Utah Football Position Preview: Cornerbacks
Jul 21, 2019, 12:04 PM | Updated: 12:04 pm
Utah Utes defensive back Jaylon Johnson (1) makes an interception and runs the entire length of the field for a touchdown as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. (Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News)
(Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – One of the stronger position groups for the Utes other than their defensive line is their cornerbacks. They are absolutely stacked.
Utah’s depth at corner is so deep that head coach Kyle Whittingham and defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley moved Julian Blackmon to safety in order to fill the void left by Marquise Blair and Corrion Ballard.
Junior Jaylon Johnson is expected to have a spectacular season and should be one of, if not the top corner in the Pac-12. With a very good season, Johnson could become a first or second round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Last season, he recorded 41 tackles, 4 pass breakups and 4 interceptions, including a 100-yard interception returned for a touchdown against Stanford. His tremendous play led him to a first team All-Pac-12 selection.
Other Names To Watch
Tareke Lewis will be relied on to step in and help on the right side at corner in his senior year. He played two games last year and racked up 16 tackles.
Javelin Guidry as a junior will be a big part of the secondary for Utah as the nickelback. His speed is his main strength and will create problems for receivers.
Senior Josh Nurse moved over to defensive back full time when he transferred to Utah from Blinn College. He played in all 14 games last season on special teams and made four appearances on defense.
JaTravis McCloud is a 5’11, 186 pound freshman from Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was a three star recruit out of Union High School and was the 74th best corner in the country and the 10th highest prospect out of the state of Oklahoma.
Redshirt freshman Malone Mataele played in three games last season before using his redshirt, facing Weber State, Washington State and UCLA on special teams. He was the second string nickel back during spring camp.
How They Compare To Opposing WR’s
The Utes’ corners will have their hands full this season with some wide receivers that look to give them fits. According to Phil Steele’s College Football Preview Magazine, the Utes will face 10 preseason All-Pac-12 receivers.
Their defensive back group is ranked in the top 15 in the country and the third highest Pac-12 school.
Utah has eight opponents that are ranked in the top 60 in the preseason rankings. Three of those teams are in the top 15.
