Will Muschamp, Auburn's new defensive coordinator and secondary coach, will use the talent and depth in this year's secondary to play a more aggressive and attacking style that lacked in last year's defensive backfield.

Even though Will Herring and Steve Gandy were moved from the secondary to linebacker in the spring, Muschamp is confident that the group Auburn has in this year's secondary will be able to handle the intensity and style of play he will bring to the playing field. Muschamp plans to use more man coverage, which will hopefully create more turnovers and interceptions for the defense. As a unit, the defense totaled only eight interceptions last season. Muschamp would love to see that number improve and he will count on cornerback David Irons to lead the way. David Irons flirted with entering the NFL draft but decided to return to the Plains. (Photo courtesy of autigers.com) Surprisingly, Irons played the entire 2005 season without a single interception. While he wasn't lucky enough to record any interceptions, he came close many times by leading the team and ranking third in the SEC with 11 pass deflections. Irons was an Associated Press All-SEC second-team selection in 2005 for having a solid season that saw him finish with 48 tackles, which was third on the team. Irons, a 6-1, 188 pound senior, won an appeal and was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA in January because he missed two seasons with an injury to the same knee. Head coach Tommy Tuberville looks forward to having Irons back for another year because he brings senior leadership to a somewhat young unit. Tuberville thinks Irons may be the quickest corner he has ever coached and if he continues to improve, there's a chance he could be picked in the first-round of next year's NFL draft. Patrick Lee is behind Irons at the left cornerback spot. Lee started the first five games in 2005 and saw action in six more. The 6-0, 203 pound junior could also see playing time at safety since Tony Bell left the team. Talented 5-11, 182 pound junior Jonathan Wilhite saw much improvement during the season last year, which earned him the starting job at the right cornerback position in the last six games. With Wilhite starting on the right and Irons on the left, Auburn looks to have two of the best cornerbacks in the SEC. Montae Pitts was the backup to Wilhite but he decided to transferred to Jacksonville State after having alcohol-related problems earlier in the summer. With Pitts gone, redshirt freshmen Walter McFadden and Jerraud Powers will backup Wilhite. Eric Brock gives Auburn another experienced player in the defensive backfield. In 2005, Brock played in all 12 games while starting seven. The 6-1, 213 pound junior will start at strong safety after having a solid spring when he was named the Most Improved Defensive Back. Lorenzo Ferguson and Brant Haynie will backup Brock but could see playing time at free safety. Tristan Davis moves back to free safety after a few games at tailback in 2005. (Photo courtesy of autigers.com) The speedy Tristan Davis played a few times at running back last year when the Tigers were short at the position because of a few injuries. While Davis was impressive at tailback against Kentucky and Ball State, he has been moved back to free safety, which is his natural position, full-time. The 5-10, 204 pound sophomore promises to be even better on defense once he gets a few starts under his belt. Davis will see a lot of competition from redshirt freshman Aairon Savage after he was moved from cornerback to free safety in the spring. Savage's excellent athletic ability will give him the opportunity to play at any position in the defensive backfield. Muschamp plans to rotate players frequently at each position in the secondary based on their abilities and when the defense needs to be more aggressive on third down coverage plays to stop opposing offenses. Muschamp thinks Auburn has plenty of talent in the defensive backfield to match up against the competition in the conference. The talent, along with plenty of depth, should help the Tigers' secondary survive the long haul of the 12-consecutive game schedule. Phil Marion Coming next week: Special teams will be strong with the starting punter, field goal kicker and kickoff specialist all returning. Linebackers Begin Season With Little Depth New Coordinator Has Defense Ready To Battle Veterans, New Starters Anchor Offensive Line Tailbacks Are Strong, Fullbacks Lack Experience Cox, Receivers Ready For 2006 Season To Kickoff