 Miami
FL
Different year, same results as the Canes consistently
field the nation’s best secondaries, regardless
of whether you know the names (yet) or not. All-American
senior Brandon Meriweather is a major reason why UM’s
D was the only squad in 2005 to allow foes less than four
yards per play as he quietly led the team in TFLs from
his strong safety slot. This year’s group may otherwise
be young, but it must be something in the water that keeps
Miami’s secondary so well stocked with size and
especially speed.  Louisiana
State
Ever since Nick Saban, the defensive backfields down
on the Bayou have been stellar, and 2006 boasts the
fruition of his last recruiting efforts here. A two-deep
comprised of all upperclassmen boasts three returning
starters, with free safety LaRon Landry possibly the
SEC’s best DB. The way this secondary man-handled
the Canes’ WRs in the 2005 Peach Bowl gives them
the argument for the top spot here, but what do you
expect when they practice against the nation’s
top WR unit (and vice versa)?
 Texas
Two big personnel losses will scantly be missed with
so much DB talent stacked in Austin. The remaining Griffins
bring talent to the safety slots that is as good in
run support as it is at playing the deep pass. No one
wants to go to “jail” in Texas, but that’s
what the lockdown imposed by corners Ross and “T
Boogie” Brown suggests for opposing WRs. Depth
galore means not even injuries can keep this crew from
again ranking in the top 10 for most major pass defense
categories.
 Tennessee
Many will scrutinize this choice, but last year’s
mediocre results were because of the Vols second-ranked
run defense - teams picked on the DBs, and they still
only allowed nine TDs by air. All four starters are
back…therefore, hard lessons learned will translate
and ratchet-up this unit’s level of play. The
talent of these four is bolstered by five-star sophomore
Demetrice Morley, who now has the experience to really
make an impact. Losing all three LBs will spread them
thin, but then Fulmer has an excuse to “nickel
and dime” opponents for optimum results.
 Michigan
Seniors Leon Hall (all-American CB) and Willis Barringer
(SS) lead the youth movement that will surprise many
not expecting the Blue-and-Maize to be strong here.
The quick, hard-hitting Wolverines keep the action in
front of them and recover well on play fakes as they
give great run-stopping aid. With fabulous LBs to make
Michigan’s back-seven one of the best in I-A,
only the Irish, Spartans and Buckeyes will even challenge
this tight coverage unit.
Just
Missed:
Boston College, California, Virginia
Tech
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