The secondary has become a point of emphasis for many programs in the SEC, and the title of “DBU” has been claimed by a few teams.

With an eye toward next season, we’re analyzing the SEC recruiting commitments for each position in the Class of 2017. Today, we will evaluate the incoming crop of defensive backs.

SEC coaches are having success on the recruiting trail as 15 of the top 50 defensive back prospects are currently committed to the conference, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings.

PREVIOUSLY IN SERIES: Quarterback, Running back, Wide receiver, Defensive line, Linebacker

Alabama

Xavier McKinney (4-star, No. 8 S): There really isn’t anything not to like about McKinney. Although at 6-1, 192 he could stand to grow an inch or two, McKinney is a natural athlete who rarely gets beat in coverage and can move down and play in the box. In his final two high school season, McKinney registered 115 tackles, 16 interceptions and three sacks.

Daniel Wright (4-star, No. 15 S): Wright is another phenomenal athlete out of South Florida, but he will need some time to add the strength needed to play in the SEC. Wright’s skills in coverage are second-to-none, and he is a very willing defender against the run.

Jhavonte Dean (4-star, No. 2 JUCO CB): Dean is a good press-coverage corner who should provide some immediate depth for Alabama’s secondary. He is a physical defender but will miss some tackles in the open field.

Kyriq McDonald (3-star, No. 44 CB): Probably better suited as a nickel corner in college, McDonald is quicker than he is fast. He diagnoses plays fairly well, but he lacks the top-end speed to hang with receivers on the perimeter. Should be an asset against the run.

Top remaining targets: Devon Hunter, Todd Harris, Christopher Henderson

Arkansas

Montaric Brown (4-star, No. 18 S): Brown is an extremely fluid defensive back with exceptional open-field speed. He can quickly diagnose a play and will aggressively jump routes but also transfer his speed to power and lay some big hits. As a junior, Brown recorded 110 tackles and five interceptions, including three pick-sixes. He’s the No. 39 defensive back prospect overall in the class.

Jarques McClellion (3-star, No. 89 CB): With some added weight and strength, McClellion can become a solid SEC cornerback. He already possesses good length and awareness, but at 6-foot, 170 pounds, his small stature could make him an early liability against bigger receivers and running backs.

Jordon Curtis (3-star, No. 109 CB): A running back in high school, Curtis is likely to make the transition to defense at Arkansas. He is a good athlete with fluid hips and quick acceleration. His most immediate impact could come in the return game.

Korey Hernandez (3-star, No. 88 S): Hernandez is a smart football player who makes the most of his physical ability. An aggressive defender against the run and in coverage, Hernandez is a project who could pay off.

Top remaining targets: Chevin Calloway

Auburn

Malcolm Askew (4-star, No. 8 ATH): Askew is a very fluid player who has elite agility and quickness. He needs to improve his play recognition and could benefit from added strength, but Askew should develop into one of the SEC’s top defensive backs and can contribute as a return man immediately.

Carlito Gonzalez (3-star, No. 28 S): Physically, Gonzalez has the look of a future SEC safety. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound defender isn’t a consistent asset against the run, though, and needs improvement in man coverage.

Traivon Leonard (3-star, No. 116 CB): Leonard may be a bit of an underrated prospect. He’s quicker than fast, but his natural instincts and awareness improve his in-game speed. Leonard is a prospect to watch.

Jordyn Peters (3-star, No. 87 S): Peters is another prospect with upside. At 6-foot-1, 185, he’s a bit light for an SEC safety but shows great closing speed. He isn’t afraid to be aggressive in run defense but added strength will help him in this aspect.

Top remaining targets: Devon Hunter

Florida

Elijah Blades (4-star, No. 16 CB): A tall, fast cornerback, the 6-2, 170-pound Blades has tremendous upside. His length and speed allows Blades to hold his own in any coverage scheme, and he can be left alone on an island. Needs to improve his run defense, but Blades has the look of another great Florida corner.

Marco Wilson (4-star, No. 28 CB): Wilson is more of a cover corner at this point in his development. Won’t be much of an asset against the run, and he can be taken advantage of by fast or physical receivers. Has great reaction time and the quickness to shadow receivers.

Shawn Davis (3-star, No. 51 CB): This 6-foot, 190-pound corner has ideal size for the position and his physical skills translate well to the field. A natural zone defender, Davis also shows potential as a press corner who can match up on an island.

Top remaining targets: Devon Hunter, Christopher Henderson, Brad Stewart

Georgia

Richard LeCounte III (5-star, No. 2 S): LeCounte plays much bigger than his 5-11, 175-pound frame would suggest. He is a natural athlete whose instincts and physical traits can’t be matched. LeCounte uses his athleticism to devastating effect on the field but would benefit from better technique.

Deangelo Gibbs (4-star, No. 4 S): At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, Gibbs already looks like an SEC safety. He possesses the confidence of a true playmaker and shows trust in his natural athleticism. Gibbs is a versatile defender who should excel as either a corner or a safety.

