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The role of a cornerback is simple. Their main responsibility is to legally interfere with or intercept a pass attempt made by the offense. They are used as backup run support in case the ball carrier breaks through the front seven or at times they are called upon to blitz the quarterback. Those who play the cornerback position must possess the speed, agility, and awareness on the field. It takes a unique individual to play this position. More often than not, the cornerback has not backup and is left to go one on one against their opponents. On a single play, the cornerback can go from hero to goat if they are beat by the receiver on a passing route. Here is a list of the top cornerback from the college ranks since the position started to earn prominence after the 1970's.

Deion Sanders (Florida State) Deion Sanders changed the cornerback position the same way LT changed the linebacker position. When passing offenses began to take off during the mid 1980's, defense coordinators had no real answer as to how to slow down the passing attacks. That was until Prime Time arrived at Florida State. There Sanders showed opponents an amazing combination of speed, quickness, and leaping ability. Defense coordinators did not give Sanders much though when they looked for a cornerback to fill a lane and assist with run support, but there was none better when you needed the primary receiver of your opponent shut down. There have been no cornerbacks in the history of college football who could match his lockdown skills or the playmaking ability he showed once he touched the ball. The winner of the Jim Thorpe award, Sanders secured 14 interceptions during his college career. He was named Al-America twice during his time at Florida State. Let us not forget Deion Sanders did this all while competing in baseball and track. Without a doubt, Prime Time will go down as the greatest cornerback ever to play in the NCAA.

Darrel Green (Texas A & I) From 1978-1982, Darrel Green used his exceptional speed on the field. This two sport athlete had the ability to cover them from the line of scrimmage, reducing the threat of a short pass without worrying if he would be able to recover on deep patterns. Despite where the ball was thrown, there was no area where Green could not defend, something his opponents soon learned. In 1982, Green was named first team All-America, along with receiving the Most Valuable Players award in the Lone Star Conference. Green received

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