Rookie cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III is going to be given one of the biggest tests of the season right out of the gate Sunday.
It’s no easy task to transition from college to the NFL. It’s especially difficult for quarterbacks, but right behind quarterbacks is the cornerback position. Despite how dominant Vernon Hargreaves was at Florida, there will still be a learning curve and he will make mistakes. However, he better get the butterflies out early because come Sunday, he will face easily one of – if not the biggest test of his young career.
Aug 26, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Vernon Hargreaves (28) works out prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Defending Julio Jones.
The 5’11” Hargreaves trying to defend the 6’3″ Jones is already a huge mismatch on paper. Throw in the experience and it’s a match-up that may strike fear into Bucs’ fans’ hearts. Defensive coordinator Mike Smith spoke about the rookie facing one of the NFL’s elite on Thursday;
“Vernon is a very competitive guy and we’ve brought him along where he can play both inside and outside. So he’s going to get his opportunities to get matched up against Julio in this ball game. Julio is one of the top receivers and there’s no better way to measure where you’re at than going against one of the best receivers in the NFL.”
It will certainly be an interesting opportunity to witness, but Hargreaves can’t allow it to seep into his head too much. All he can do is what he’s always done: make the best possible play he can on the ball, giving himself – or a teammate – a chance to make a big play.
Hargreaves allowed only one completed pass to a receiver all preseason, while intercepting two passes of his own. Making a big play like intercepting a pass intended for Julio might make Hargreaves the most beloved player on the defense not named Lavonte David right out of the gate.
How do you feel about Hargreaves lining up opposite Julio? Let us know in the comments below.
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