Ha Ha Clinton-Dix inspired by Hall of Famer Deacon Jones
Former Alabama safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix's football inspiration was a legendary defender who was also a neighbor.
"My guy growing up was Deacon Jones from Eatonville, Florida, where I'm from,'' Clinton-Dix told USA TODAY Sports, referencing the Hall of Fame Los Angeles Rams defensive end who died in June at 74. "Growing up one street over, he had that street named after him. Deacon Jones had his picture up on the side of the Boys and Girls Club where I was raised up.
"I never met him. But just growing up where Deacon Jones did, he motivated me to be great, showing the NFL was possible."
No wonder Clinton-Dix plans to leave a lasting legacy.
"I want to be a Hall of Famer, go to Pro Bowls every year — just make sure my name is remembered after I leave," Clinton-Dix said. "My last name is all I have. I try to carry that to a high standard by setting high expectations."
In an era when rangy, play-making free safeties are prized more than ever, Clinton-Dix has generated lots of interest. The Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions, Tennessee Titans, Chicago Bears, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Cincinnati Bengals and New England Patriots all have brought him in for visits.
Clinton-Dix is widely considered the best safety in the draft, ahead of Louisville's Calvin Pryor.
Clinton-Dix is a prototypical free safety who was raised in Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban's pro-style system. Pryor is considered more of a punishing strong safety.
"What crystallizes it is I want the ballhawk," NFL Network analyst Charles Davis said. "I want the guy with range. I want the center field guys — the Willie Mays guy. Not to say that Clinton-Dix doesn't tackle; he does. Not to say he can't cover man, but he hasn't had to do much of that at Alabama.
"But I like his range, his sideline-to-sideline play."
So does Seattle Seahawks Pro Bowl safety Earl Thomas, who urged Clinton-Dix to continue honing his ball pursuit.
"I talked to Earl a couple of times," Clinton-Dix said. "I watch Earl all the time. I love his game and try to play as well as he does.
"He reminded me to play low and always break on the ball no matter where it is. Because you never know what's going to happen as far as a caused fumble or a tipped ball in the air you can make a play on."
Clinton-Dix boasts excellent diagnostic and ball skills. He notched seven career interceptions, including one in three consecutive games to close out Alabama's 2012 national championship season. His diving, end-zone interception in the title-game throttling of Notre Dame put him on the map.
Clinton-Dix said a two-game suspension he served last season for accepting an impermissible benefit — a loan of less than $500 from assistant strength and conditioning coach Corey Harris after his car was broken into — was "a life lesson about not acting too fast."
He paid the price and played well afterward.
"Clinton-Dix is the prototype free safety coming out of college football," NFL Network chief draft analyst Mike Mayock said.
"Clinton-Dix is a really good prospect. But I don't see Earl Thomas. I see a really, really good starting NFL free safety who can drop down on a slot and cover. He tackles pretty well. He's big, long, and he's got range.
"I Iike him a lot."
Most likely, so will the team that lands him.
CREAM OF THE CROP
Other notable safety prospects:
Calvin Pryor, Louisville
Height: 6-1. Weight: 210.
Scouting report: An explosive, sledgehammer tone setter, Pryor has good quickness and coverage ability. He posted seven career interceptions but was susceptible to double moves.
Insider's take: "I remember working with Rex Ryan in Baltimore. He used to say the one thing that changes a complexion more than anything else in a game was not a turnover, it was a big hit. ... And that's what Pryor gives you." — NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah
Projected round: First.
Jimmie Ward, Northern Illinois
Height: 5-10½. Weight: 191.
Scouting report: Ward led the Huskies with 95 tackles. And his seven interceptions last season might very well entice a team to snatch him late in the first round.
Insider's take: "Jimmie Ward is a pure ballhawk, blocked some kicks early in his career, underrated in terms of tackling and enforcing." — ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr.
Projected round: First or second.
Deone Bucannon, Washington State
Height: 6-0. Weight: 216.
Scouting report: A smart, physical hitter, Bucannon flashed the speed and athleticism to run with tight ends and running backs with 15 career interceptions.
Insider's take: "Think about how Kam Chancellor played that heavy for the Seattle Seahawks in the middle of the field. That's the designated banger between the hashes Bucannon will play." — NFL Network analyst Bucky Brooks
Projected round: First.
Lamarcus Joyner, Florida State
Height: 5-8. Weight: 195.
Scouting report: Because of his versatility and lack of ideal size, Joyner has drawn comparisons to Arizona Cardinals safety-returner Tyrann Mathieu with his ability to blitz off the edge.
Insider's take: "He's short. But he can play corner, he can play safety, nickel. ... For a good team that has most of their needs filled that can use one more defensive back with that kind of versatility, he has to be in the conversation." — Senior Bowl executive director Phil Savage.
Projected round: Second.
Ed Reynolds, Stanford
Height: 6-2. Weight: 206.
Scouting report: A savvy, rangy productive safety who returned three of his six interceptions two seasons ago for touchdowns. A downhill, run-support hitter, he becomes overly aggressive at times.
Insider's take: "He's a true free safety. He might run a little better than people think. I was surprised he came out this year because he had six picks a year ago, came back and didn't play as well this year. So he's a guy that has a big question mark.'' — NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock.
TEAM NEEDS
Clubs likely to take a safety at some point in the draft:
St. Louis Rams: Free safety Rodney McLeod was a liability in coverage and is entering the final year of his contract. Coach Jeff Fisher is seeking a more rangy, play-making upgrade.
Buffalo Bills: After Jarius Byrd's free agent departure to the New Orleans Saints, the Bills are looking for a ballhawk to pair with Aaron Williams.
Detroit Lions: The Lions lack a dynamic center fielder. Starters James Ihedigbo and Glover Quin have a combined 11 career interceptions in as many seasons.
Chicago Bears: Free safety Chris Conte and strong safety Major Wright were the worst starting tandem in the league, according to Pro Football Focus. Chicago's pass defense allowed 59 passing plays of more than
20 yards.
Baltimore Ravens: General manager Ozzie Newsome has been seeking more athleticism at free safety. If he finds it, the Ravens could slide 2013 first-round pick Matt Elam to strong safety.
Green Bay Packers: In a division with big-body receivers Calvin Johnson, Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery, the Packers have a major need in their secondary.