Alabama, Penn State highlight top college football DB rooms starting 2023 season

Illinois showed last season how an elite group of defensive backs can set the tone for an entire team. The Fighting Illini enjoyed their best season since 2007 as a secondary that picked up a nation-leading 24 assists en route to an 8-5 season. At national rivals, Michigan allowed just 5.94 yards per pass attempt, sixth best nationally, and used that stingy pass defense to win the Big Ten title and reach the College Football Playoff.

Ohio State and TCU each allowed more than seven yards per pass attempt, and while they made up for it in other areas as they reached the CFP, they needed better play from their secondary. The team that won the national championship, Georgia, wasn’t quite as elite in the secondary as they were in the 2021 championship season, but the Bulldogs still came up short. They ranked No. 22 nationally with 6.45 yards per attempt allowed and ranked 15th nationally in pass efficiency defense.

In an era where offenses like to spread opponents and throw the football around, it’s common for defenses to respond by putting five or even six defensive backs on the field at the same time. This requires programs to place an outsized emphasis on recruiting and developing cornerbacks and safeties.

As the 2023 season approaches, some of the nation’s best defensive backcourts are a predictable reflection of those that excelled last season. However, others like Pitt and Toledo get honorable mentions here amid excellent retention and roster development in the age of transfer portals. So which DB rooms are the best? Let’s break them down.

Penn State ranked No. 2 nationally in pass efficiency defense and No. 5 in yards allowed per attempt last season. Although the Nittany Lions had a bye The NFL Draft picks Joey Porter Jr. at cornerback and Ji’Ayir Brown at safety, they return to cornerback Kalen King. Opposite King is Johnny Dixon, who had 10 passes last season and two interceptions. Veterans Jaylen Reed and Keaton Ellis are experienced anchors in the safety, and second-year defensive coordinator Manny Diaz is one of the best in the business.

All-Star cornerback Riley Moss is leaving NFL, but the Hawkeyes will be short again, as usual. Cooper DeJean is back at cornerback after enjoying a breakout season last year with five interceptions – three of which were returned for touchdowns. Cornerback Jermari Harris missed last season due to injury, but if he can recapture the form he enjoyed in 2021 when he picked off four passes, the Hawkeyes will be nasty at the position. Former five-star safety prospect Xavier Nwankpa could also be in line for another season anchoring Iowa’s back end.

3. Michigan

The fact that converted wide receiver Amorion Walker is in the mix at starting cornerback is a concern as the Wolverines bid farewell to second-round NFL Draft pick DJ Turner. Otherwise, this group has little to worry about after finishing 5th in pass defense and 6th in yards allowed heading into the 2022 season. Former 247Sports Composite five-star prospect Will Johnson holds down the cornerback spot and could be a star after catching three passes as a true freshman. At tailback, safety Rod Moore is poised for a big season after being named All-Big Ten honorable mention and intercepting four passes.

4. Georgia

Georgia replaces the NFL Draft selecting Kelee Ringo at cornerback and Christopher Smith at safety, but is well-equipped to handle their departures. Former five-star prospect Malaki Starks anchors the unit after an outstanding freshman season at safety, and Kamari Lassiter is poised to be one of the top corners in the SEC. A pair of former five-stars in Daylen Everette and Nyland Green will battle for Ringo’s vacated corner spot. Javon Bullard should maintain the strong safety position after a solid sophomore season, and fifth-year senior Tykee Smith is back at the star position.

Placing Alabama in the top five requires faith in freshman Caleb Downs, but the former five-star prospect was ranked No. 1 in the 2023 recruiting class for a reason and drew rave reviews in the spring. Working with cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, a projected first-round pick in 2024, he gives the Crimson Tide one of the most talented 1-2 cornerback safeties in the country. Other projected starters like cornerback Terrion Arnold and safety Malachi Moore have plenty of experience, and coach Nick Saban is known for extracting greatness from his secondary.

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