Cornerbacks are put on an island, and that creates a player who plays with a chip on their shoulder a lot, and that makes them good.  So when I look at the different units, making my decision as to which program has the best, I try and stay consistent in how I make my selection.  Of course, having top flight starters are a must, and having some depth is always a plus as well.  For the defensive secondary unit, I deviate from that just a little, by also including one other factor in making my assessment – I want a unit that's a little arrogant.

The secondaries across the country are strong, but there is really only a handful that is strong at the starting positions, have some good depth, and have that chip on their collective shoulder.  Alabama has a very strong unit, as does LSU, and Penn State; but all talent being nearly equal, when you figure in that attitude, the unit from the University of Miami stands out.

The inclusion of Devin Hester into the discussion, and not talking about his splitting time at wide out, is a big part of why this group is on top.  Hester, focusing on being a top flight cover corner is going to assure him a big fat paycheck in the NFL.  He's got good size, great skills, and speed to burn.  Hester is only a junior, and does need his last year of eligibility to elevate his game to that elite level, but he's got the athletic ability and attitude to make it happen.  The fact he's an explosive kick returner doesn't figure into the equation, but does speak to his athleticism.

Moving from cornerback to free safety, allow me to gush about super sophomore Anthony Reddick.  At 6'0” and 190 lbs., with a sprinter’s build, this kid has no ceiling on his potential.  For all the fans angry because their team passed on drafting Ed Reed, you may get the chance to get the second coming in a couple of years.  In only 6 starts last year, he showed that it won't be long until we are watching the next great Miami safety in the NFL.  He’s a pure FS prospect, with big play cover skills like a cornerback, but hits like a strong safety. 

Now, back to cornerback – senior Kelly Jennings is the guy you don't hear about much, but that's because he's doing his job.  I compare him favorably to another former corner from “The U" – Phillip Buchanon.  He draws the opposing team's #1 guy week after week, and even though he doesn't make a lot of headline plays, looking at the boxscore for that wide out is what should draw your attention.  Taller than Hester, and up to around 181 lbs., he's got smooth hips and track speed, along with that Miami confidence that all these guys have, which makes rather intimidating. 

Rounding out the starters is strong safety Brandon Merriweather.  Meriwether is another big DB at 6'1" and 185 lbs.  He’s solid enough in coverage to have played free safety for part of last season.  This year, he’s back to strong safety where his big hitting is greatly appreciated. 

A lot of secondaries have to multi-task their backups, because they don't have enough.  That really can't be said for the Hurricanes.  SS Greg Threat (6’0”/196 lbs., Sr.) is the team's top returning tackler and a day one NFL prospect next year, even though he can't win his starting job back.  Despite his impressive 139 tackles last year, he's the 5th best DB on the team. 

Backup FS Lovon Ponder (6’0”/195 lbs., RS–Fr.) is another elite athlete just waiting on his shot to play.  The two cornerbacks who promise to be part of the mix this year, and in the future are CB Marcus Maxey (6’3”/198 lbs., Sr.) and CB Rashaun Jones (6’1”/187 lbs., So.) are a formidable young tandem.

This unit is athletic, it's big, it's fast, and it's got all the skills.   But watching them play, what sets them above the other units for me, is how they go about their business each week with arrogance, but without going overboard, and an intensity that just can't be matched.