Big Tens top defensive backs
Michigan has a hopeful eye on a strong secondary this season. The Big Ten as a whole features some talent in the defensive backfields across the league as well.
Here's a quick look at the top five, pre-season, in our estimation.
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1. Kurtis Drummond, Sr. Michigan State - An All-Big Ten first-team selection in 2013, Drummond had a career-high 91 tackles, with four interceptions and six passes broken up from his safety spot.
2. Doran Grant, Sr., Ohio State - The 5-11, 193-pound cornerback broke up 13 passes in 2013. With three OSU starters gone in the secondary, he will have more responsibility than ever.
3. Blake Countess, Jr., Michigan - Whether he lines up at cornerback or nickel back this fall, Countess is Michigan's most opportunistic DB. He posted a Big Ten-best six interceptions in 2013.
4. Trae Waynes, Jr., Michigan State - It's tough to top what Darqueze Dennard did for the Spartans last year. After starting 14 games in 2013, though, this junior plans to make a name for himself.
5. Jordan Lucas, Jr., Penn State - Lucas recorded three interceptions and 13 pass breakups in 2013. He could be the Nittany Lions' best defensive back in the better part of a decade.
The Best of the Rest
6. Desmond King - Iowa
7. Ibraheim Campbell - Northwestern
8. Corey Cooper - Nebraska
9. Sojourn Shelton - Wisconsin
10. Tim Bennett - Indiana