How Brandon Finney emerged as Oregon's next legendary cornerback

Oregon has had some dogs at cornerback, guys with flypaper cover skills and a flair for big plays: Mel Renfro, Alex Molden, Kenny Wheaton, Rashad Bauman, Steve Smith, who once had three interceptions in the Fiesta Bowl, Jairus Byrd, Walter Thurmond, Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Deommodore Lenoir, Christian Gonzalez, just to name a few.

By the time he's done, freshman Brandon Finney could be the greatest of them all.

That'd be insane hype but Finney has the production to back it up. In his first seven games as a true freshman the 6-2, 203 four-star from Owings Mills, Maryland has been targeted 18 times. He's allowed three catches for a total of 28 yards while returning an interception for a 35-yard touchdown against No. 2 Indiana.

Finney's allowed 0 touchdowns while committing 0 penalties. Quarterbacks have a passer rating of 16.4 when throwing to his side. He's earned a PFF grade of 92.2, third-highest in the nation. His length, size, technique and tenacity set him apart and his work habits fuel it all.

He's already established himself as a player they have to chase out of the film room.

"His preparation is second to none," Dan Lanning said. "He works really hard and watches a lot of film, works hard on the practice field. He strains in practice, and it shows up in games."

He's allowing the lowest completion rate in the country at 16.7 percent. Rutgers tried to target him early with a couple of throws his way but gave up quickly.

"My process, I feel like that's a big thing, but I feel like it's also my competitive nature," Finney said. "I feel like no matter what room I'm in, I'm the best player. So even right now, I'm not really satisfied with what I've done so far. I'm not trying to be the best freshman; I'm trying to be the best corner in America."

Last season the Ducks fielded an undersized secondary without a single defensive back taller than 5-10.5, a shortcoming Ohio State exploited in the Rose Bowl. Against tall, athletic receivers like Jeremiah Smith they were virtually helpless.

Finney's length and athleticism made him an Under Armour All-American coming out of McDonough High School, a track athlete who could broad jump nearly 11 feet, the No. 47 recruit in the country and the No. 8 cornerback.

His length and speed set him apart as a great prospect, but his work habits and practice discipline allowed him to separate quickly.