Top 5 cornerbacks in college football for 2019

#4 C.J. Henderson, Florida

C.J. Henderson (left)

Florida has brought out several highly rated cornerbacks over the last decade or so and this is the next guy up. At 6’1”, just over 200 pounds this dude plays with the type of competitive swagger a true number one corner needs. After a tremendous freshman campaign, in which he intercepted four passes and took two back to the house, Henderson was even better as a full-time starter in year two.

He didn’t allow a touchdown while recording two interceptions in 2018, surrendering a passer rating of just 44.0 throughout the year and allowing opposing teams to only complete a pass against him on an SEC-low 19.1 snaps. All that while primarily playing boundary corner for the Gators, oftentimes against the best receiver on offense.

Henderson has pretty loose hips for a tall guy and the speed to stay attached in trail-technique with his man while being physical at the point of the catch and excelling at playing through the hands of the receiver. Last season the Gators blitzed him more, where he takes the inside path at times if a lane opens up.

That led to five tackles for loss and three sacks, plus a couple of forced fumbles. He rarely allows himself to stay blocked and looks to get involved against the run game. The areas that need the most work in Henderson’s game are his poor footwork and jabs in press alignment.