LSU coach Nick Saban recalled last season’s Ole Miss game when talking about Corey Webster’s ability to play cornerback.
“Last year in the Ole Miss game his shoulder came out [of socket] and he wanted to come out,” Saban said. “I said go back in and he intercepted the next pass and ended the game and his shoulder came back in when he intercepted it.”
Webster started playing cornerback last season and led the SEC with seven interceptions, equalling the number of receptions he made at wide receiver his freshman season. After converting to defense, Webster played in 13 games for the Tigers’ last season with five starts.
Webster said he was not excited at the prospect of playing cornerback when he first started learning the position last year. He said Saban was wiser.
“I wasn’t too pleased with the switch and look how it turned out,” Webster said. “[Coaches] say sometimes players have tunnel vision and I’m kind of thankful that coach Saban moved me to [defensive back].”
Tigers cornerback Travis Daniels said Webster’s ability to adjust to different positions shows his toughness. Webster played quarterback at St. James High school before converting to wide receiver at LSU and then to cornerback.
“I know Corey’s a fighter,” Daniels said. “He [has] been through a lot of changes since he’s been here, playing receiver and as a quarterback in high school. He’s real tough and I love playing with him.”
Webster shares his nickname – “C-Web” – with the NBA’s Chris Webber of the Sacramento Kings. Daniels said Webster reminds him of the NBA’s “C-Webb” on the football field.
“[Webster is] real aggressive on the ball, just an all-around athlete who everybody wants to be on their team, even at the next level,” Daniels said.
LSU strong safety and former wide receiver Jack Hunt said Webster’s athletic ability makes him exceptional at his position. He said Webster’s ability even carries over to the basketball court. Webster averaged more than 20 points per game when he played in high school.
“He’s probably the best athlete I’ve ever been around,” Hunt said. “If you’ve ever seen him play basketball, you probably know what I mean. He’s an unbelievable basketball player too. He’s fast. He’s a big guy, a big corner – physical. He’s been a really, really good tackler this year, more aggressive. He just makes plays that most people cannot make.”
Webster earned first-team all-Southeastern Conference status last season. Daniels said Webster never has a big ego but is always lifting up his teammates.
“It’s great to play with a guy like Corey Webster,” Daniels said. “Not only is Corey Webster a good athlete, he’s a good person.
“He’s real nice, humble. He never ever talks about how he’s better than everybody else.”
Daniels said Webster helped him to develop his game, especially on defending receivers in certain situations.
“When you play with guys like that … it’s a lot easier for you to go talk to him,” Webster said. “He’ll give you positive feedback and let you know what you’re doing wrong and right.”
Helping the younger players on the team is something Webster does because the starters used to help him. He said former LSU defensive backs Demetrius Hookfin and Damien James helped him develop his game.
“When [it] was my first year here on defense Hookfin and everybody tried to help me,” Webster said. “Anything I can do to help the other guys at the new positions, I try to do anything I can do.”
This season Webster leads LSU with three interceptions and is tied for third in the category among SEC players. He credits this season’s success to a strong defensive line.
“I think our defensive line is playing so well this year, the quarterback [does not] have that much time and he’s just throwing them up in the air,” Webster said. “We just happen to be in the right place at the right time.”