Something about the CASH defender for the Iowa Hawkeyes breeds success. It did so once again this season with Sebastian Castro blossoming into quite a fine defensive back for Broyles Award-winning defensive coordinator Phil Parker.
After a stellar 2023 season, Sebastian Castro has thrust himself into discussions regarding whether he will declare for the 2024 NFL draft or return.
But first, his success this year deserves recognition. That starts with Pro Football Focus naming him to their All-American defensive team. While he is a CASH defender in Iowa’s defense, a hybrid of safety, linebacker, and cornerback, he is chosen as a cornerback by Pro Football Focus.
PFF’s 2023 All-America Team: Defense⭐️ pic.twitter.com/iTd1Ef475f
— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 6, 2023
Sebastian Castro appeared in all 13 games this season with 12 starts. He tallied 61 total tackles, 8 tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble, 11 pass breakups, three interceptions, and one interception returned for a touchdown. Castro was everywhere this season for this defense.
One thing that doesn’t appear in the stats but rather upon watching Castro is his ability to make one-on-one tackles in the open field. He is often in space with a slot receiver or running back and seemingly brought them down each time, often preventing huge chunk plays.
While Castro is on this defense, one has to ask the question of why ESPN’s top cornerback, Cooper DeJean, was left off. Not only was he snubbed, Jay Higgins and his massive season also got left off the list. You have to wonder where those two sit among this group.
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