Countdown to Fall Practice - Defensive Backs

We continue counting down before the first practice, with a look at each position as it relates to our team.  Today we look at the defense with an eye on what I believe is the most intriguing battle during preseason practice.  This includes the Cornerbacks and Safeties in our hybrid 3-4 scheme.  These players will serve as the lasst line of defense and are typically the highlight reel guys including breaking up deep balls, interceptions and the over the middle collisions. 

Left Cornerback: Junior Jocquez Fears, a transfer from Northeastern, will likely start at cornerback.  Fears' Creekside HS teammate was none other than Former Tennessee and the #5 pick in the NFL Draft  Eric Berry at Creekside.  I'd imagine they had a good time lighting people up along with Florida State's Terrance Parks.  True freshman Demarius Matthews and Justin Hughes will likely back Fears up.
Right Cornerback: Redshirt Sophmore Brent McLendon gets my nod for the other cornerback position.  If the name sounds familiar it's because his daddy, Willie and brother Bryan both played at the school up in Athens. B Mac was also named a Phil Steele All-Independent Team Selection.  Redshirt Freshman Parker Stevens and True Freshman Isaiah Howard will back him up.
Free Safety: Redshirt Freshman Fred Barnes take his place as centerfielder of the D and is a punishing hitter.  True Freshman Eric Odonkor will back him up.
Strong Safety: Redshirt Junior Brandon Jones is likely a defensive captain and my pick for strong.  The kid is pound for pound the toughest guy on our roster.  Dude can lay people out.  Check the spring game highlights and you'll see #20 fly into your screen and destroy the TE.  He'll be backed up Redshirt Junior Michael Hall.

DJ's Analysis: Honestly, the secondary is anyone's guess at this point because I have no clue which if any of the freshmen CBs will redshirt. I can tell you that all the freshmen are better than guys like Fears, Stevens and McLendon, but they obviously have never played a down of college football and will need to add bulk and gain some experience before they can show off their talents. We'll see.

Tomorrow: The Linebacking Corps