Cornerback is a position of focus each year for West Virginia University football coach Neal Brown and his staff, and this year's list of cornerbacks includes a variety of rookies.
In today's defensive edition of Gold and Blue Nation's roster review series, we take a look at secondary coach Shadon Brown's cornerbacks.
Garnet Hollis Jr.
Last week, The Athletic's Mark Kaboly predicted that Pittsburgh Steelers undrafted rookie cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. would make the team's 53-man roster come summer's end. Bishop Jr., in his freshman and only year in Morgantown, signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Steelers this spring after a standout season at West Virginia University, where he led the nation in interceptions.
Bishop Jr.'s success has been widely publicized and well-regarded by WVU fans, but now everyone is wondering who the next successful veteran transfer will be.
This year, cornerback Garnett Hollis Jr., a transfer from Northwestern University, is considered a favorite.
Hollis Jr. saw limited playing time his first two seasons in Evanston in 2020-2021, but broke out in 2022 recording one interception and two forced fumbles. As a senior last year, he was a member of the team's leadership council and played in 13 games, recording another interception and three passes defensed.
He was recently named to the Athlon Sports All-Big 12 Fourth Team.
Jacolby Spells
Junior cornerback Jacolby Spells is the most experienced cornerback returning to WVU. Spells has played in 21 games over his first two seasons in Morgantown, totaling 21 tackles and two passes defensed for the Mountaineers.
Most notably, he had an interception-six return for 27 yards in the Mountaineers' win over Virginia Tech in the 2022 Black Diamond Trophy Game.
Aiden Garness
Former Duquesne University cornerback Aiden Garnes knows Milan Puskar Stadium well. Garnes played there last year at Duquesne.
In September, the 6-foot, 170-pound cornerback recorded three tackles and a pass deflection in a game between Duquesne and the Mountaineers in Morgantown.
“[He is] “He's a guy we really looked at last year,” defensive coordinator Jordan Leslie said, “and he's got the skill set we need. He's long and can really run.” [He] He's talented and can control the ball in the air.”
The Philadelphia native recorded 78 tackles, three catches and four interceptions over the past two seasons with the Dukes, while also blocking a kick as a redshirt rookie in 2022 and starting all 12 games last season.
In the Gold-Blue spring game, he intercepted a pass from Niko Marchiol in the first half.
TJ Crandall
TJ Crandall, a transfer from Colorado State, will be at his second Division I school but still has plenty of eligibility remaining.
Crandall, a 6-foot, 180-pound sophomore cornerback from Sammamish, Washington, has just one season of college football experience. During his true freshman season at Colorado State last fall, Crandall recorded 19 total tackles and one tackle for a loss, as well as one interception and two intercepted passes in 10 games.
“[He] “We can really run,” Leslie said. “The corners were a big focus for us, and it was about speed and playing the ball in the air. [were] Those are the two most important things really. I think the new features have made us faster.”
The sophomore cornerback has been battling a “nagging” foot injury this spring, according to head coach Neal Brown, but is expected to be available for fall camp.
Completing the depth chart
- Jordan Jackson
- Josiah Jackson
- Jayden Bell
- Rodney Gallagher III
- Keone Washington
- Israel Voice
Notable retirees
- Beanie Bishop Jr.
- Montre Miller
- Malachi Ruffin
Review of previous position groups
For daily roster analysis this week, visit GoldAndBlueNation.com. All coverage is also available in the free Gold and Blue Nation app, available for download on Apple and Android devices.
