I queried Grok:
The Good About Cortez Hankton as Wide Receivers Coach
Cortez Hankton has a strong track record of developing NFL-caliber talent and contributing to successful offenses in the SEC. Key positives include:
Player Development and NFL Pipeline: He coached multiple receivers who became high NFL draft picks. At LSU (2022-2025), he developed Malik Nabers (No. 6 overall, 2024 draft) and Brian Thomas Jr. (No. 23 overall, 2024 draft), who combined for over 2,700 yards and 31 TDs in 2023. Both had immediate NFL success with 1,000-yard rookie seasons. At Georgia (2018-2021), he worked with George Pickens (2nd-round pick), Ladd McConkey, Mecole Hardman (2nd round), and Riley Ridley (4th round). Overall, he sent at least seven receivers to the NFL from Georgia and LSU. He earned the 2023 FootballScoop Wide Receivers Coach of the Year award for his work with Nabers and Thomas.
Offensive Contributions: As passing game coordinator and later co-OC at LSU, he helped drive high-powered offenses, including the nation's No. 3 passing attack in 2023 (338.9 ypg) and top SEC rankings in multiple years. LSU had historic offensive outputs in 2022-2023 under his influence. At Georgia, he contributed to a 2021 national championship team.
Recruiting Involvement: He played a key role in LSU landing three consecutive Top 10 recruiting classes and the No. 1 transfer portal class in one cycle. As a New Orleans native and former NFL player, he connects well with recruits in Louisiana and the South.
Player Relations and Experience: Often described as a strong "players' coach" with relatability from his own NFL career (2003-2008, primarily with Jacksonville Jaguars). Official bios and announcements (e.g., Ohio State's hire) praise his experience developing elite talent.
The Bad About Cortez Hankton as Wide Receivers Coach
Criticism largely comes from fan forums (e.g., Reddit, TigerDroppings) and recent performance dips, viewing him as solid but not elite in certain areas:
Inconsistent Development Beyond Top Talent → Many fans note that while he inherited and polished stars like Nabers and Thomas (recruited before his arrival), other receivers regressed or underperformed. At LSU in 2024-2025, issues included dropped passes, poor route running, sloppy blocking, and lack of separation. Transfers like Barion Brown and Nic Anderson struggled after arriving as productive players elsewhere. Some receivers (e.g., Chris Hilton Jr., Kyren Lacy) showed regression or inconsistency.
Perceived Downgrade in Technique and Fundamentals → Complaints about "brick hands," drifting routes, and overall room sloppiness in later LSU years, contributing to passing struggles (e.g., dropping to 63rd nationally in 2025 passing yards). Similar sentiments from Georgia fans: Development slowed after initial successes, with the NFL pipeline tapering.
Recruiting as Primary Closer Limited → While involved in strong classes, he was primary recruiter for only one composite five-star WR (George Pickens) across eight years at Georgia/LSU. Top talents like Nabers/Thomas were prior recruits.
Context of Criticism → Much backlash surfaced in 2025 amid LSU's offensive struggles and coaching changes (Brian Kelly's dismissal, Lane Kiffin hire). Seen as a "decent recruiter and players' coach" but "not a great developer" by some, especially compared to elites like Brian Hartline (whom he replaced at Ohio State in 2026).
Overall, Hankton is widely respected for NFL talent production and recruiting contributions in powerhouse programs, earning him the Ohio State job. Criticisms focus on inconsistency in developing depth and fundamentals during tougher seasons, often from passionate fan bases. Sources cross-checked include official bios (LSU, Georgia, Ohio State), NFL draft records, awards, and balanced fan/media discussions—no major scandals or universal negatives found beyond performance debates.
www.cbssports.com
