The defensive backfield class of 2011 is an impressive one in the SEC.  It’s loaded with athletes possessing the ability to play either cornerback or safety.

Look at Malcolm Mitchell. He’s a talented athlete who decided to play for his in-state Georgia Bulldogs. He could be the best defensive back entering the SEC… but he could also be a full-time wide receiver for UGA. That’s where we have him projected to play when he arrives in Athens, which is why you won’t find him on this list.

Here are the top five high school defensive back signees in the SEC in 2011.


1. Ha’Sean Clinton-Dix – Alabama

He might be Alabama’s top prospect and top recruiter in this year’s class. Clinton-Dix helped sway his high school teammate Dee Hart to play running back at Bama instead of Michigan. Clinton-Dix (6-2, 195) is an elite athlete with the frame to be a standout safety for Alabama. He has the perfect combination for a safety – the ability to cover the run and pass. Nick Saban will no doubt find a way to use that in his secondary.

2. Jonathan Rose – Auburn

He’s one of those versatile athletes mentioned above with the ability to play cornerback or safety for the Tigers. Rose enrolled at Auburn in January and went through spring practice. So far it’s all cornerback for Rose, who has already earned practice time with the first and second units in Auburn’s secondary. His size (6-1, 180) should allow him to cover the big targets in the SEC.

3. Erique Florence – Auburn

Florence is one reason Rose should be able to stay at cornerback. He is a talented safety who will have an opportunity to help AU this fall. The Tigers are young and inexperienced at the safety position, which will offer opportunities for Florence and other freshmen arriving in the summer. Florence is known as a tough hitter and should help Auburn in run support. If he proves to be strong in pass coverage, too, expect big things from Florence. 

4. Marcus Roberson – Florida

His recruitment was a mess, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that Roberson can play. He originally committed to Texas Tech and then Auburn before ultimately signing with Florida. Roberson could play cornerback or safety, but corner will likely be his first shot in Gainesville. The Gators should be set up nicely for the future in the defensive backfield. Fellow signee Jabari Gorman is expected to be a nice addition to the safety position as well.

5. Justin Coleman – Tennessee

He wouldn’t have made this list if he hadn’t decided to enroll in spring practice at UT. Coleman impressed during the spring and should earn playing time this fall. Coleman isn’t UT’s highest-rated signee, but he’s a solid player who looks to be a nice fit in the Vols’ defensive backfield. Tennessee was thin in the secondary last year, but depth shouldn’t be an issue going forward. Coleman has already showed he has more potential than several veterans already on Knoxville’s campus.

Here’s the updated Alabama list of LOIs received:

Jeoffrey Pagan, DL
Ha’sean Clinton-Dix, DB
Wilson Love, DL
Ronald Carswell, WR
Ryan Kelly, OL
Trey Depriest, LB
Quinton Dial, DL
Aaron Douglas, OL
Phillip Ely, QB
Demetrius Hart, RB
Vinnie Sunseri, LB
Jesse Williams, DL

Pagan is a major get for the Tide and could be the first of many today.

Running back Dee Hart has switched his commitment from Michigan to Alabama, according Dr. Phillips High School teammate and friend Ha’Sean Clinton-Dix.

Clinton-Dix, who is also committed to Alabama, has been wavering on his commitment to the Crimson Tide. That shouldn’t be the case if Hart attends Alabama.

“If Dee said Alabama, then I’m done too (with recruiting),” Clinton-Dix told the Orlando Sentinel. “That’s my best friend, and he’s doing the right thing for him.”

It would be a good thing for Alabama to land both players.

Hart, who would be Alabama’s 22nd commitment for the 2011 class, is considered the nation’s best all-purpose running back by Rivals.com. Clinton-Dix is ranked the nation’s top safety by Rivals.

Hart’s decision to attend Alabama could have an impact on the Crimson Tide’s recruitment of Isaiah Crowell, who’s a highly-touted tailback from Carver High School in Columbus, Ga.

Crowell, who’s ranked the nation’s fifth-best running back and 29th best prospect overall by Rivals, is considering Alabama, Auburn and Georgia. He’s considered the No. 1 priority for Georgia’s 2011 class.

Crowell plans to visit Alabama on Jan. 14, Georgia on Jan. 21 and Auburn on Jan. 28.