The Indianapolis Colts started off Day 2 of the 2023 NFL draft trading back twice and then selecting cornerback Julius Brents out of Kansas State.
Brents should be able to compete right away for a starting role in the secondary, specifically on the boundary. He’s a natural fit for Gus Bradley’s scheme, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he’s a starter for the majority of his rookie season.
Here are six things to know about the Colts’ new cornerback:
Indy native
Brents was born in Indianapolis and attended Warren Central High School. He was teammates with former Purdue and current Cleveland Browns wide receiver David Bell. He also lettered in track. Brents was the No. 4 recruit in Indiana.
Iowa
Brents spent his first three collegiate seasons at Iowa. He was a starter during his true freshman season due to injuries but locked down a starting role. He lost that role due to a knee injury in 2019, playing in just one game. After losing that starting role in 2020, Brents transferred to Kansas State.
Kansas State
Brents spent the final two seasons of his collegiate career as a starter at Kansas State. He started 27 games, recording 11 passes defended and five interceptions during that span. Brents earned First-Team All-Big 12 honors following his redshirt senior season in 2022.
Freaky athlete
Brents is a freaky athlete and one of the most physically gifted cornerbacks in recent memory. He lacks long speed, but he makes up for it with elite size, length, short-area quickness and explosiveness.
Julius or JuJu?
Brents goes by both Julius and his nickname “JuJu.” When asked what he prefers after being drafted Friday, Brents said, “It’s whatever. That’s been my nickname my whole life growing up. Julius, JuJu, whatever – it doesn’t matter man. I would say my opponent – we’re going to call it JuJu Island, so yeah, we can rock with JuJu.”
Wrist surgery
Brents played the majority of the 2022 season with a nagging wrist injury that required surgery in March. While he will avoid contact with the wrist, he may not be cleared for full activities until training camp.
“He won’t be ready until training camp because of the wrist, but he’ll be able to run and do things. He just can’t punch with it. But he’ll be good to go, we feel good about it,” said general manager Chris Ballard.
