I think there is a very strong chance we take either a DB or a LB early again next year. Here are rankings from Scouts Inc.
http://insider.espn.go.com/ncf/insider/columns/story?columnist=mcshay_todd&id=2504299
I would love if we could get Michael Griffin to be our SS. He is going to be a beast.:wink: Go longhorns.
This is just a couple of the players, there are more at this link.LSU safety LaRon Landry brings versatility to the field. Michigan cornerback Leon Hall is a natural playmaker. Texas' Michael Griffin hopes to grab the spotlight in 2006. Take a look at the preseason rankings for the nation's top returning defensive backs.
1. S LaRon Landry, LSU, SR, 6-2, 204
Landry is the epitome of a versatile defensive playmaker at the collegiate level. The hard-hitting, ballhawking safety surprised with his decision to return to Baton Rouge for a fourth go-around as a full-time starter. In three seasons to date, Landry has amassed 241 tackles, 18 passes broken up, nine interceptions and seven sacks -- not to mention a national championship ring as a true freshman during the 2003-'04 season.
2. CB Leon Hall, Michigan, SR, 5-10, 195
The Charles Woodson comparisons are overboard, but Hall is a special talent in his own right. With a fine combination of size, strength and speed, Hall has proven capable of holding up on an island vs. many of college football's top receiving threats. He is a natural playmaker when the ball is in the air (19 pass breakups and six interceptions from 2004-'05) and he fills hard vs. the run (109 tackles in the same two-year span). Furthermore, Hall's value is increased by his production in the return game (career average of 11.6 yards per punt return, including one for a score).
3. S Brandon Meriweather, Miami-FL, SR, 6-0, 190
On top of his tremendous production a year ago (115 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, seven pass breakups, three interceptions and two forced fumbles), Meriweather impressed with his leadership. Over the course of his three seasons with the Hurricanes, the 6-0, 190-pound safety has been a hard hitter vs. the run and a playmaking ballhawk in coverage. Meriweather is Miami's best defensive player heading into the 2006 season and he also grades out as a potential first-round pick in the 2007 NFL draft.
4. S Michael Griffin, Texas, SR, 6-1, 205
Griffin was overshadowed in Texas' secondary by Michael Huff (drafted by the Raiders) the past couple of seasons -- and rightfully so. But now it is Griffin's turn to soak up the spotlight. A hard hitter with good size, speed and instincts, Griffin will look to wreak more havoc as a senior after notching 124 tackles, three interceptions, four blocked kicks, three fumble recoveries and one forced fumble during the Longhorns' national championship run last season.
5. S Tom Zbikowski, Notre Dame, SR, 5-11, 213
Zbikowski is a special breed. He does not possess the speed or athletic ability that NFL scouts covet, but he's a big, physical, aggressive and versatile playmaker with rare instincts. Much was made of Zbikowski's boxing during the offseason but he is reportedly in terrific "football shape" heading into summer camp in July. That means, after notching 71 tackles, five interceptions and two punt returns for touchdowns in 2005, Zbikowski will be back delivering Irish opponents the knockout blow this fall.
http://insider.espn.go.com/ncf/insider/columns/story?columnist=mcshay_todd&id=2504299
I would love if we could get Michael Griffin to be our SS. He is going to be a beast.:wink: Go longhorns.