Tray Bishop (4-star, No. 4 ATH): Bishop figures to play as a receiver or defensive back at Georgia, but he has the size the Kirby Smart covets on defense. The 6-foot-3 athlete is one of the fastest players in the Bulldogs’ class and should only continue to improve his technique.

William Poole III (4-star, No. 25 CB): Poole possesses great strength at the position and is versatile enough to play both man and zone coverage schemes. He has good ball skills and is fluid when running with a receiver.

Kentucky

Tyrell Ajian (4-star, No. 17 ATH): A versatile defensive back, Ajian has a high football IQ and is savvy in coverage. He has shown equal ability in both zone and man coverage, and Ajian has a penchant for making big plays.

Yusuf Corker (3-star, No. 38 CB): Corker is a great mirror defender who knows how to leverage his body and place himself in good defensive position. He needs to become more aggressive and physical, but Corker is already exceptional in coverage.

Lonnie Johnson (3-star, No. 4 JUCO S): At 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, Johnson is physically ready for the rigors of the SEC. He has a tendency to rely on his size too much in coverage, however, and will benefit from improved technique.

Michael Nesbitt (3-star, No. 81 CB): Nesbitt is a better in zone than man coverage at this point, but he’s got the physical tools to improve in that aspect. Nesbitt gives great effort, but he isn’t a natural run defender.

Cedrick Dort (3-star, No. 148 CB): Dort’s size is the biggest thing holding him back. The 6-foot, 160-pound cornerback works well in coverage, but he will need to add muscle and strength before seeing the field. Dort and Nesbitt are from South Florida.

LSU

JaCoby Stevens (5-star, No. 1 S): Based on his physical traits and athleticism, Stevens has the potential to become one of college football’s top defenders. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound safety is an exceptional playmaker who offenses will have to account for. He’s the No. 18 prospect overall in the 2017 class and the Tigers’ top recruit.

Grant Delpit (4-star, No. 9 S): At 6-foot-4, Delpit is one of the tallest safeties in this class. His frame should allow him to pack on plenty of muscle, which should complement his excellent coverage skills and aggressive run support. He and Stevens are already on campus.

Kary Vincent (4-star, No. 12 CB): Vincent is quicker than he is fast, which makes him a better zone defender than man coverage corner. His quickness allows him to be aggressive, but that desire to jump routes could get him into trouble at times.

Jontre Kirklin (3-star, No. 48 ATH): A quarterback in high school, Kirklin looks like an ideal redshirt player who can successfully make the transition to defense. His natural quickness and agility should make him an asset in the secondary.

Top remaining targets: Todd Harris

Mississippi State

Johnathan Abram (3-star, No. 2 JUCO S): A former Georgia safety, Abram is back in the SEC after spending a year at the JUCO level. Abram played in 10 games for the Bulldogs as a freshman and is a terrific athlete who can play right away at Mississippi State.

Tyler Williams (3-star, No. 80 CB): Williams is a natural zone corner given his quick burst and natural length. The 6-foot-2 defender has a lot of upside moving forward and his high football IQ should help him see the field early.

Brian Cole (3-star, No. 5 JUCO S): As one of the top athletes in the Class of 2015, Cole signed with Michigan out of high school. After transitioning from receiver to defensive back at the JUCO level, Cole looks like one of the best safety prospects and his elite speed should help him make an early impact.

Landon Guidry (3-star, No. 64 S): Guidry played all over the field in high school, and he has a lot of upside due to his athleticism. The 6-foot defender is extremely versatile, but he might take some time to develop.

Jaquarius Landrews (3-star, No. 6 JUCO S): A good fit as a nickel corner, Landrews has ideal size to man the position in the SEC. The 6-foot, 200-pound safety uses his physicality well and is a good run defender.

Top remaining targets: Todd Harris

Missouri

Terry Petry (3-star, No. 63 CB): His size might be a concern for him at the next level. Petry is listed at 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, but he doesn’t appear to be that tall. Petry has plenty of versatility and a wide skill-set, but he will have to overcome his physical limitations.

Adam Sparks (3-star, No. 91 CB): Sparks, 6-0, 170, is a lengthy cornerback who is both quick and fast. He has shown that he can put himself in position to force turnovers.

Joshuah Bledsoe (3-star, No. 105 S): Bledsoe has ideal length and top-end speed needed to play safety in the SEC. The 6-foot, 190-pound prospect can contribute immediately on special teams because of his speed and quickness, but he doesn’t have sounds coverage technique at this point.

Jordan Ulmer (3-star, No. 107 S): At 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, Ulmer will bring great size and length to Missouri. Like Bledsoe, Ulmer has plenty of natural athleticism, but he isn’t fundamentally sound enough to play right away.

Ole Miss

AJ Harris (3-star, No. 35 S): Harris’ biggest weakness is his hesitation in run support. His coverage instincts are above average, however, and he boasts exceptional speed. As a junior, Harris recorded 58 tackles, 20 pass breakups and seven interceptions.

