As we near the end of our players rankings, we are moving on to safeties. Let’s see who makes the list.
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1) Jeremy Cash, Duke
If Jeremy Cash is fully healed from off-season knee surgery, the senior Cash will be an All-American. Last season he had 111 tackles and 10.5 tackles for loss. Several NFL mock drafts have Cash going in the 1st round. I read one NFL draft site that compared Cash to Ed Reed. Wow that’s high praise.
2) Quin Blanding, Virginia
Quin Blanding was a 5 star recruit for the Virginia Cavaliers, and he’s been every bit as good as advertised. Blanding is only a sophomore, and has a great chance to top this list next year. He set a Virginia freshman record with 123 tackles in 2014 and was named ACC Defensive Rookie of the year. If Blanding was this good as a freshman, what does he do with a year under his belt?
3) Nate Andrews, Florida State
Playing next to Jalen Ramsey for large portions of the season, can over-shadow any player, but make no mistake safety Nate Andrews is a very good player. Last season he 93 tackles, with 3 interceptions. He has good range. Some NFL Draft projections have him going in the 1st or 2nd round.
4) Deon Bush, Miami
Deon Bush was a freshman All-American in 2012, but injuries during the course of his career have kept him from reaching his potential. He is physical safety that forced 5 fumbles last season. If he can stay healthy, he could find himself as a 2nd or 3rd round NFL pick. It all comes down to his health.
5) Jamal Golden, Georgia Tech
The multi-talented Jamal Golden was one of the ACC’s best safeties last season. He had 61 tackles, and had 4 interceptions. He was a 3rd Team All-ACC player in 2014, and is considered a NFL prospect, that I’ve seen go in mock drafts anywhere from the 4th-7th round. Golden versatility also makes him one of the better kick returners in the ACC.
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