The path to the NFL Draft is always one full of unique moments or obstacles for every prospect. But while fans get to know each prospect as his own collegiate star, several fans will want to dive deeper and learn where it all began for the player.
In the case of Terrion Arnold, he’s entering the 2024 class as the projected No. 1 cornerback for this rookie group. But was he always at the top of his position? It’s time to explore where he went to school and look closely at his football journey.
Where Did Terrion Arnold’s Football Career Start?
Arnold starred at St. John Paul II Catholic High School in Tallahassee, Fla., before he became an NFL prospect.
The then-6’0″, 180-pounder thrived as a three-sport athlete for the private school in Florida’s state capital. Arnold starred on the football field, basketball court, and as a track and field sprinter. However, many around Arnold believed football was his calling.
Arnold rose as one of Florida’s top recruits and a highly-coveted national prospect — earning five-star status from 247Sports and a four-star ranking by Rivals. But for the former national recruiting outlet, Arnold was originally ranked as the nation’s No. 2 overall safety for the 2021 class.
Alabama CB Terrion Arnold already sees the Hall of Fame in his future. 🔥#RollTide | #NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/nECrmhW5LE
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) February 29, 2024
He went on to collect an astonishing 47 scholarship opportunities from various Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) programs — including fielding in-state offers from nearby Florida State and Florida. Andrew Ivins of 247Sports once compared Arnold’s game to Xavier McKinney of the Green Bay Packers. The director of scouting for 247Sports even boldly predicted Arnold would become a future first-rounder in his scouting report.
Arnold eventually chose Alabama — where one change sparked the rest of his career.
Revisiting Arnold’s College Career
Despite being a prized recruit for the Crimson Tide’s 2021 class, Arnold didn’t see the field that first season in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Then came one leap of faith: a switch to cornerback.
Arnold’s career took off from there. He went on to play in 11 games, including making seven starts in 2022 — responding with eight pass deflections, one interception, one tackle for a loss, and 34 solo stops.
MORE: Top CBs in the 2024 NFL Draft
He elevated his name across the nation and on NFL draft boards the next year. Arnold improved his interception total to five while snatching 40 solo tackles, including delivering 6.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage. Arnold additionally swatted away 12 passes on his side, leading Alabama in pass deflections with that number.
Along with beginning his CFB career as a safety, Arnold began his 2023 season as the less-heralded CB prospect compared to teammate Kool-Aid McKinstry. Arnold has since risen as the projected first corner taken come April 25.
Arnold’s Potential in the NFL
With Arnold anticipated to come off the board early, does this instantly make him a top-10 prospect? PFN’s Ian Cummings believes so.
“Arnold grades out as a blue-chip prospect and a top-10 talent in the 2024 NFL Draft,” Cummings wrote in his evaluation. “He’s my personal CB1 in the 2024 NFL Draft class, and especially for man-heavy teams that value run support at CB, Arnold has immediate appeal and impact-starter upside.”
Arnold will likely give defenses the comfort of allowing the rookie to play man coverage. Cummings points out how Arnold comes equipped with strong short-range speed, a hyperactive twitch, and shows long-strider speed in covering deep.
What additionally raises Arnold’s stock is his production against the Southeastern Conference — long considered the toughest college football conference in the nation. This makes Arnold fully tested to take on the league’s top wideouts.
Does this make Arnold a near-perfect prospect? Cummings shared how Arnold is far from perfection in highlighting his biggest flaw.
“Zone coverage is where Arnold stands to improve the most,” Cummings said. “There are times when offenses can saddle him with indecision and hesitation on overlapping routes, and he’s still learning how to be more confident with his pass-on and carry responsibilities.”
Regardless, the league will soon welcome one of the more complete and decorated CBs in this draft class.
KEEP READING: Ian Cummings’ Full Scouting Report of Terrion Arnold
Highlights, Records, and More Arnold Has Collected
Arnold is one used to high praise. He’s collected accolades in the process.
College Football Network named him the nation’s Cornerback of the Year in 2023. CFN also named him a First-Team All-SEC performer alongside McKinstry.
Arnold additionally has collected All-American honors by the Associated Press and was given All-SEC First Team honors by the conference.
Now, his new projected title is CB1 of this draft.
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