Best cornerback duo in the ACC?

Cornerback is the best position group on the Hokies’ roster. Virginia Tech’s top two cornerbacks, Mansoor Delane and Dorian Strong, are among the best cornerbacks in the ACC. In the recently released EA Sports College Football 25, Dorian Strong was ranked as the 75th best player in the country, as well as the 9th highest rated cornerback in the game. Strong is also the player that most national analysts would describe as Virginia Tech’s “star” player, and he has true NFL star potential as well.

One of the reasons for Virginia Tech’s success on defense was the elite lockdown coverage of the Hokie cornerbacks. Virginia Tech never allowed more than 250 total passing yards last season and held two teams under 100 passing yards. The coverage numbers, especially for Dorian Strong, were absolutely stellar and held the Virginia Tech defense together.

Mansoor Delane, who plays opposite Dorian Strong, is also an intriguing name in this secondary. Mansoor was incredible in his first year at Tech, leading the team in pass breakups (8), catching an interception and was a 247Sports True Freshman All-American. Delane was a full-time starter in 2023, his sophomore year, and showed his true potential as a future #1 cornerback on the depth chart. I think he and Dorian Strong are going to have a huge year as a tandem in 2024.

Braylon Johnson is a cornerback who saw his first playing action in 2023, playing in all thirteen games last season, and with the departure of Derrick Canteen, Johnson will see a lot more playing time, potentially making his first career start at the college level. Johnson was very solid in coverage last year, finishing with seven tackles.

Dante Lovett should also get a big boost in playing time and is the most likely to fill the nickel role left by Derrick Canteen. Lovett defended three passes and had three pass deflections. Lovett also recorded a recovered fumble in his freshman campaign last season.

This cornerback room is young; Dorian Strong is the only senior or older player at the position. Most of the players at the position are sophomores and freshmen.

One freshman who could see action is Jonathan Pennix, who was inactive last season and has not yet seen action.

According to his biography via Virginia Tech Athletics:

“High School: Four-year letterman for Coach Doug Smith at Appomattox County High School in Virginia … Served as team captain as a sophomore, junior and senior … Helped the Raiders to back-to-back state titles as a freshman (13-2) and sophomore (10-0) … Was named team MVP the past three seasons … Earned Dogwood District Offensive Player of the Year honors as a senior … Selected as a four-time All-Region 2C honoree as a defensive back, as well as a three-time all-regional selection as a running back and an all-purpose player as a senior … Earned all-state honors three times as a running back, twice as a defensive back and an all-purpose player his senior year … Rushed for 1,210 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior … Had 18 receptions for 335 yards and three touchdowns as a senior … Rated as a 3-star recruit by 247 SportsESPN, Op3 And Rivals … Ranked the No. 102 cornerback and No. 34 recruit in Virginia by 247 Sports … No.111 cornerback and No.38 recruit in Virginia by ESPN … No.149 cornerback and No.41 prospect in Virginia by On3 … No.36 prospect in Virginia by Rivals …Described in basketball and track and field.”

Pennix originally came to Blacksburg as an athlete and potential offensive tackle, but he has been training as a cornerback for head coach Brent Pry and should be playing for the first time this year.

Among the other freshmen who will make an immediate impact in their first year is cornerback Joshua Clarke. Clarke had 37 offers out of high school but ultimately chose Virginia Tech. Clarke was rated the 14th best player in Virginia, according to 247Sports. Clarke recorded five interceptions as a senior in high school, good enough to earn all-state honors. Clarke could quickly pass a number of other young players on the depth chart, and shows enough potential to be a difference-maker in the long run.

The reason for the largely young and untested depth at cornerback is the players Virginia Tech lost to the transfer portal this offseason. Redshirt senior Derrick Canteen transferred to Cincinnati and Antonio Cotman Jr. transferred to Charlotte. Cotman, the always versatile cornerback/safety/linebacker, transferred after starting just three games last season, and Canteen left after starting just three games but made a huge impact on the team.

Overview

Overall, cornerback is the Hokies’ strongest position, and could very well be their youngest. The biggest storyline to watch will likely be how Dorian Strong’s play impacts his draft stock, as he’s currently projected as a fifth-round pick but could find himself higher. It’ll be interesting to see how the depth develops at cornerback, and hopefully Strong and Delane can break out in 2024.