When it comes to college football, the safety position is crucial for any team’s defense. Safeties are responsible for covering the deep part of the field, making tackles, and providing support to their teammates. Over the years, there have been many outstanding safeties who have made a significant impact on their respective teams. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive list of the best 25 college football safeties.
1. Ed Reed (Miami): Ed Reed is widely regarded as one of the greatest safeties in college football history. He was a ball-hawking safety who had incredible instincts and playmaking ability. Reed won the Jim Thorpe Award in 2001 and was a key part of Miami’s national championship-winning team.
2. Ronnie Lott (USC): Ronnie Lott is a legendary safety who played for USC in the late 1970s. He was known for his hard-hitting style and exceptional tackling ability. Lott won the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year award in 1980 and went on to have a successful NFL career.
3. Sean Taylor (Miami): Sean Taylor was a dominant force during his time at Miami. He possessed a rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism that made him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Taylor was a consensus All-American in 2003 and tragically passed away in 2007.
4. Troy Polamalu (USC): Troy Polamalu was a versatile safety who played for USC in the early 2000s. He was known for his aggressive playing style and ability to make game-changing plays. Polamalu won the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year award in 2002 and went on to have a successful NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
5. Eric Berry (Tennessee): Eric Berry was a standout safety for the University of Tennessee. He was a two-time All-American and won the Jim Thorpe Award in 2009. Berry was known for his exceptional coverage skills and ability to make big plays.
6. Roy Williams (Oklahoma): Roy Williams was a dominant safety for the University of Oklahoma in the early 2000s. He was known for his hard-hitting style and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Williams won the Jim Thorpe Award in 2001 and went on to have a successful NFL career.
7. Minkah Fitzpatrick (Alabama): Minkah Fitzpatrick was a versatile safety who played for the University of Alabama. He was a two-time All-American and won the Jim Thorpe Award in 2017. Fitzpatrick was known for his exceptional coverage skills and ability to make plays all over the field.
8. Earl Thomas (Texas): Earl Thomas was a standout safety for the University of Texas. He was a consensus All-American in 2009 and won the Jim Thorpe Award. Thomas was known for his exceptional range and ball skills.
9. Grant Delpit (LSU): Grant Delpit was a standout safety for Louisiana State University. He was a consensus All-American in 2018 and won the Jim Thorpe Award in 2019. Delpit was known for his versatility, tackling ability, and coverage skills.
10. Jamal Adams (LSU): Jamal Adams was a dominant safety for Louisiana State University. He was a consensus All-American in 2016 and won the Jim Thorpe Award. Adams was known for his physicality, instincts, and leadership.
11. Derwin James (Florida State): Derwin James was a standout safety for Florida State University. He was a consensus All-American in 2017 and won the Jim Thorpe Award. James was known for his athleticism, versatility, and playmaking ability.
12. Taylor Mays (USC): Taylor Mays was a standout safety for the University of Southern California. He was a three-time All-American and won the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year award in 2008. Mays was known for his size, speed, and hard-hitting style.
13. Eric Weddle (Utah): Eric Weddle was a standout safety for the University of Utah. He was a consensus All-American in 2006 and won the Jim Thorpe Award. Weddle was known for his intelligence, instincts, and versatility.
14. Tyrann Mathieu (LSU): Tyrann Mathieu, also known as the “Honey Badger,” was a dynamic safety for Louisiana State University. He was a consensus All-American in 2011 and won the Chuck Bednarik Award. Mathieu was known for his playmaking ability, instincts, and ball skills.
15. Antoine Winfield Jr. (Minnesota): Antoine Winfield Jr. was a standout safety for the University of Minnesota. He was a consensus All-American in 2019 and won the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year award. Winfield Jr. was known for his instincts, tackling ability, and ball skills.
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