Vernon Hargreaves III enters the 2015 season as the top cornerback prospect in college football. Hargreaves has been a first-team All-SEC pick in each of his two seasons at Florida. That is an impressive accomplishment given the skill-position talent in the SEC.
Hargreaves brings such a dynamic skill set that new Florida head coach Jim McElwain intends to use the cornerback as a return specialist, too. Excelling on defense and special teams can only boost the already high standing Hargreaves enjoys among the top players in the college game.
Pulling back the curtain on the vote
Cook earned votes from all seven CFB 24/7 experts, including four top-10 votes. Hargreaves was one of four players to also appear on last year's #CFBTop20 countdown.
What some of our analysts are saying about Hargreaves
"The junior's man-to-man coverage skills are at an elite level, and he's a high-character leader as well. Quarterbacks throw away from him, the ultimate compliment for a cornerback." -- Chase Goodbread
"Hargreaves is ultra competitive and explosive. He lacks ideal size but he checks every other box." -- Daniel Jeremiah
"Premier athlete who can overwhelm lesser opponents across from him with his physical talent. Good combination of size and speed that allows him the ability to take more chances than most cornerbacks can." -- Lance Zierlein
"VHIII won't back down against any receiver, no matter how many inches in height he gives up. He'll fight for the ball before, during, and after the catch." -- Chad Reuter
"Was an All-America as a freshman, and has continued to make improvements to his game." -- Charles Davis
"First true freshman to wear No. 1 at Florida since 2000. Had three interceptions and 13 pass breakups in 2014. Has the size and speed needed for the position." -- Gil Brandt
"Exceptional cover corner with an impressive skill set. He utilizes a variety of techniques, yet rarely gives up a big play on the perimeter." -- Bucky Brooks
Where do fans rank Hargreaves?
We asked Twitter users who they considered the best player in college football. Hargreaves finished fifth in the fan vote, which is a dramatic improvement from last year's "not rated" standing among the fans.
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