Carrington Valentine Player BioValentine crossed the border from Ohio to Kentucky after starring in football and basketball at Cincinnati's Archbishop Moeller High School. He played in 10 games with one start as a true freshman (10 tackles, one pass breakup, one forced fumble). Valentine started 12 of 13 games played in 2021 (61 tackles, 1.5 for loss, five pass breakups) and then led the team with 10 pass breakups as a junior (48 tackles, 1.5 for loss, one interception in 12 starts). -- by Chad Reuter
OverviewValentine has the physical traits necessary for the NFL but the instincts and body control to extend his coverage against quality route runners leaves something to be desired. He’s solid at crowding vertical throws and can play press-and-bail, but he has had coverage busts in zone. Also, he bites too easily on double moves. Valentine’s lack of aggression as a run defender could make it tougher for zone teams to give him a chance.
StrengthsWell-built with a long, athletic frame.
Capable of handling press/bail coverages.
Limited cornerback experience with room for improvement.
Adequate plant-and-drive from the top of his drop.
Faces up to deep sideline throws and locates the ball.
Rakes through catch point to jar ball free.
WeaknessesOnly one career interception and multiple drops of would-be interceptions.
Not enough juice to close out receivers after coverage missteps.
Below-average aggression handling run-support duties.
Takes giant bites out of double moves.
Takes some very poor angles to ball-carriers.