Position Preview: Taking a look at SMU’s depth chart at cornerback

As summer nears its end and SMU gets set for fall camp the roster and depth chart are starting to come together. By utilizing the transfer portal and another strong recruiting class the Mustangs are putting themselves in position to compete in their first season in the ACC.

As Rhett Lashlee & Co. make their move into the power rankings, On The Pony Express provides an in-depth look at the roster with our Position Preview series. We now take a look at cornerback and the possible depth chart.

Cornerback

1. Deuce Harmon (RJr.)

2. AJ Davis (RSo.)

3. Jahari Rogers (RSr.)

4. William Nettles (Fr.)

Cornerback

1. Brandon Crossley (GSr.)

2. Jaelyn Davis-Robinson (RSo.)

3. Alexander Rodgers (Fr.)

The corner position is the biggest question mark for the defense. Both starters are gone from last year in Charles Woods and Chris Megginson . SMU brought in Harmon this offseason to help fill one of the spots. After a tough start to spring, he settled in and is likely to be a starter on one side.

On the other side, it appears the Mustangs are prepared to move Crossley back to corner where he played his first two years with the program. He had a team-high four interceptions, in a 10-game season, with a touchdown in 2020. Crossley also had nine pass breakups that season. If defensive coordinator and safeties coach Scott Symons and cornerbacks coach Rickey Hunley make the move, they’ll do so for Crossley to start.

That would leave Davis-Robinson, the leader for a starting job after spring, and Davis in backup roles. Davis was the nearly unanimous answer for which defensive player had the best spring. While he isn’t quite starter-ready, he is close. Meanwhile Davis-Robinson has the raw talent, including speed that has earned him the nickname ‘Smoke,’ but lacks a little bit of the experience.

Rogers has a lot of experience, but has never truly come into his own at the position after converting from high school quarterback.

Nettles and Rodgers joined this summer out of high school. Nettles could see time on special teams and is probably the more college-ready of the two, but Rodgers has a nice upside.

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