Due to major injuries, last year's secondary fell short of expectations. Barring any significant injuries in 2010, the secondary could be one of the strengths of Auburn's defense.

Entering his first spring drills as head coach in 2009, Gene Chizik was excited about the potential of the secondary. He knew the level of talent and depth at the position could help the Tigers keep pass-happy offenses in check. The unit went through much of spring drills without any injuries until Mike McNeil suffered a broken fibula as spring practice was winding down. The injury kept him sidelined for the entire season. If McNeil's injury wasn't a big enough blow, Aairon Savage was lost for the season after suffering an Achilles injury during summer workouts. Savage received good news in early 2010 when he was granted an extra year of eligibility. He will compete with McNeil to start as one of Auburn's safeties when the season opens Sept. 4 against Arkansas State. Zac Etheridge (Photo courtesy of AUTigers.com) The Tigers received more good news a few days before fall camp started when Zac Etheridge was cleared by doctors to play in 2010. Etheridge was told his football career was probably over after suffering a severe neck injury in last year's contest against Ole Miss. After wearing a neck brace for several months and then going through extensive rehab, Etheridge made a remarkable recovery and should start at the other safety spot. Before the injury, Etheridge was having an outstanding junior season. In nine games he had 52 tackles with three and a half tackles for losses. Junior cornerback Neiko Thorpe is ready to continue where he left off last season. Thorpe finished the 2009 season with a bang by making the game-winning tackle in Auburn's overtime victory over Northwestern in the Outback Bowl. Neiko Thorpe (Photo courtesy of AUTigers.com) Thorpe started every game last year and finished third on the team in tackles with 84. He was solid against the run but struggled some defending on pass plays with just two interceptions and nine broken up passes. With D'Antoine Hood transferring to Alabama State, Thorpe will have to stay healthy at a somewhat thin cornerback position. With Walt McFadden now playing in the NFL, senior Demond Washington will likely start at the other cornerback spot this season. Last year, Washington played in all 13 games with one start at corner before starting in Etheridge's place at safety in the final three games. For the year, he made 36 tackles with four broken up passes. Backup redshirt sophomore T’Sharvan Bell played in all 13 games last season finishing with nine tackles. His best performance was in the bowl game when he hauled in two interceptions. The other top reserves include juniors Mike Slade and Drew Cole. Both have seen limited playing time because of injury issues. Slade appeared in 12 games last year with 13 tackles while Cole had just three tackles in four games. Phil Marion Next week: Special Teams Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers Running Backs Offensive Line Defensive Line Linebackers