[Dam8610]

S Julian Blackmon Utah

Strengths
Former CB with good coverage skills in man and short zones. Shows coverage ability to run with and cover backs, tight ends, and slot receivers. Can sometimes bait a QB into a bad throw in short zones. Displays excellent closing speed in the quick game and has a knack for creating negative plays against screens, swing passes, and mesh. Willing tackler who shows no fear in run support and can both deliver punishing blows or use good wrap up technique. Usually is an excellent tackler in the open field and rarely allows a ballcarrier to beat him in a one on one situation. Was playing an excellent game in PAC 12 Championship vs. Oregon prior to ACL injury, and his absence clearly made a difference once he left.

Weaknesses
Needs to improve in deep coverage. Was used a lot as high safety but struggled to close on deep half or deep third assignments. Displayed poor recovery speed consistently, play was usually over if the receiver got a step on him. Seems to not trust his reads in deep coverage. Poor game vs. USC, probably his worst tape. Tore ACL vs. Oregon in PAC 12 Championship.

Notes
Second Team All-American, First Team All-PAC 12, One of 13 players on team's "leadership council"

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