Incoming Tiger defense shows potential

AUBURN, Ala. -- Will Muschamp has his work cut out for him in reshaping the defensive backfield this season with the departure of senior playmakers Jermaine Whitehead, Robenson Therezie and Jonathon Mincy.

However, the talent coming in has enough potential to match the stats of last season, and maybe even eclipse it.

The players: Senior Jonathan Jones returns to the defensive backfield after claiming a starting cornerback position last season. By the conclusion of 2014, Jones totaled 36 tackles with six interceptions, earning him the Zeke Smith award for defensive player of the year.

Jones made his season debut at media days to address his expectations of the defense and said he needs to work on controlling the passing game. "Coach (Muschamp) has taught me to just be patient," Jones said. "A lot of guys will panic when a deep ball is in the air, and the guys that don't panic are the ones who make the plays."

Jonathan Ford and Tray Matthews also return. Ford was last season's leading tackler for the Tigers at 93, starting all 13 games as safety. This season marks Matthew's first on the field after transferring from Georgia, but he made a good impression

catching the first and only interception of the A-Day scrimmage on top of a forced fumble.

Josh Holsey brings three years of experience back to the team, starting as a true

freshman in 2012. Last season, he started seven games out of 12 appearances rotating between corner and safety, giving Muschamp the room to use him at both.

Nick Ruffin and Stephen Roberts join the lineup coming off their first season as true freshman with experience on the field to allow them more action this fall.

Expectations: With an impressive A-Day performance, Matthews has the potential to be a star safety this. His speed as a converted running back will be a huge advantage in getting to the mark fast and making a clean tackle. Coming off a top-team season, Ford has enough opportunity to maintain his defensive game and even top it with the help of his returning lineup. Jones and Holsey can confidently make plays

Outlook: With returners such as Jones, Holsey and Ford, keeping strong, opposing SEC offenses from the end zone shouldn't be a difficult task. Even with the absence of last season's senior starters, this year's lineup is deep enough to keep Muschamp's options open and coordinate a clean, powerful defensive backfield.

This story was originally published August 3, 2015 at 10:52 PM with the headline "Incoming Tiger defense shows potential ."