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Friday, August 10, 2007
Rating the SEC’s best defensive backs
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We’re winding down our look at the best at each position in the SEC and ACC. These guys are the last line of defense and some of the best athletes anywhere. Here are my top five defensive backs in the SEC for 2007.
1. Simeon Castille, Sr., Alabama: One of the best cover corners in the country. Grabbed five interceptions last season and had two games (Vanderbilt, Tennessee) with two interceptions. Castile certainly has the bloodlines. His dad, Jeremiah, was a great, great player for the Crimson Tide (1979-82).
2. Jonathon Hefney, Sr., Tennessee: Hefney had five interceptions last season and finished second on the Tennessee team in tackles with 96. Hefney also averaged 12.1 yards on punt returns.
3. Chevis Jackson, Sr., LSU: Great cover corner who has 25 starts and has played in 38 games during his career at LSU. Had two interceptions and broke up 14 passes last season.
4. Derek Pegues, Sr., Miss. State: Great combination of DB and return specialist. Had four interceptions last season and returned two for touchdowns. He averaged 21.9 yards on 57 kickoffs. He also returned punts for a 14-yard average.
5. Kelin Johnson, Sr., Georgia: The safety is Georgia’s leading returning tackler with 60. He had two interceptions in 2006. He has played in 38 career games with 13 starts.
HONORABLE MENTION
Eric Brock, Sr., Auburn: Strong safety has played in 36 games with 18 starts in his career at Auburn. Finished with 50 tackles and one interception last season.
Tony Joiner, Sr., Florida: Joiner has played in 34 career games with 15 starts. He is one of just two returning players on Florida’s defense. Had two interceptions at strong safety a year ago.
Jamarca Sanford, Jr., Ole Miss: A versatile athlete who started seven games at safety and four at linebacker last season. He was a freshman All-America in 2005.
Craig Steltz, Sr., LSU: With star safety Laron Landry gone to the NFL Steltz, who had four interceptions last season, is expected to be the leader in a very talented LSU secondary.
Jonathon Zenon, Sr., LSU: Teams with Jackson to give LSU the best pair of cover corners in the country. Had four interceptions last season.