Jamar Richardson (3-star, No. 71 CB): Richardson has a lot of speed and is an electrifying athlete, but he is undersized. The 6-foot defender has good height, but he weighs just 167 pounds and will need to put in a lot of time in the weight program.

Javien Hamilton (3-star, No. 9 JUCO CB): Another very fast defensive back, Hamilton should contribute immediately on special teams. He is a physical corner, who likes to lock up one-on-one with a player and can be left on an island.

Top remaining targets: Chevin Calloway

South Carolina

Jamyest Williams (4-star, No. 8 CB): At 5-foot-9 and 170 pounds, Williams is definitely undersized. His elite athleticism and balance makes up for that, however, and Williams plays with an edge that few possess. He’s drawn positive comparisons to former LSU star Tyrann Mathieu.

Keisean Nixon (3-star, No. 3 JUCO CB): Nixon is a player who can contribute right away. He is an aggressive defender who will help in run support and fight off blocks. Can take too many risks in coverage, but he closes on the ball well.

Kaleb Chalmers (3-star, No. 8 JUCO CB): A former Clemson cornerback, Chalmers will bring more experience to South Carolina’s secondary. An adept cover corner who can play both man and zone, Chalmers broke up 12 passes and snagged an interception last season at the JUCO level.

Jaylin Dickerson (3-star, No. 55 S): Dickerson played all over the field in high school and is a natural athlete with a lot of upside. He covers ground easily and is adept at beating a receiver to the ball. Dickerson is a well-rounded defensive back with no glaring weaknesses.

Tavyn Jackson (3-star, No. 94 CB): He doesn’t have the as much upside as some of the other prospects in this class, but Jackson is already a polished player who holds his own in coverage and makes an impact against the run.

Zay Brown (3-star, No. 102 S): Brown is a willing tackler and shows good break on the ball in coverage. His speed allows him to be aggressive and recover when beaten.

Tennessee

Maleik Gray (4-star, No. 10 S): Gray could be a hybrid safety/linebacker due to his size and physicality. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound prospect has the range necessary to play in coverage and very good closing speed.

Jaquan Henderson (3-star, No. 30 S): Another hybrid defender, Henderson has the makings of a top-tier safety. Henderson is a fearless tackler and relishes the opportunity to explode through a ball carrier. He has great athleticism in coverage and is savvy when reading a quarterback’s eyes.

Cheyenne Labruzza (3-star, No. 43 CB): Labruzza has shown flashes of potential, but he is inconsistent at this point in his development. A redshirt should benefit Labruzza greatly.

Terrell Bailey (3-star, No. 48 CB): Bailey is a smooth defender in coverage. He is equally adept in press or soft coverage, and his fluid hips and closing speed allow Bailey to stay tight on an opposing receiver.

Theo Jackson (3-star, No. 36 S): At 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, Jackson has the desired size to play safety but needs to pack on some muscle. In coverage, Jackson displays good footwork and good burst to close on the ball.

Shawn Shamburger (3-star, No. 105 CB): Shamburger is an intuitive football player who is often in a good position at the right time. He’s a good tackler and a smart defender in coverage, which allows Shamburger to make the most of his athleticism. He’s also a potential member of any All-SEC Name Team.

Texas A&M

Derrick Tucker (4-star, No. 17 S): Tucker is a big, physical safety prospect. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound defender has enough speed, but he isn’t the fastest player on the field. Tucker will need to improve at diagnosing plays.

Keldrick Carper (4-star, No. 26 S): This 6-foot-3, 180-pound athlete played wide receiver and safety in high school and is a candidate for either position with the Aggies. Carper has tremendous speed and soft hands, but he doesn’t have the same level of technique as other SEC defensive prospects.

Myles Jones (3-star, No. 24 S): Another safety prospect with size, Jones is an excellent, well-rounded defensive back. At 6-foot-3 and 175 pounds, Jones has a frame that will support some added muscle. Jones has fluid hips, good instincts and knows how to leverage a receiver.

Devin Morris (3-star, No. 49 CB): Morris lacks the smoothness desired in an SEC defensive back, but he has a knack for being around the ball. Another candidate for either side of the ball, Morris would benefit from a redshirt if tabbed to play defense.

Debione Renfro (3-star, No. 109 S): Renfro has ideal size and is a well-rounded prospect coming out of high school. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound safety is a high-floor player who has excellent skills in zone coverage.

Vanderbilt

Randall Haynie (3-star, No. 66 CB): Haynie, who also runs track, is an outstanding athlete who knows how to use his physical skills. Better in coverage than against the run, Haynie has quick feet and can mirror an opposing receiver closely.

Tae Daley (3-star, No. 61 S): An attacker in every sense of the word, Daley excels at closing on a ball carrier and making a big hit when he gets there. Daley is better in zone coverage than man and can be taken advantage of in single coverage.

Nico Bolden (3-star, No. 96 S): At 6-foot-4 and 195 pounds, Bolden is a borderline linebacker due to his size. In coverage, Bolden can be a liability when asked to cover a big area. He’s a bit of a project at this point.

All ranking courtesy of 247Sports Composite