Looking Forward: Defensive Backs

Toomer's Corner. photo by Tiffany Pyle

Oh boy! This is excitement that I have for this particular unit on the defense going into the 2014 season. There will finally be a tremendous amount of depth for all of the DB positions. This will only promote better play from all of these guys.

The returning Tigers are Jonathan Jones, Jonathon Mincy, Jermaine Whitehead, Joshua Holsey, Mack VanGorder, Mackenroe Alexander, Khari Harding, Robenson Therezie, T.J. Davis, Brandon King, Trent Fisher, Kamryn Melton, Adam Dyas, Luke Ebbesmeyer, and Jonathan Ford, who may play at RB also.

Auburn signed an impressive class of DB's this past recruiting cycle. They are; Derrick Moncrief, Stanton Truitt, Nick Ruffin, Kalvaraz Bessent, Stephen Roberts, and Joseph Turner. This signing class of DB's is probably the highest rated of any class ever at Auburn. This group has tremendous potential along with size and speed, look for some of these guys to earn playing time this season.

Even though Auburn finished 102nd in total pass defense last season, no other area of the team improved more last season than the men playing here. Even after the dismissal of the 2012 leading tackler Demetruce McNeal, and the complete gutting these guys took to injuries. 

The Tigers secondary amassed 12 interceptions last season, vs. in 2012 where they had only 2. With another year in the same system, and with the same coaches for a second year, look for continued improvement. Cassanova McKinzy had the other INT.

Opponents will have to pass more often against this Auburn secondary, especially if everything goes according to plan on the offensive side of the ball. The Tigers adversary each week should be trailing late in the game, and that will force more passing situations against our defense. Plus the thoughts of our defensive front being better able to stop the run on 1st down will put more teams behind the curve and create more passing downs throughout the game. All adding up to more opportunities for these DB's to create turnovers.

WAR EAGLE!