WEA

In 2009 Auburn had two big hits to the Defensive Backfield with the loss of both Mike McNeil and Aairon Savage to injuries. 2010 is approaching and they can be heard in the wings saying "We're Back". The 2009 Auburn Tigers expected the Defensive Backfield to be one of its strengths last season with lots of experience returning.

I expect to see McNeil and Aairon Savage at Safety. I am not sure who will be strong safety or free safety. Cornerback will not be as easy for me to choose as Auburn really has 3 players that could start. Auburn returns Demond Washington, Aairon Savage, and Neiko Thorpe. Now, at this juncture I think that most of you would agree that Neiko got beat a lot last year on deep balls. Most teams would actually throw at Neiko on purpose. However, Neiko also had 2 interceptions. Neiko is a physical player that might be a bit better against the run than Washington due to his size but he got caught off guard last year with the Deep ball. I think that Demond Washington will push Neiko hard for the starting spot. Only two players had more picks than Thorpe, Walter McFadden who is graduated, and T'Sharvan Bell. Bell will certainly get an opportunity to play this year. The tough decision here will be who to start at Cornerback.

Defensive Back was not a huge depth issue last year, aside from all the injuries during the season. Auburn brought in two recruits at DB, Jonathon Mincy and  Demetruce McNeal. Both guys could play, but due to pretty good depth at DB, these two could be prime candidates to Redshirt during the Fall. Mincy and McNeal both have very quick feet and are both pretty good sized for Defensive Backs. 

Auburn does return some depth at DB. I think it will be interesting to see who wins out the starting job this season. The A-Day game will be a good judge of where the Cornerbacks stand.