Middle Tennessee has managed to find success when developing young talent in its secondary over the last few years.

Kevin Byard -- a third-round pick by the Tennessee Titans back in 2016 -- is the most well-known. Former cornerback Sammy Seamster has also been a constant in the NFL since he entered the league in 2014.

The pipeline doesn't seem to be slowing down, either.

The next defensive back who should find his way onto a roster before training camp is Charvarius Ward. As a senior this past season, he produced 48 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack and 14 pass breakups for the Blue Raiders.

With Ward now gone, who can fans expect to step up to become that next potential NFL prospect in the secondary?

Reed Blankenship, one of the team's starting safeties from last season, would be a well-advised bet.

The rising sophomore had an outstanding debut season for MT. Despite only making nine starts, the 6-foot-1, 175-pound freshman from Lester, Ala., racked up 68 tackles, seven tackles for loss, a sack, three QB hurries, and two interceptions -- which led the team.

Blankenship's impact landed him on Conference USA's All-Freshman Team, as well as making him an Honorable Mention All-Conference USA selection. That doesn't mean he was satisfied with his inaugural season, however.

"It was okay, but I expect more from me next year. Since I've played a year, that means I have more experience which means I need to learn a lot more," Blankenship replied when we asked him his thoughts on his first season in Murfreesboro.

The lack of being content is exactly the sort of mindset that you want from a guy who is expected to step up and help lead a defense. Especially with starting cornerbacks Ward and Mike Minter Jr. -- as well as linebacker D.J. Sanders and edge rusher Jahmal Jones -- now gone.

The defense -- which finished No. 35 in the nation last season in total yards allowed per game (357.3) -- was key in helping the Blue Raiders get to their third consecutive bowl game. The losses will be felt, but having players such as Blankenship ready to emerge as a leader will go a long way in alleviating some of the impact felt from those losses.

If you want to hear Blankenship light up, ask him anything related to his teammates. We asked him if there was anyone he looked up to on the team. Here's his response:

"Jovante Moffatt and Alex Dale really helped me when I got here. They took me under their wing and pretty much treated me as their son. I really can't thank them enough."

That guidance from the two veteran safeties created an environment that allowed Blankenship to be comfortable, which went a long way in helping him make an impact early in his career. It's something that Blankenship is going to look to pay forward as the 2018 recruiting class begins to arrive on campus.

The leadership part is something Blankenship seems to be getting a grasp on. He's done well in the short amount of time that he's been at MT, but what about the physical traits that he brings to the table? What is it about the safety that makes him such an impactful player?

One of the first things you'll notice when turning on his tape is his presence against the opposing team's run game. At only 175 pounds, he's a little light for the position, but he still manages to bring a physical presence to the defense while also being a sure-tackler.

Blankenship has also shown glimpses of brilliance against the pass. Take his game-altering interception against Syracuse back in Week 2 for example. The Orange were driving the field down 30-23 late in the fourth quarter when Blankenship made a nice break on an Eric Dungey pass. The result was a turnover for MT, which ultimately won them the game.

The next step for Blankenship is becoming more consistent in coverage. More than likely, it was his youth that was the culprit behind some of his mental lapses during his freshman season. With a year now under his belt, that's something he expects to cut down significantly in year two.

The physical tools are there. At 6-foot-1, Blankenship has the length. He's also got the speed, as evidenced by his reported 4.46 40-yard dash. As his confidence grows, his instincts and playmaking ability should too.

He's off to a fantastic start.