After racking up 123 tackles in 12 starts as a rookie, Virginia freshman free safety Quin Blanding was named the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year Tuesday by the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association.
Blanding is the first Cavalier to win the award, introduced in 2007 alongside ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year. Previous overall rookie of the year accolades went to wide receiver John Ford in 1984 and defensive back Ronde Barber in 1994.
Blanding ranked first on the team, No. 2 in the ACC and No. 12 in the nation in tackles while playing next to Third-Team All-ACC senior strong safety Anthony Harris. His 123 stops were the most by a Virginia player in a single season since linebacker Angelo Crowell’s 155 in 2002, and established a new program record for tackles by a freshman, surpassing linebacker Ahmad Brooks’ 117 in 2003. The total is also the 10th highest by a Virginia player in a single season.
Blanding was one of two freshman — along with NC State linebacker Jerod Fernandez — to pace his team in tackles in 2014. The Bayside High product made a team-high 79 tackles against the run as Virginia limited opponents to 120.7 rushing yards per game, the 21st-best mark in the country.
A top-10 recruit per Rivals, ESPN and 247Sports, Blanding also intercepted three passes and had six pass breakups.
The Virginia Beach native started the year by becoming the first Virginia true freshman to start a season opener at either safety position since Troy Blount in 1976.
Miami quarterback Brad Kaaya took home overall ACC Rookie of the Year and ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
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