4. Baylen Buchanan (Fr.), Cornerback
The 5’11”, 190-pound cornerback from Suwannee, Ga., is playing like he’s much bigger. The three-star defensive back was ranked the 60th best defensive back in the nation and the No. 687 overall prospect. He wasn’t the flashiest name in this recruiting class, but he may be the one that ends up surprising the most.
Buchanan was a teammate and friend with Nigel Warrior at Peachtree Ridge High School. In two years of high school varsity football, Buchanan recorded 73 total tackles with three interceptions and two fumble recoveries. Buchanan was the first player in the 2016 fall camp to have his stripe removed. According to defensive backs coach Willie Martinez, Buchanan reminds him of Cam Sutton when he was a freshman, which is obviously very high praise.
He plays hard and knows where to be on the field. He’s had an impressive camp and looks like he will earn meaningful playing time at the cornerback position. With Cam Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley looking to be the starters, Buchanan could pair up with Justin Martin in the two-deep rotation and forge his own impact as an eventual shutdown corner.
