Is there a better way to spend a Monday morning that’s also a bank holiday than by looking at a list that could be outdated by May? Of course not! Having done minutes and minutes of research while watching Shaw Brothers kung fu movies, I came up with my 5 favorite returning Safeties for the 2017 season. And, being a veteran OTE “writer,” I determined the best way to rank this position was one that is a better way to measure a person’s worth than a football player’s skill: height.

Marcus Allen, Penn State: 6’2”

Allen was 3rd-team All B1G in 2016 by virtue of playing for Penn State. And 110 tackles probably didn’t hurt his cause.

Kieron Williams, Nebraska: 6’1”

His 6 interceptions in 2016 got him here. Unfortunately for him, I don’t see teams needing to pass against Nebraska late in games in 2017, so he’ll have to make up those numbers elsewhere.

Godwin Igwebuike, Northwestern: 6’0”

Igwebuike’s 2016 season was recognized with 2nd-team All B1G honors following a 108 tackle, 2 INT, and 1 Forced Fumble campaign. He also played for a team that lost to Western Michigan and [insert 2nd-favorite loss here].

Marcelino Ball, Indiana: 6’0”

Ball made the list because he plays for Indiana and he actually had 75 tackles and 2 INTs. He was recognized for this herculean effort with honorable mention All B1G and was on ESPN and BTN’s All B1G Freshman Team.

Antoine Winfield Jr, Minnesota: 5’10”

Winfield is here because I’m a deplorable homer. Also, he’s here because assuming he sticks around Minnesota he’s going to be a damn star.

Honorable Mention

Jabrill Peppers, Michigan: 6’1”

Peppers totally would have been toward the top of this list if he were coming back or were a safety simply by the virtue of being 6’1” and Michigan fans shouting that he’s really good.

There you have it. 5 Safeties that play for the B1G that we “saw” a bit last year, that are actually returning to school, and that I felt like including. If you take umbrage with a player from your favorite team missing, please feel free to let me know in the comments or on Twitter. Also I’d like to hear what your favorite terrible 1970’s kung fu movie is, and don’t just say “THE 36TH CHAMBER OF SHAOLIN!!!” because that’s too easy.