We are over halfway through the season and conference play is in full-swing. It's time to take a look at how our preseason Top 5 picks at each position have fared and discuss some risers and fallers.
Today we look at the cornerback position.
Preseason Top 5
1) Prince Amukamara, Nebraska -Amukamara has zero interceptions this year, but has seven pass breakups. Amukamara obviously has a hand in the Cornhuskers' third-ranked pass defense, but he was unable to shut down Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon last week.
2) Patrick Peterson, LSU - Perterson is undoubtedly one of the most dynamic players in college football. He has 855 yards in kick and punt return yardage so far this season and two punt returns for touchdowns. He has also has a blocked punt and two interceptions.
3) Ras-I Dowling, Virginia - Downey has had a rough year missing the better part of the first three games with a hamstring injury and Week Seven with a knee injury.
4) Kendric Burney, North Carolina - One of several Tar Heels to miss time due to the NCAA investigation into sports agents and extra benefits. He has been cleared to play this week against William & Mary.
5) Rashad Carmichael, Virginia Tech - Carmichael has been very good this year with three interceptions and seven pass breakups. Together with sophomore corner Jayron Hosley the Hokie duo has eight interceptions and 13 pass breakups.
Other Risers and Fallers
Casey Hayward, Vanderbilit - The junior has five INTs and five pass breakups so far this season. Most of that production coming against SEC schools like LSU, Georgia and South Carolina. With seven interceptions and 13 pass breakups in the last two years, Hayward is one of the top corners in the SEC.
Chase Minnifield, Virginia - True Minnifield's four INTs have come against Richmond, VMI and Eastern Michigan. But he also played well against USC and Florida State, registering two pass breakups in each of those contests. The junior is having a fine season.
Chimdi Chekwa, Ohio State - Two INTs on the national stage in Week Two against Miami will certainly help. Overall he's been solid this year and has helped the Buckeyes
Charles Brown, North Carolina - One of several Tar Heels to miss time due to the NCAA investigation into sports agents and extra benefits. He's been ruled out this year and will likely redshirt.
Chris Rucker, Michigan State - Rucker has had an up and down year. On the field it looked like Rucker had turned the corner. However, getting popped for DUI after the Michigan game and spending eight days in jail for violating probation doesn't look good on any resume'.