Alabama looks for consistency at both free and strong safety positions, after losing Landon Collins, Nick Perry and Jarrick Williams. Safeties, like other positions, are stockpiled in the Southeastern Conference. One has to cover like a corner and hit like a linebacker, in order to make a roster spot at safety in this league
Yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine names the top five safeties to face Alabama.
Michael Caputo, WIS senior
Photo by: Fox Sports
5. Michael Caputo
- Classification: Senior
- Size: 6-foot-1, 210 pounds
- Team: Wisconsin Badgers
Summary: If there is a strength for Wisconsin heading into its season opener against Alabama, it lies in the secondary. The Badgers return 11 upperclassmen (7 seniors, 4 juniors) to its defensive backfield. Senior safety Michael Caputo is the emotional and vocal leader of the team.
He led Wisconsin in tackles last season (106) and totaled six tackles for loss. Caputo accounted for a sack and an interception in 14 games. He’s not afraid to line up in the box and take on running backs, but dissecting the flow of the football is his best trait on the field.
Armani Watts, TAMU sophomore
Photo by: chatsports.com
4. Armani Watts
- Classification: Sophomore
- Size: 5-foot-11, 190 pounds
- Team: Texas A&M Aggies
Summary: Armani Watts was one of few true freshmen that started last season for Texas A&M. He endured some growing pains, but started to thrive down the stretch in 2014.
Watts finished fifth on the team in tackles with 59 and recorded two stops for loss. He led the Aggies in interceptions with three. Ball skills, solid tackling and toughness are three things that defensive coordinator John Chavis wants from a safety. Watts has all three characteristics.
Quincy Mauger, UGA junior
Photo by: USA Today
3. Quincy Mauger
- Classification: Junior
- Size: 6-foot, 200 pounds
- Team: Georgia Bulldogs
Summary: Damian Swann has handed the torch to Quincy Mauger, as it will be the junior’s turn to captain Georgia’s secondary. The Bulldogs will pose the first true SEC road test for Alabama.
Mauger collected 51 tackles, one tackle for loss, and four interceptions last season in 13 games. It will be year two for Georgia’s defense under Jeremy Prewitt. Can it get over the hump?
Tony Conner, UM junior
Photo by: al.com
2. Tony Connor
- Classification: Junior
- Size: 6-foot, 215 pounds
- Team: Mississippi Rebels
Summary: Ole Miss lost Senquez Golson and Cody Prewitt, but Tony Conner returns as one of the hardest hitting safeties in the SEC. He will be expected to set the tone on defense this fall.
Connor finished second on the team in tackles (69) and tackles for loss (9.0).
He put in a sack and an interception in 13 games last season. Connor is an enforcer against the run. He takes good angles to the football and is physical with wide receivers and tight ends.
Jalen Mills, LSU senior
Photo by: Bleacher Report
1. Jalen Mills
- Classification: Senior
- Size: 6-foot, 194 pounds
- Team: LSU Tigers
Summary: LSU’s defense is stacked with playmakers, but Jalen Mills is the headline.
His career started at cornerback, until a transition was made prior to the 2014 season.
Mills enters his second year starting at safety, after totaling 62 tackles, three tackles for loss, a fumble recovery and an interception in 13 games last season. He is an exceptional tackler in space, and is sound at high-pointing the ball. He is projected to be a first-round draft pick.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine, Pick Six Previews and SB Nation. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
