Newcomers Preston Hodge, DJ McKinney bolster CU Buffs secondary

In his two seasons at Liberty, Preston Hodge played a lot of football and won a lot of games.

Something was missing, however.

“I didn’t really get coached the best at my position last year,” the Colorado newcomer said this week as he and the Buffaloes began preseason camp. “So, just being able to play for the best; Deion is the best to ever do it at my position. So just learning from him and taking that in to get to the next level.”

The opportunity to play for CU head coach Deion Sanders, a Hall of Fame cornerback, was the main draw to Boulder for both Hodge and Oklahoma State transfer DJ McKinney. That duo could play a significant role in helping Sanders’ Buffs get on the winning track.

As CU prepares for its second season under Coach Prime, the roster features a mix of experienced returning players, as well as several newcomers expected to fill key roles. All told, there are 48 scholarship newcomers, including revamped rooms at running back, offensive line and defensive line.

Cornerback is arguably the most improved position group, however, with the additions of Hodge and McKinney. (Auburn transfer Colton Hood and Furman transfer Ivan Yates have also joined the room this summer, adding depth and experience.)

“DJ and Preston have come in and done a great job,” first-year defensive coordinator Robert Livingston said. “They’re about the right stuff.”

A year ago, CU featured one of the most talented cornerbacks in the country in Travis Hunter, but never really solidified the second or third spots. Omarion Cooper played well early in the season, but he struggled late and the Buffs also used true freshmen Cormani McClain and Carter Stoutmire, as well a few other veteran transfers.

Stoutmire is now playing safety, while Cooper (Florida State) and McClain (Florida) have moved on. Jahquez Robinson and Kyndrich Breedlove, who also played snaps at corner, have transferred out of the program, as well.

Hunter is back, of course, ensuring the Buffs will again have one of the best corners in America. But Hodge and McKinney give them depth and options they didn’t have last year.

“Yeah, I think we’re deep,” Livingston said of the entire secondary. “I think there are guys here that are backups that could be starters other places. And I think there’s great leadership.”

Last year, Hodge helped Liberty to a 13-0 record (he entered the transfer portal before the Flames’ bowl game loss), posting 48 tackles, two interceptions and 10 pass breakups.

McKinney, meanwhile, wasn’t a starter at Oklahoma State, but his 596 snaps played ranked second among OSU cornerbacks. He recorded 38 tackles and five pass breakups.

Both arrived at CU in January and excelled at corner in the spring, allowing the Buffs to utilize Hunter in the slot. All three can move around to play different spots, depending on matchups.

“It’s a testament to the two guys that were just here (at the podium), Preston and DJ, because they have the ability to move around,” Livingston said. “So when you have three corners you can move around, hopefully as coaches you look a lot smarter.”

Hodge and McKinney both said they’ve enjoyed soaking up what they can learn from Livingston and from Coach Prime. They also both said the main thing they’ve learned from Coach Prime is to not do the same thing every play when lining up against a receiver.

“It may be press, play off – just show him different types of scenarios,” Hodge said.

McKinney added, “I’m just taking it all in every day, just learning something new.”

Included in the process is building a rapport with teammates and they both feel that’s coming along.