Why Deion Sanders guarding Michael Irvin in college drew a Willie Mays comparison (SN Archive — 1987)

Deion Sanders earned a spot on SN's 1980's All-Decade All-America team. This article, 'Flash, bash fuel FSUs defense' by Gary Long, originally appeared in the November 23, 1987 issue of The Sporting News.TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Vinny Testaverde didn't recall the name. But he had the answer late last season when he was asked who was the best defensive back he had seen in 1986.“That No. 2 from Florida State,” said the University of Miami quarterback who a week later collected the Heisman Trophy. No. 2 at FSU is Deion Sanders.Deion rhymes with neon, and that's fitting. Twinkling marquee lights ought to trace patterns around the number on his jersey. The guy is flashy on the field and outspoken off it. The name is known now. But there's a paradox.Sanders craves recognition, to the point that many