With three seniors starting in Auburn's secondary, the unit could possibly be the strength of this year's defense. With the experience in the secondary, the coaches hope it will result in more consistency in 2007.

Last year's secondary didn't get enough credit for the plays they made with David Irons stealing much of the spotlight. With Irons gone to the NFL to play for the Atlanta Falcons, the unit will get the attention they deserve when they create turnovers and make big plays that lead to Auburn victories. Eric Brock should have a solid senior season as the starter at strong safety. (Photo courtesy of autigers.com) One defensive back that was overlooked last year was strong safety Eric Brock. As a junior, Brock started 11 games and finished fourth on the team with 50 tackles. In two key SEC games last year, Brock played an important role. In the 7-3 victory over LSU, he deflected a pass at the goal line on fourth down, then tackled LSU's receiver on the final play of the game at Auburn's 4-yard line to seal the win. The other game was the Tiger's 27-17 victory over Florida when he led the team with five tackles, all solo, and intercepted the Gators at Auburn's 46-yard line on Florida's second-to-last possession of the game. The interception set up an Auburn field goal. Brock will have to fight off competition from redshirt freshman Zac Etheridge to keep his starting job at strong safety. Etheridge had a good spring which saw him listed in front of Brock for a few days on the depth chart. Depending on how things go in fall practice, he could regain the top spot but he'll likely remain the backup with the possibility at seeing playing time at free safety or cornerback. Sophomore Aairon Savage returns as the starter at free safety. Last year as a redshirt freshman, Savage steadily improved throughout the season and ended up with 48 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble, two sacks and three tackles for lost yardage. He was named SEC Freshman of the Week for his performance at Ole Miss when he had a team leading six tackles and one interception. Patrick Lee is another defensive back that was often overlooked last season. In the battle with South Carolina that went down to the last play, Lee knocked the ball away from South Carolina's best receiver to preserve the 24-17 Auburn victory. Jerraud Powers could push his way into the starting lineup at cornerback. (Photo courtesy of autigers.com) Lee will start at right cornerback while fellow senior Jonathan Wilhite gets the nod on the left. Wilhite started in 10 games last season but gave up some big plays which will hopefully be corrected in preseason practice. Sophomore Jerraud Powers will see plenty of playing time at both cornerback positions and when the defense uses the nickel and dime package. Senior Zach Gilbert and sophomore Walter McFadden will be backups at left cornerback and will also play the nickel and dime positions. Incoming freshman Michael McNeil adds depth to the secondary and could have an opportunity to make a contribution to the team very early in his career. Phil Marion Coming next week: Special teams will be a work in progress with the loss of Kody Bliss and John Vaughn. Cox Is Healthy, Ready To Lead Offense In 2007 Auburn's Backfield Has Wealth Of Talent Offensive Line Is Work In Progress D-Line More Experienced In Muschamp's Second Year Linebackers Lack Depth, Experience