Florida's Vernon Hargreaves declares himself the 'best corner in the country'

Florida cornerback Vernon Hargreaves isn't shying away from the media spotlight in the run-up to what's expected to be his final college football season.

During SEC Media Days in July, the usually reserved Hargreaves declared himself the "best corner in the country," while predicting that the Gators will boast the nation's top secondary.

"I'm not a big talker but this year we'll prove it," he said, according to Edgar Thompson of the Orlando Sentinel.

Hargreaves is commonly regarded as the centerpiece of the Gators' star-studded secondary. In his first two seasons, he recorded 24 pass breakups and six interceptions (three each year).

With another season like his first two, Hargreaves could become a first-team All-American and a top-10 pick when he enters the NFL draft, which many observers believe he'll do next spring.

"I thought as a freshman he was a first-round draft pick, the best cornerback I studied," ESPN analyst and three-time All-America David Pollack said of Hargreaves. "He's that good. He's instinctive, balanced, understands route concepts."

Pollack added: "He's a freak show."

Florida's new coach Jim McElwain has also been effusive in his praise of Hargreaves. Despite entering spring camp as one of the Gators' top stars, Hargreaves performed every day like he was still trying to prove himself to the coaching staff, McElwain said.

"I'll tell you, here's the best thing, he's fun to watch practice," McElwain said. "The guy loves it. That's what I think separates some of the guys, at times, is the ones that really, truly go out there and compete every day to perfect their craft."