The Shape of Sprint:S

The Rover Strong Safety

This style of safety plays with a strong and physical presence. They combine the skills of a defensive back with the nature and physicality of a linebacker. They can line up deep and play a support role as a over the top defender, they can line up in the box beefing up the run defense, and be a additional body near the line of scrimmage to minimize any big plays. Players like this are an important part of any great defense.

(CSFL) CHC 15-17 SS Kadeem Pankey 90tk 14.5tfl 4.5sacks 4int 12pbu

Pankey was a big and strong defensive back that blurred the line between linebacker and safety. He was known for his aggressive and powerful tackling often delivering thunderous hits. Pankey’s presence as an enforcer was a crucial element of the early CHC defenses. When Pankey wasn’t laying the wood near the line scrimmage he was covering slot receivers and tight ends. His ability to do both made Pankey one of the most dynamic strong safeties in recent memory.

(CSFL) Penn 12-15 SS Stu Helgeson 168tk 7tfl 6int 16pbu

Helgeson was a versatile and adaptable strong safety that left his mark on the Quackers program. Helgeson is another example of a big physical safety. At a little over 6ft tall he had a great wingspan and stride that he used to cover ground when coming downhill and staying close to receivers when they entered his zone. Helgeson was at his best when playing in condensed space. Whenever teams were in the redzone or in a tough offensive position Helgeson was likely to make a big play. The standout strong safety left a strong legacy in the defensive back room at Penn which was later carried on by fellow Penn all time great Tom Console.

(CSFL) Caldwell 21-24 SS Amajuwan Murray 171tk 13tfl 1sack 7int 17pbu

Murray is one of the most prolific tacklers we have seen from the strong safety position in sprint football. His elite quickness and speed allowed him to get going downhill fast and deliver tough hits using the momentum that he built up. Murray also played with linebacker levels of physicality especially when it came to using his hands. He had no problem shedding blocks using great technique and tenacity overpowering less physical receivers. Murray was no stranger to making plays on the backend as well. He has the 3rd most interceptions in Caldwell history. Murray is one of the first names you mention when talking about the great players that have played for Caldwell.

(CSFL) CHC 18-22 SS Ryan Jakeman 129tk 23tfl 7.5sacks 2int 3pbu

Jakeman is one of the most physical safeties to come through the modern game. He had a knack for dishing out big hits all over the field. His athleticism and effort made him a nightmare around the line of scrimmage. He could fill lanes and get solo stops, rally to a ball carrier to help bring them down, blitz the QB, and sift through traffic to get a big hit. Jakeman was also capable of being good in coverage. He has made some entertaining and athletic plays on the ball over the course of his career. You could always count on Jakeman to get his team hyped up with a big hit or by causing a turnover.