Top 5 safeties in college football for 2019

#4 Andre Cisco, Syracuse

Andre Cisco

This kid had a historic freshman season, as he was an All-American selection and won the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year award, after being the first freshman in 20 years to lead the nation in interceptions (seven). However, he also knocked down another seven passes and recorded 60 tackles. The six foot, 205-pound safety played a ton of single-high free safety and consistently stayed deeper than the deepest. However, the Orange used two-high looks most of the time and rolled one of them into the deep middle, which brought Cisco into a robber role as well, where he cut in front of several receivers when he saw the QB release the ball.

Moreover, the coaches also matched up in the slot a few times a game and showed the ability to follow guys out of their breaks. While he won’t always just shoot up the alley in run support, the Cuse’ young standout was surprisingly effective with his ankle tackling. As crazy as it may sound for a guy who led the nation in picks, I think Cisco is a little too passive when the route pattern has developed and there’s a chance to drive on routes in front of him.