Penn State Football: Adrian Amos heading for breakout 2018
Former Penn State football safety Adrian Amos made plenty of plays for the Bears in 2017. He’s got a shot at an even better year in 2018.
Chicago Bears’ safety Adrian Amos completed his third year as a starter, and he flew way under the radar. For the third consecutive year, he recorded 65 or more tackles. Although he has just one interception in his career, Amos can make plays. According to Pro Football Focus, he ranks in the upper echelon of the league with a 92.0 rating and an All-Pro team spot across from Harrison Smith. The former Penn State football secondary patroller has far exceeded his career expectations.
After getting selected in the fifth round a few years ago, he was projected to be just a backup or special team’s player. Instead, he quickly found himself in the starting role for 16 games his rookie year. He then started 14 and 10 games in the last two years.
His 37 starts in his final three years at Penn State went to the way side. The analyst that graded Amos saw him as a great athlete who couldn’t play to his talents. Right on the athlete aspect but wrong on him playing up to his talents. One look on his 90-yard interception return for a touchdown last year proves his athleticism and playmaking.
Beyond just that play, he has become a consistent tackler in the box. No one racks up 201 total tackles in three years without solid tackling ability. When it comes to taking down backs, he takes all the correct angles and shows he can absorb contact.
At 6-feet, 214 pounds, he has a solid frame for taking on contact and big running backs. Furthermore, Amos has improved each year he stepped on the field. Despite the Bears making him battle for his spot and making him a backup to start the 2017 season, he compiled his career high in tackles (69) and forced fumbles (two).
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After a solid, All-Pro worthy season, Amos won’t sneak up on anybody. He’s got the edge and grit as a late round pick to continue proving himself every year. Expect him to get more accolades as the year continues.