Mark Stoops sees bright future for freshman cornerback Carrington Valentine

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A year ago Carrington Valentine was covering Trinity wide receivers for Cincinnati Moeller. On Saturday he lined up against Devonta Smith, the SEC record holder for career touchdown receptions. Valentine did not bat an eye.

Most had their attention fixed on the inexperienced quarterbacks and wide receivers when Mark Stoops subbed in the twos late in the blowout loss at Alabama. While the offense struggled to do anything special, on defense Valentine held his own against one of the best wide receivers in America. Not bad for a low three-star recruit.

Since Valentine arrived on campus, folks close to the program marveled at his athleticism. What really sets him apart is between the ears.

“The best quality that he has is his competitive nature. He is a competitive kid and I like that. He’s always working hard. He’s dialed-in. He takes things serious. Sometimes freshmen are just freshmen. It doesn’t sink in or they don’t take the coaching, the medicine the way you need to, but Carrington does. He does not waste a rep,” Mark Stoops said Monday.

“It’s paying off and it’s gonna pay off for him in the future. Years down the road it’s gonna pay off for him because of the way he attacks practice, because of his approach and because he’s super competitive. I like that about him.”

Valentine still has a long way to go to receive regular playing time in a talented room of defensive backs, but it’s safe to say he will not be shying away from that competition.