Despite several departures and roster reshuffling, the 2024 CUSA CB Rankings highlight that elite talent remains plentiful within the conference.
Western Kentucky stands out with the only trio on the list, led by Anthony Johnson Jr., Upton Stout, and Kent Robinson, making their secondary a formidable challenge for any offense.
CUSA 2024 CB Rankings
10) Kent Robinson, Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
With Texas A&M bringing in several transfers, Robinson opted to find a new home following two years in College Station. He appeared in five games last season but only saw defensive snaps in three.
However, Robinson earned valuable experience by starting the bowl game against Oklahoma State, where he recorded five tackles and two pass breakups.
The Hilltoppers have options at corner, but Robinson has the SEC pedigree and raw potential that has the coaching staff and fans excited.
9) Keonte Glinton, New Mexico State Aggies
Keonte Glinton spent the first four years of his career at Wyoming, where he lined up as a slot CB. Yet, he moved to the outside in his first year with the Aggies, and the transition appeared seamless.
Glinton recorded six PBUs and was rarely beaten deep, serving as a steadying presence in coverage.
With New Mexico State navigating through roster and coaching turnover, even more pressure will be on Glinton’s shoulders in 2024.
8) Jhamal Shelby Jr., Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
With Willie Roberts off to the NFL, Jhamal Shelby Jr. is Louisiana Tech’s best corner. He only played in nine games as a redshirt freshman last season, but the potential was clear to see.
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Shelby posted four PBUs, one INT, and one forced fumble in his limited action. And while the numbers are impressive, the tape is even more so.
The 6’3″ and 190-pound CB is patient in coverage, using his long frame to envelop WRs at a moment’s notice.
7) Dominick Hill, Liberty Flames
At 6’2″ and 215 pounds, Domnick Hill is built more like a safety than a corner, and he actually played there in four games last season.
Hill is on his third and final collegiate team after two years at South Carolina (2020-21) and Temple (2022-23). His final campaign with the Owls proved to be his best, as he racked up 47 tackles and four PBUs despite playing two positions.
Hill has the confidence, aggressive nature, and long speed that coaches covet on the outside, and the Flames hope he maintains — if not exceeds — his level of play in Lynchburg with two of their three 2023 starting CBs gone.
6) JeRico Washington Jr., Kennesaw State Owls
JeRico Washington Jr. may have been a true freshman last season, but you wouldn’t be able to tell by watching his film. He played in four games with three starts before receiving a redshirt, yet he still led the team with three interceptions.
In fact, Washington became the first freshman with two INTs in their debut game in program history by picking off Tusculum twice in the season opener.
Washington has the speed to turn and burn with WRs, and the innate ability to get his head around at the perfect time.
5) Upton Stout, Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Even with missing five games in 2023, Stout made a significant impact, appearing in seven games with six starts. He racked up 29 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, a half-sack, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, an interception, five QB hurries, and eight PBUs.
It’s clear why Stout made the Jim Thorpe Award Watch List entering the 2024 season, and had he been healthy, he would’ve earned All-CUSA recognition.
Stout’s short-area burst, football IQ, and physicality allow him to not just survive but thrive on the outside despite standing at 5’9″ and 182 pounds.
Western Kentucky is known for its high-powered offense, but Stout has helped the defense command attention, highlighted by his inclusion in the Shrine Bowl 1000.
4) AJ Odums, UTEP Miners
In his first season with Miners after transferring in from New Mexico, AJ Odums tied for the team lead with eight PBUs and tallied 36 tackles. He may not be the biggest corner at 5’11” and 175 pounds, but his impressive length and instincts make him a catch-point force.
Former Austin Peay head coach Scotty Walden brought a large contingent of his former players with him to El Paso, but he knows he inherited a defensive star in Odums.
3) Tyrell Raby, Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders
Two years with no playing time at Memphis was enough for Tyrell Raby, who left for greener pastures with the Blue Raiders. The move was beneficial for both parties, as he ended the year with 28 tackles, two INTs, and six PBUs.
Raby only started in seven of 11 games, but he averaged 52 snaps per contest, rarely leaving the field. Opposing offenses looked his way often last season, but expect that to change in 2024.
2) Derek Carter, Jacksonville State Gamecocks
Derek Carter, a second-team All-CUSA cornerback and 2024 Jim Thorpe Award watch list nominee, is one of the few returning pieces in a heavily retooled Jacksonville State secondary.
Despite the added pressure, Carter’s 44 tackles and team-leading eight PBUs in 2023 underscore his reliability in coverage and run support.
Though he hasn’t recorded an interception in the last two seasons, Carter’s competitiveness and productivity make him a key player as he looks to convert more opportunities into turnovers this year.
1) Anthony Johnson Jr., Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
A Miami native, Johnson began his career at Division II West Florida but earned a call-up to the FBS from the Hilltoppers last year. He paid the coaching staff back — with interest — for their belief in him, notching 44 tackles, four INTs, five PBUs, a fumble recovery, and a blocked kick in Year 1.
KEEP READING: 2024 Conference USA Power Rankings
Johnson was a major reason why Western Kentucky’s defense led the CUSA with 26 turnovers forced (tied for seventh nationally), earning an all-conference honorable mention for his efforts.
While landing on the Shrine Bowl 1000 is a privilege, arguably more impressive was the Power Four interest Johnson received during the spring before ultimately deciding to return to The Hill.
2024 CUSA CB Rankings | 11-20
11) Brian Blades, FIU
12) Jabari Mack, Jacksonville State
13) Dakerric Hobbs, New Mexico State
14) David Fisher and Da’Veawn Armstead, Sam Houston
15) Hezekiah Masses, FIU
16) Tyler Hallum, Kennesaw State
17) Demarcus Griffin-Taylor and Cedric Woods, Louisiana Tech
18) De’Arre McDonald, Middle Tennessee State
19) Amarian Williams, Liberty
20) Geimere Latimer, Jacksonville State
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