LSU football: 10 best players of the Les Miles Era

Dec 14, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco 49ers free safety Eric Reid (35) tackles Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Paul Richardson (10) during the first half at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Eric Reid

Playing on one of the most talented secondaries that LSU has ever seen, Eric Reid made a name for himself as one of the best all-around defenders on the team.

Reid emerged onto the scene late in his freshman season. He would entrench himself as a starter and team leader for the next two seasons, starting at safety in all 26 games that he appeared in. He would record two interceptions in each of his three seasons with the Tigers, while finishing his career with 199 total tackles. Reid was named a second team All-American twice while at LSU, and was first team All-SEC during his junior season.

His most impressive single-game performance came against Alabama during his sophomore season, in what was being labeled at the time as the ‘Game of the Century’. Reid finished the game with six total tackles, one tackle for loss and a forced fumble. Most memorable, though, was a fourth quarter interception on the one-yard line that would prove crucial in preserving a 6-6 tie. LSU would go on to win the game in overtime, 9-6, and Reid was given multiple Player of the Week honors for his performance.

The Tigers would win the SEC Championship that year before losing to Alabama in a rematch for the BCS National Championship.

In addition to his on-field dominance, Reid was named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll twice, proving himself to be an excellent representative of the university.

Reid was selected by the San Fransisco 49ers with the 18th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. He made an immediate impact, being selected to the Pro Bowl following his rookie season.

Next: Tyrann Mathieu