The Washington cornerback depth chart competition is one of the intriguing position battles for Washington during Fall camp. Who is going to be who emerges as the third outside cornerback option for this defense? The projected starters are clear. Emmanuel Karnley brings over 1,000 snaps of experience and was brought in as a transfer to become a starter. Dylan Robinson started a handful of games as a true freshman last year, and the coaching staff believes he has first-round traits at the position. But the third player in the Washington cornerback rotation is not particularly clear at this point.
Elias Johnson had a tremendous Spring practice season. Summer enrollee Rahsjon Duncan has yet to show how his elite physical traits can translate to the next level. But fellow freshmen Elijah Durr and Jeron Jones did show glimpses of the talent they possess as Spring enrollees and figure to be a part of the conversation as well.
Washington Cornerback Depth Chart Competition
Washington’s Rotational Cornerback Battle
In his third year on the roster, redshirt sophomore Elias Johnson was arguably the top-performing cornerback during Spring practice, regardless of the depth chart. Unofficially, the 6’-2” defender broke up 11 passes during the team periods of practice in April. That includes one he made during the Spring game. Johnson also had an interception and 2.5 tackles, resulting in a stop at the point of attack during the practice season.
The difference for Johnson this Spring was that he looked more comfortable on defense. In year two of the Ryan Walters system and in year three in the program, Johnson noticeably trusts his reads and does not overanticipate his assignments. He has also improved his ability to track wide receivers and get in position to make plays on the football. His unofficial pass breakup numbers reflect that improvement.
Physical Improvements
Secondary coach John Richardson pointed out Johnson’s improvements nutritionally with Tanner Graves (director of football performance nutrition) and in the weight room with Tyler Owens (head strength coach). “[Johnson] has put on a lot of weight and can move and transition really well. [He’s] able to get in position to make plays, and he’s doing a fantastic job right now.”
Johnson has made a 20-pound improvement since enrolling in 2024, but he’s listed at just 179 pounds. There were a few occasions during the Spring where he was out-physicaled at the catch point and beaten at the line of scrimmage by the opposing receiver. It hasn’t been a total disadvantage, however. He made plays on the football at a high rate this Spring, and that did not go unnoticed by Richardson. “He’s showing up in his physicality and him being able to stick with wide receivers and not get pushed off and things like that,” Richardson said this Spring. “So he’s been doing a great job.”
Rahsjon Duncan
Though he was not on campus this Spring, Rahsjon Duncan is expected to suit up for Fall camp and immediately compete to be a part of the rotation at cornerback. The 6’-1” and 186-pound corner out of Oakland, California was among the top corners in the nation in his class of 2026. 247Sports rated him 13th at his position nationally, and his senior season statistics backed up that rating. Duncan broke up 16 passes and forced four fumbles on the year to go along with 57 tackles.
On film, he excels in his press-man coverage skills, which fit well with what Walters asks his corners to do at Washington. Duncan displays quality closing speed on the football and delivers physical hits at all levels. The traits are there to help someone fit into the Husky defensive culture that Walters is constructing. He just hasn’t had a chance to showcase it on the practice field quite yet.
Elijah Durr & Jeron Jones
Elijah Durr and Jeron Jones were on campus this Spring, and both showcased flashes of how they can impact the cornerback room this Fall as well. Durr was the Gatorade State Player of the Year in Washington as a senior at Mount Tahoma High School in Tacoma. And this Spring, the 6’-0”, 186-pound true freshman broke up five passes unofficially and pulled down an interception during practice this April. Much of that production was in the team’s second scrimmage, where he had two pass breakups and the interception. It was a sideline pick in the end zone where he showed great awareness to get his feet down inbounds.
Jones unofficially broke up four passes this Spring, and he, too, had an interception during the practice season. The 5’-11” and 177-pound corner was a top-40 player at his position nationally out of Mission Viejo High School in Southern California.
“They’re growing fast,” Richardson said of Durr and Jones. “You’re able to see their athleticism as well.” Richardson attributed their quick growth to the quality of receivers on Washington’s roster, particularly its freshmen. “When you bring in a talented group of receivers as well, like Trez Davis and those guys, man, they make plays,” Richardson said. “And so naturally, in the same recruiting class, you’re not trying to get shown up by guys in your same class… So that’s accelerating the curve.”
Projecting the Battle
If the season started tomorrow, Johnson would be best equipped, from an experience and skill set perspective, to step into the third cornerback rotational role behind Karnley and Robinson. There’s certainly room to grow for the third-year sophomore, but he’s shown a tangible step forward in his confidence in coverage.
But cornerback is one of the unique positions on this team. There’s a true depth of talent, but who fills that rotational spot is one of the biggest question marks on this team. Last year, Robinson was the third cornerback in the rotation behind starters, Tacario Davis and Ephesians Prysock. Robinson ultimately started five games and played 371 defensive snaps on the year. Duncan, Durr, and Jones are all looking to make a statement this Fall alongside Johnson for this important defensive role.
Main Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
