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Redskins UDFA Spotlight: Quin Blanding is an elite tackler with a tough roster battle

By Jacob Camenker

ANNAPOLIS, MD - DECEMBER 28: Running back Keoni-Kordell Makekau #36 of the Navy Midshipmen is tackled by safety Quin Blanding #3 of the Virginia Cavaliers in the first half of the Military Bowl at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on December 28, 2017 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
ANNAPOLIS, MD - DECEMBER 28: Running back Keoni-Kordell Makekau #36 of the Navy Midshipmen is tackled by safety Quin Blanding #3 of the Virginia Cavaliers in the first half of the Military Bowl at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on December 28, 2017 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI GARDENS, FL – NOVEMBER 18: Dayall Harris #80 of the Miami Hurricanes makes a touchdown catch over Quin Blanding #3 of the Virginia Cavaliers during a game at Hard Rock Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – NOVEMBER 18: Dayall Harris #80 of the Miami Hurricanes makes a touchdown catch over Quin Blanding #3 of the Virginia Cavaliers during a game at Hard Rock Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

About Quin Blanding

Blanding grew up as a part of a football family. His father, Kevin Blanding, was a star at Glenville State and played under Rich Rodriguez during his time there. That said, the younger Blanding has turned into an even better player than his father.

Quin Blanding was a five-star recruit coming out of high school, and he was one of the best players in the country. Colleges loved his tackling ability and that gave him a chance to make an impact at Virginia. He ended up choosing the Cavaliers as his program, and he became a star there.

In four years as a starter with Virginia, Blanding was a huge impact player. He recorded a ridiculous 492 tackles during his four years, and never had a season in which he logged less than 115 tackles. He was able to help the Cavaliers field a stout stop unit, and that allowed his teams to have success.

That said, Blanding was still successful enough in coverage to be a well-rounded player. He logged 10 interceptions during his time in Virginia and that gave the team a huge boost.

Because of the stats alone, many were surprised that Blanding fell into the ranks of the undrafted. And on the surface, that makes sense. But, a deeper dive into the tape reveals that Blanding did go undrafted for a reason, even if it isn’t one that should cause major concern.

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