Army Fall Camp: Cornerback Preview
Back in May the Black Knights took a big hit defensively when starting CB Donavon Platt officially committed Virginia via the transfer portal.
But as is often said in situations such as this, it is then next man up and Army has plenty of talent at the corner position.
You have Jabril Williams, Jaxon Hammond, and Robert Houston. Bottomline is that one of these guys is going to have to play a big role this season … it’s time to step up!
GBK Podcast Host & Football Analyst Joe Iacono had an opportunity to chat with all three following yesterday’s practice.
Jaxon Hammond (Junior)
Played in 14 games in 2024, primarily on special teams. Recorded 2 tackles and a pass breakup.
Track: Patriot League Champion and Academy Record holder in the 100m dash (10.42 seconds) 2025 Star meet champion in the 60m dash, and bronze medalist in 60m dash at the 2025
Patriot League Indoor Track & Field Championships #10 Army all-time best time in 60m dash
Two time Tennessee state champion in the 100 meters and one time champion in the 200 meters indoor and outdoor.
Holds his HS record for most receptions and touchdowns (we’ve asked coaches if there’s any thought to moving him to offense)
Robert Houston (Sophomore)
No stats in football
Attended St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, Ohio…Totaled 56 tackles, three interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), seven passes defended. First Team All-Conference, First Team
All-City, First Team All-District, and an All-State honorable mention selection.
Defensive Back of the Year for his conference. Also played basketball and ran track and field.
Jabril Williams (Senior)
Played in 14 games in 2024, mostly on special teams with 85 snaps in 9 games on defense.
Recorded 11 total tackles and was credited with 2 passes defended.
Played in 7 games in 2023 (No defensive snaps), but was a major game changer on special teams, blocking one punt that was recovered for a touchdown and recovering and returning a punt for a touchdown…vs. Holy Cross (11/11): Blocked a punt on the opening drive of the game which was recovered by Elo Modozie for a touchdown…vs. Coastal Carolina (11/18): Recovered a blocked punt by Brett Gerena and returned it 37 yards for a touchdown.
Played in five games on special teams as a plebe in 2022. Blocked a punt that was recovered in the end zone for a touchdown by Miles Stewart…at UMass (11/26): Had three tackles…vs. Navy (12/10): Was part of the biggest play of the season when Noah Short blocked a Navy punt and
Williams chased down the ball in the end zone, recovering for a special teams touchdown, by the thinnest of margins using every inch of the end zone to remain in bounds.
