Michigan Football might have best corner duo in the country
The cornerback position was a question mark for Michigan football heading into 2017. But as we head towards the 2018 campaign, it’s not a worry at all.
There are a lot of really good pieces on the Michigan football defense, but two of the best are corners David Long and Lavert Hill.
It’s funny to look back to one year ago. At that time, both Long and Hill were fighting to earn starting jobs and it seemed like the secondary was a major question heading into the season. Well, Long and Hill both stood out for Michigan football and now as they both enter their junior seasons, they are undoubtedly among the best corner duos in the country — if not the best.
Both players had similar stats, at least in conventional categories. Hill had seven pass breakups, while Long had six. Each player finished with two interceptions and had 20 tackles or more.
However, when you look at more in-depth stats, like the ones provided by Pro Football Focus, you will see just how good they were last season. In terms of fewest receptions allowed per snap, Long and Hill ranked second and third respectively on that list among 2019 draft eligible corners.
Just based on the eye test, you might say that Hill is a little better. Yet, the stats tell a little different story. Of course, stats aren’t everything, because they don’t differentiate between the No. 1 and No. 2 corner.
But Long, who also led all draft-eligible corners in opposing passer rating and in fewest yards allowed per snap, appears to have the edge just based on numbers. Now, Hill seems more highly regarded by pro scouts, but if Long keeps producing like he has, he should gain their favor soon enough.
The bottom line is that both players are excellent. Michigan football has two starting corners that are clearly capable of playing at the next level. That’s a big deal and a big reason why the Wolverines pass defense was so stout last season.
It remains to be seen if both Hill and Long can replicate the success they had a season ago. Yet, it’s hard to see either taking a step back if both can remain healthy. Both corners have incredible instincts and excel in bump-and-run coverage.
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Their ability to cover also gives Don Brown more freedom to take chances with pressure packages. Great defenses compliment each other, but when you have two of the best corners in the country, it makes life on that side of the ball much easier.