Yusuf Corker: How Kentucky Replaces the New York Giant

Kentucky safety Yusuf Corker signed an Undrafted Free Agent deal with the New York Giants after not being selected in the 2022 NFL Draft. The safety will be reunited with Wan’Dale Robinson in New York. 

Yusuf Corker was a longtime starter and contributor in the Wildcat secondary. The two-time team captain played in 50 career games including 37 consecutive starts. He registered 240 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 14 pass breakups, and three interceptions during his stay in Lexington. The safety graduated in May of 2021 with a degree in economics. Corker served as the third level’s enforcer and was strong against the run. 

Jalen Geiger moved from strong to free safety and is set to replace Corker in the starting lineup. The 6’1, 200-pound junior from Columbia, South Carolina played in all 13 games a year ago with two starts against Vanderbilt and Louisville. He recorded 18 tackles, one tackle for loss, and a pick-6. The junior has paid his dues and is ready to become a fulltime starter. 

There is more depth at the safety positions than expected following the emergence of Jordan Lovett, who benefitted from a strong spring performance. Lovett’s development is vital following Vito Tisdale’s injury which left the ‘Cats without an experienced nickel/medium defender. There are multiple combinations of the safety/nickel positional possibilities. 

What Does All This Mean? 

Yusuf Corker was a high-effort defender that specialized in stopping the run during his 37-consecutive starts. Experience in the back-third is important given the SEC’s evolution to a pass-happy league. Safety Jalen Geiger came on strong to finish the 2021 season. He and Tyrell Ajian have locked down the two starting spots with Jordan Lovett surfacing as a reliable option. Taj Dodson provides additional depth. Identifying and developing a two-deep in the third level will be something to monitor during fall camp.