Garnet and Cocky
Fansided

South Carolina Football’s GOAT Series: Top-15 greatest safeties of all-time

By Kevin Miller

Former South Carolina football alum Devonte Holloman was a crucial piece of some of the best team's in school history. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Former South Carolina football alum Devonte Holloman was a crucial piece of some of the best team's in school history. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 16
Next
South Carolina Football
South Carolina football defensive backs Ben Washington and Terry Cousin combining for a tackle against Florida and future Gamecock Head Coach Steve Spurrier. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

South Carolina Football’s No. 14 Safety of All-Time:
Ben Washington

A model of consistency at South Carolina, Ben Washington (1994-1997) was one of the best blitzing defensive backs in Gamecock history. As a versatile freshman, he tabbed six sacks, the most ever by a defensive back in a season at Carolina. Despite struggling in coverage that season, he picked up freshman All-SEC honors and made his biggest play of the year in the passing game. Against West Virginia in the Carquest Bowl, Washington picked off Chad Johnston to set up what would be the winning score.

As he developed into a more complete safety, Washington averaged 91 tackles a season during his final three years in Columbia, including leading the team twice. He also knocked away 11 passes, picked off two more, and was rewarded with an All-SEC selection.

Home/South Carolina Football