2013 In Depth: Corner Backs

Over the past few weeks, Duck Sports Authority has been taking a closer look at the players being recruited by the Ducks for the class of 2013. We have focused mainly on those players with early offers by Duck coaches. Unlike Hugh Freeze at Ole Miss, Duck coaches have been a little bit stricter in their early offer list.

Each article has focused on one position group switching between offense and defense for each article. This time we are going to stay with defense, though, and look at the cornerback position.

The Ducks are very young in the defensive backfield at nearly every position including cornerback. Oregon does not lose any cornerbacks after 2012 and, barring early entries, will have everyone back after 2013 as well. With six very young but talented cornerbacks returning in 2013, the Ducks do not have a pressing need at the position. However, as the younger defensive backs grow into the system, to prevent having another "all freshman" cornerback line-up, the Ducks will likely look to add a couple of players in 2013.

Let us look, now, at the current offers the Ducks have extended.

Vernon Hargreaves III

Status: Offered, Medium Interest

Overview: Hargreaves has just about every tool you would like from a cornerback; speed, vertical leap, great hip turn, closing speed. He should also have exceptional football knowledge given the fact that his father is the Special Teams Coordinator for the University of South Florida. The 5-11, 185 pound corner has offers from every major school in the nation including Oregon. Ranked the third best cornerback and 10th best overall player in the class of 2013, the five star prospect has an open mind on the process.

Strengths: Has incredible hip turn for a high school junior. Understands the game well enough to not get turned around by talented receivers. Has great timing and knows how to close on the ball. Good hands when making plays in the air and really understands how to position himself to make plays.

Weaknesses: The most noticeable weakness Hargreaves displays, even in footage from camp is that he plays with his eyes too much. He gets away with it now, but good college quarterbacks and receivers will make him pay for that in college. Though he has exceptional hip turn, he sometimes opens his hips too quickly. At the next level he may not have the time to overcome that mistake.

DSA Odds:

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