the top five attributes that college scouts look for when assessing high school cornerbacks:

1. Athleticism

Speed: A cornerback’s ability to keep up with fast receivers is crucial. Scouts often use 40-yard dash times as a key metric for evaluating a player’s speed. Quick acceleration and top-end speed help cornerbacks stay stride-for-stride with wide receivers and recover if beaten initially.

Agility: Agility is essential for a cornerback to change direction quickly and react to a receiver’s movements. Scouts often assess agility through shuttle drills and cone drills, which simulate the rapid direction changes required during a game.

Vertical Leap: A good vertical leap is important for contesting catches, especially against taller receivers. A strong vertical jump allows a cornerback to challenge passes effectively, even when outmatched in height.

2.  Technical Skills

Footwork: Proper footwork is vital for maintaining balance and positioning. Scouts look for cornerbacks who can backpedal smoothly, transition efficiently from a backpedal to a sprint, and change directions without losing balance or speed.

Hand Usage: Effective use of hands, particularly in press coverage, is critical. Scouts evaluate how well a cornerback can jam receivers at the line of scrimmage, disrupt their routes, and avoid penalties.

Tackling: Reliable tackling skills are essential, particularly in open-field situations. Scouts look for cornerbacks who can tackle with good form, ensuring that they can stop receivers and contribute to run defense.

3.  Football IQ

Play Recognition: A high football IQ allows cornerbacks to quickly read and react to offensive plays. Scouts value players who can recognize routes and formations, anticipate the quarterback’s intentions, and position themselves accordingly.

Awareness: Situational awareness is crucial for understanding down-and-distance scenarios, offensive tendencies, and making in-game adjustments. Cornerbacks with strong awareness can make smarter plays and avoid costly mistakes.

Discipline: Staying disciplined in coverage assignments is key. Scouts look for cornerbacks who do not bite on double moves or fakes and who can maintain their coverage responsibilities throughout the play.

4. Physicality

Size and Strength: While speed and agility are important, having the right size and strength to compete with physical receivers is equally critical. Scouts evaluate whether a cornerback has the physical attributes to handle college-level competition.

Durability: The ability to withstand the physical demands of the game without frequent injuries is important. Scouts consider a player’s injury history and overall durability when making evaluations.

5. Character and Work Ethic

Coachability: Being open to learning and adapting based on coaching feedback is a valuable trait. Scouts look for players who show a willingness to improve and take instruction well.

Competitiveness: A strong desire to compete and continually improve is essential. Scouts value cornerbacks who demonstrate a competitive spirit on and off the field.

Leadership: Potential for leadership is another important factor. Scouts assess whether a cornerback can lead by example, demonstrate good sportsmanship, and contribute positively to team dynamics.

Conclusion

For high school cornerbacks aspiring to play at the college level, excelling in these five areas can significantly boost their recruitment prospects. College scouts are looking for players who combine athletic prowess with technical skills, football intelligence, physicality, and strong character. By focusing on these attributes, high school cornerbacks can better position themselves for success in the highly competitive world of college football recruiting.

For more information on improving your physical skills and football IQ as a defensive back,  join the All Eyes DB Camp member’s area.  Over 200 videos on DB tips, drills, workouts, coverages explained and more.  Click here for more info.

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alleyesdbcamp

Owner at All Eyes DB Camp

Chad Wilson is the founder of All Eyes DB Camp and a former standout defensive back for the Miami Hurricanes. After an elite collegiate career, Wilson spent a season with the Seattle Seahawks before transitioning into coaching. A 3-time Florida state champion defensive coordinator, he has spent over 20 years developing the "All Eyes" blueprint that has produced NFL All-Pros and stars like Xavien Howard, Patrick Surtain II, Tyson Campbell, Minkah Fitzpatrick and more. His coaching system is proven at the highest levels—his own sons, Quincy and Marco Wilson, both excelled as starters in the SEC before being drafted into the NFL.

Chad is the author of "101 DB Tips"—The Ultimate DB Reference Guide. You can find more information on the manual and how to order your copy in the sidebar and footer of this page.

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