Essang Bassey

Playing both offense and defense at Columbus High School in Georgia, Bassey split time between cornerback, wide receiver and running back.

[3] Bassey received playing time during his true freshman season in every game in a reserve capacity,[4] accruing 17 tackles.

[5] As a sophomore, Bassey led the Wake Forest defense in snaps played and collected 66 tackles and three interceptions.

[3] He was also named an honorable mention on the All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) team after the season.

[12] In Week 12 against the New Orleans Saints, Bassey recorded his first career interception off a pass thrown by Taysom Hill during the 31–3 loss.

[24] On October 4, 2023, the Chargers claimed Bassey off of waivers after trading J. C. Jackson to the New England Patriots.