Top 2017 recruiting one-two punch: Cornerbacks

Mark Pszonak contributed to this report.

The class of 2017 is signed and sealed, so as well look back on how programs did, we thought it would be interesting to rank the best 1-2 punches at each position. Today we take a look at the cornerbacks.

TOP ONE-TWO PUNCHES IN 2017: QB | RB | WR | TE | OL | DT | DE | LB

The skinny: With its recent success on the field, Clemson is more about reloading when it comes to recruiting. The Tigers definitely did that at cornerback with the additions of the No. 2 and No. 11 recruits at their position, AJ Terrell and LeAnthony Williams. Terrell and Williams, who both hail from Georgia, were actually the top two cornerbacks from the Peach State, so aside from gaining two quality recruits this also further entrenches Clemson in the neighboring state.

Farrell’s Take: I like this combination because Terrell is your long, angular, speedy guy and Williams is more compact and physical, close to the line of scrimmage. Both have good size for corners, elite hips and excellent ball skills, and this could be a dominating combo down the line.

The skinny: Keeping Lamont Wade, the No. 1 overall recruit from Pennsylvania, home was an important recruiting victory for the Nittany Lions. Being the No. 1 cornerback in the nation should immediately help a position that isn’t necessarily deep, while adding Donovan Johnson, the No. 18 cornerback, gives additional depth in the secondary.

Farrell’s Take: Wade isn’t that tall, but he’s put together, very physical and he never stops moving. He’s the kind of guy who is always around the ball and can impact a game in a second. Johnson isn’t tall or filled out, but he has very good coverage skills, elevates well and the speed to recover. These two will help the athleticism in the secondary quickly.

The skinny: With cornerbacks Vernon Hargreaves, Jalen Tabor and Quincy Wilson all leaving Gainesville early for the NFL over the last two years, it shouldn’t be difficult to recruit the position. In come Marco Wilson and C.J. Henderson, two in-state additions that have the potential and talent to continue the trend of sending cornerbacks to the next level.

Farrell’s Take: Florida has made its case for DBU in recent years, and this duo should help continue that tradition. Both players are similar in many ways, although Wilson is a little more filled out. Each has terrific feet, good length and can play press or off coverage without a ton of safety help, so this is an area of strength in this class.