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Wisconsin Football 2016 Outlook: Cornerbacks

By Jon Rzepecki

Dec 30, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Sojourn Shelton (8) is congratulated by cornerback Darius Hillary (5) after an interception against the USC Trojans during the fourth quarter in the 2015 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Sojourn Shelton (8) is congratulated by cornerback Darius Hillary (5) after an interception against the USC Trojans during the fourth quarter in the 2015 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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A look at the Wisconsin football team’s 2016 cornerback outlook

Despite losing three seniors after the Holiday Bowl victory over USC, and Gary Andersen prospects Caleb Kinlaw and Elijah Strong, Wisconsin’s cornerback situation is one of its most stable elements for new defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox.

More badgers: 2016 Position Outlook: Fullback

Departing from last year’s 10-3 Wisconsin football squad is Darius Hillary, T.J. Reynard and Terrance Floyd. Hillary stepped up in a big way all season long and provided a dependable coverage when preseason favorites — Sojourn Shelton, Tanner McEvoy and Michael Caputo — were shaky starts, flex time and injury.

Reynard and Floyd added depth early on, something the Badgers will need in 2016. It’s a good thing the top three corners in camp are primed for a lot of field time.

Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin Badgers /

Wisconsin Badgers

The clear No. 1 corner is still Sojourn Shelton. Regardless of what year it says, the kid is still riding on a wave of the 2013 season. He should have some swagger back after picking off USC quarterback Cody Kessler deep in the fourth quarter to ensure the Badgers could run off more clock. It will be interesting to see how Shelton handles more teams attacking through the air this year. The schedule is much harder, with LSU, Michigan State, Michigan and Ohio State in four of the first six weeks. The group will be tested early and often, but if the Badgers can escape with under 300 passing yards per game and two or fewer scores in the air, the remaining six games should be under control.

While Shelton is covering the big threat, Derrick Tindal will be one to make the big play.  We heard Tindal’s name early after his “targeting” penalty against Troy in September. I mean, John Scott hit Patrick Kane harder in the All-Star tournament and he earned the MVP award.

Even before his ejection, Tindal totaled 17 tackles and two pass breakups in what amounted to 2.5 games.

Natrell Jamerson, like Tindal, returns for his junior year but is again expected to make a name for himself on kick returns rather than interception returns. The fact that he can handle kicks and play defense is a bonus. The fact that he’s three inches taller than Shelton, one over Tindal and at least 15 pounds heavier than both is a double bonus. You have to run around big corners because receivers cannot afford jams at the line of scrimmage.

For those of your crying out for depth, there’s Titus Booker. Booker is essentially Jamerson Lite, with added value of starting his career at corner instead of switching from the offense.

I don’t envision the three current CB commitments playing their freshman year in the 3-4 system. Guess what, barring injury (knock on wood) you don’t need huge depth at corner in that system. You need one shutdown guy (Shelton), one jammer (Jamerson), one hitter (Tindal) and one reserve everyman (Booker) and a safety.

Next: Wisconsin Football 2016 Outlook: Safety

Stay tuned to Badger of Honor for more on the 2016 Wisconsin football offseason.