LSU's Landry, Michigan's Hall headline DB classBy Todd McShayScouts Inc.ArchiveLSU safety LaRon Landry brings versatility to the field. Michigan cornerback Leon Hall is a natural playmaker. Texas' Michael Griffin hopes to grab the spotlight in 2006. Take a look at the preseason rankings for the nation's top returning defensive backs. 1. S LaRon Landry, LSU, SR, 6-2, 204Landry is the epitome of a versatile defensive playmaker at the collegiate level. The hard-hitting, ballhawking safety surprised with his decision to return to Baton Rouge for a fourth go-around as a full-time starter. In three seasons to date, Landry has amassed 241 tackles, 18 passes broken up, nine interceptions and seven sacks -- not to mention a national championship ring as a true freshman during the 2003-'04 season.2. CB Leon Hall, Michigan, SR, 5-10, 195The Charles Woodson comparisons are overboard, but Hall is a special talent in his own right. With a fine combination of size, strength and speed, Hall has proven capable of holding up on an island vs. many of college football's top receiving threats. He is a natural playmaker when the ball is in the air (19 pass breakups and six interceptions from 2004-'05) and he fills hard vs. the run (109 tackles in the same two-year span). Furthermore, Hall's value is increased by his production in the return game (career average of 11.6 yards per punt return, including one for a score).3. S Brandon Meriweather, Miami-FL, SR, 6-0, 190On top of his tremendous production a year ago (115 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, seven pass breakups, three interceptions and two forced fumbles), Meriweather impressed with his leadership. Over the course of his three seasons with the Hurricanes, the 6-0, 190-pound safety has been a hard hitter vs. the run and a playmaking ballhawk in coverage. Meriweather is Miami's best defensive player heading into the 2006 season and he also grades out as a potential first-round pick in the 2007 NFL draft.4. S Michael Griffin, Texas, SR, 6-1, 205Griffin was overshadowed in Texas' secondary by Michael Huff (drafted by the Raiders) the past couple of seasons -- and rightfully so. But now it is Griffin's turn to soak up the spotlight. A hard hitter with good size, speed and instincts, Griffin will look to wreak more havoc as a senior after notching 124 tackles, three interceptions, four blocked kicks, three fumble recoveries and one forced fumble during the Longhorns' national championship run last season.5. S Tom Zbikowski, Notre Dame, SR, 5-11, 213Zbikowski is a special breed. He does not possess the speed or athletic ability that NFL scouts covet, but he's a big, physical, aggressive and versatile playmaker with rare instincts. Much was made of Zbikowski's boxing during the offseason but he is reportedly in terrific "football shape" heading into summer camp in July. That means, after notching 71 tackles, five interceptions and two punt returns for touchdowns in 2005, Zbikowski will be back delivering Irish opponents the knockout blow this fall.6. CB Antoine Cason, Arizona, JR, 6-0, 188In just two seasons of college ball, Cason has amassed 120 tackles and seven interceptions. His open-field tackling is outstanding and he also displays the size, athletic ability and speed to take opposing premier receivers out of the game in one-on-one coverage. Better savvy and strength should help elevate Cason to college football's elite defensive back status this fall.7. CB Daymeion Hughes, California, SR, 5-11, 185Hughes is a speedy and athletic cover corner with great experience. He had his best season as a junior in 2005, recording 62 tackles and five interceptions. An encore campaign as a senior will help keep the Golden Bears competitive in the Pac-10 standings and it could land Hughes a spot on the first day of next year's NFL draft.8. S Kenny Phillips, Miami-FL, SO, 6-2, 200Phillips may one day emerge as a better all-around player than safety mate Meriweather at Miami, but it's still too early to make that speculation. Even so, the true freshman flashed enough athleticism and toughness for his size to warrant this spot among the nation's top 10 defensive backs. Phillips will retain his starting spot at strong safety after notching 88 tackles, four broken up passes and an interception as a rookie last season.9. S and CB Eric Weddle, Utah, SR, 5-11, 201Weddle is one of the most underrated players -- regardless of position -- that college football has to offer. The versatile playmaker took his game to the next level in 2005, earning the Mountain West Conference's Defensive Player of the Year honors for his 78 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, four sacks and four interceptions. Weddle splits time between cornerback and safety for the Utes, while also contributing as a punt return specialist, emergency punter and holder on the field goal team.10. CB D.J. Wolfe, Oklahoma, JR, 5-10, 197Wolfe began his career as a running back but has since found a home at the cornerback position. The sophomore got his feet wet with 65 tackles, 10 passes broken up and two interceptions during his first season as a starter in 2005. With extra savvy to go along with his outstanding combination of size and speed, Wolfe is primed for a breakout year in 2006.The next best 15:11. Aaron Rouse, S, Virginia Tech, senior12. Fred Bennett, CB, South Carolina, senior13. Marcus McCauley, CB, Fresno State, senior14. Reggie Nelson, S, Florida, junior15. Joe Burnett, CB, Central Florida, sophomore16. John Talley, CB, Duke, senior17. Zach Catanese, S, Arizona State, senior18. Jonathan Hefney, S, Tennessee, junior19. Josh Gattis, S, Wake Forest, senior20. Courtney Greene, S, Rutgers, sophomore21. Josh Pinkard, S, USC, junior22. Marcus Hamilton, CB, Virginia, senior23. Sabby Piscitelli, S, Oregon State, senior24. Michael Johnson, S, Arizona, senior25. Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh, junior
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (FSUViking @ Jun 30 2006, 07:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>5. S Tom Zbikowski, Notre Dame, SR, 5-11, 213Zbikowski is a special breed. He does not possess the speed or athletic ability that NFL scouts covet, but he's a big, physical, aggressive and versatile playmaker with rare instincts. Much was made of Zbikowski's boxing during the offseason but he is reportedly in terrific "football shape" heading into summer camp in July. That means, after notching 71 tackles, five interceptions and two punt returns for touchdowns in 2005, Zbikowski will be back delivering Irish opponents the knockout blow this fall.</div>That's my man right there. Great returner and has the same playmaking/hitting ability of Sean Taylor. He's relentless.
Same as Sean Taylor? Taylor easily has a good 20 lbs. on Zbi. Zbi is tough as nails and can lay a hit, but nobody lays hits like Sean Taylor and Roy Williams do.
I didn't say they had the same physique, and I know he's not at the same level of any NFL safety I'm just saying he's pretty damn imposing for a college safety.
