Known now for his ability to lock down in coverage with the Kansas City Chiefs, Trent McDuffie’s rocket to stardom as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL is no surprise to those who watched him in college. In fact, it’s more so a continuation of the dominance that he’s shown since he first stepped for on the field back in 2019.
Trent McDuffie’s Stardom Began Years Ago in the Pacific Northwest
McDuffie’s career at the University of Washington was notable for his exceptional performance as a lockdown cornerback and his reputation as one of the best defensive backs in college football. A highly regarded recruit out of California, McDuffie joined Washington in 2019 and quickly established himself as a key player in the Huskies’ secondary.
Over his three seasons with the program, he became known for his intelligence, athleticism, and versatility, which allowed him to excel in a variety of defensive schemes.
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One of the most remarkable aspects of McDuffie’s career at Washington was his ability to make an impact as a true freshman in 2019 immediately. He started 11 of 13 games that season, showcasing his ability to cover some of the Pac-12’s top receivers.
Despite being a freshman, McDuffie demonstrated maturity and sound decision-making in coverage. He finished the year with 45 tackles, two forced fumbles, and one interception. His play helped solidify Washington’s reputation for producing elite defensive backs, and he earned Honorable Mention All-Pac-12 honors for his efforts.
McDuffie’s development continued in his sophomore season in 2020, even in a pandemic-shortened season. Starting all four games for the Huskies, he recorded 14 tackles, an interception, and a fumble recovery.
His consistent ability to shut down opposing receivers and play with great discipline made him a critical part of Washington’s defense, which ranked among the best in the Pac-12 that year. He earned Second-Team All-Pac-12 honors and solidified his status as one of the conference’s top cornerbacks.
McDuffie’s junior season in 2021 was arguably his best, as he firmly established himself as one of the premier defensive backs in the nation. He started 11 games and was a standout in a Washington defense that struggled overall but remained strong in the secondary, thanks to McDuffie’s contributions.
He finished the season with 35 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and six pass breakups. McDuffie’s ability to lock down his side of the field and his excellent technique in both man and zone coverage made him a challenging matchup for opposing offenses. His versatility was also a key asset, as he could line up both inside and outside, handle slot receivers, and play a vital role in stopping the run.
One of McDuffie’s most impressive attributes was his consistency in coverage.
He rarely allowed big plays and was often avoided by quarterbacks, a testament to his skill as a lockdown corner. His high football IQ and ability to read plays allowed him to anticipate routes and make critical plays when needed.
For his standout performance in 2021, McDuffie earned First-Team All-Pac-12 honors and was considered one of the top cornerback prospects in the country.
Throughout his career at Washington, McDuffie’s leadership, work ethic, and consistent high-level play made him a respected figure both on and off the field. His ability to perform at an elite level in multiple defensive schemes, along with his disciplined technique and ability to avoid penalties, made him one of the most reliable defensive backs in college football.
McDuffie declared for the 2022 NFL Draft following his junior season and was selected in the first round by the Kansas City Chiefs, cementing his place as one of the top defensive prospects from Washington in recent years.
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His career at Washington was marked by steady excellence, and he left the program as one of the best cornerbacks in school history.
He’s now continued that with the Chiefs in the NFL.
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