The Jaguars Secondary: A New Sheriff in Town

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The opening weeks of free agency have come and past and with that the Jaguars have many new pieces, two of which are in the secondary. 

By Jordan de Lugo

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The Jaguars recently added free safety Tashaun Gipson and cornerback Prince Amukamara. Amukamara signed a one year prove it deal, while Gipson signed a five year deal loaded with performance bonuses. The newly anointed “Fresh Prince of Duval” Prince Amukamara is expected to compete for a starting job from day one, provided he can stay healthy, something he hasn’t been able to due in the past, but Tashaun Gipson is expected to be the new leader of the Jaguars young secondary. 

At only 25 years old Gipson will be asked to play center field, to get his secondary mates lined up, and most importantly to make game breaking plays in pass coverage. The expectations for excellence are not unfounded — Gipson has recorded 13 interceptions over the last three seasons and shown the ability to make game changing plays on a regular basis. Despite his age, Gipson will undoubtedly be the leader of the secondary as he will play the most important position in the defensive backfield and maybe on the whole defense.

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Gipson seems more than up to the task of becoming a defensive leader for the Jaguars. In his opening press conference with the Jaguars he displayed a charismatic personality and projected that he could get 6 or 7 interceptions in his first year with the the Jags. Tashaun Gipson has proven that he can walk the walk and now we know that he also talks the talk. He is a confident, yet humble safety who went undrafted in 2012. All he’s done since then is make it to the Pro Bowl as a 23 year old and lead the AFC in interceptions twice. 

There are many reasons to root for Gipson beyond the fact that he plays for your favorite team. His story is one of perseverance. Being an undrafted rookie can be difficult and is enough to make many football players give up on their dream. But Gipson, like the Jaguars stud wide receiver Allen Hurns, persevered through the disappointment of not being drafted and is a much better person and player for it. Gipson’s humble beginnings, his stellar play on the field, and his supreme inner confidence are certainly all reasons that the Jaguars decided to pursue the 25 year old free safety and they are all reasons that Jaguars fans are sure to fall in love with their new center fielder