Virginia's All-Time Tackle Leader and Elite Safety Prospect
Blanding is a rare defensive talent who left Virginia as the program's all-time tackles leader with 495 total tackles and 10 career interceptions. A 3× First-team All-ACC selection (2015-2017) and Second-team All-American (2017), he combines elite instincts and playmaking ability with outstanding frame and size for the safety position. His 247Sports profile highlights 9/10 ratings in instincts, playmaking, frame, and size—differentiators that made him one of UVA's highest-rated recruits ever. Blanding's tackling prowess and ball skills make him an ideal fit for teams seeking a versatile, high-motor safety who can impact the game in multiple ways.
