As we roll through Defensive Backs Week, get to know the SEC West’s position coaches.

Alabama — Mel Tucker

After a couple of years without a defensive backs coach, Nick Saban decided it was time to bring in a pro for the job. Saban and defensive coordinator Kirby Smart worked hands-on with the secondary last year, but it’ll be Tucker’s responsibility going forward. He comes to Alabama from the NFL, having been a defensive coordinator for the last decade, most recently with the Chicago Bears. Prior to that, he worked his way up through the college ranks as a defensive backs coach, including a stop in the SEC at LSU. Tucker’s defenses at the NFL level weren’t always great, but they were often near the top of the league in takeaways, an area where Alabama has struggled the last two seasons.

Arkansas — Robb Smith

Smith is one of the rising stars in the defensive coordinator ranks, having earned a nice contract extension and raise following Arkansas’ outstanding defensive performance in 2014. He’s entering his second season as the Razorbacks DC and secondary coach, a role he’d previously held down at Rutgers in 2012. Smith also ran Rutgers’ special teams for three years, coaching outside linebackers, cornerbacks and linebackers as well during that span. He came to Fayetteville after a stint with his old Rutgers boss Greg Schiano with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Auburn — Travaris Robinson

Robinson came over with Will Muschamp from Florida after spending four years coaching defensive backs under Coach Boom in Gainesville. Robinson had previously coached defensive backs at Western Kentucky (2008), Southern Mississippi (2009) and Texas Tech (2010) after getting his career started as a graduate assistant with Auburn in 2006-07. Robinson was a standout safety for the Tigers from 1999-2002 and went on to a three-year NFL career before moving into the coaching ranks.

LSU — Corey Raymond

Raymond is the steward of Defensive Back University, a member of Les Miles’ staff since 2012. The former LSU defensive back was a starter for the Tigers when he played for the team from 1988-91 before going on to a short NFL career. After a few years coaching in the high school ranks, Raymond returned to LSU as an intern and then assistant strength coach. He went on to defensive back coaching positions at Utah State (2009-10) and Nebraska (2011) before coming home to LSU. Raymond is an excellent recruiter as well, having had a hand in recruiting LSU’s many four- and five-star defensive back signees since he joined the staff.

Mississippi State — Tony Hughes (safeties) and Deshea Townsend (cornerbacks)

The Bulldogs split their defensive back responsibilities between two coaches. Hughes is Dan Mullen’s assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator, and he’s been with MSU since Mullen took over as head coach. Mississippi State is the third major Mississippi college Hughes has worked at after stints with Southern Miss (2008) and Ole Miss (2005-07). Townsend, a former star cornerback for Alabama, spent 13 years starring in the NFL, winning two Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He spent two years with the Arizona Cardinals as an assistant DBs coach before joining Mullen’s staff.

Ole Miss — Corey Batoon (safeties) and Jason Jones (cornerbacks)

The Rebels employ two coaches in the secondary as well, although both have varied responsibilities. Batoon also serves as special teams coordinator, while Jones is the co-defensive coordinator. Batoon has been with Hugh Freeze since he arrived in Oxford, recently earning the special teams coordinator promotion. He also served as an assistant athletic director for Ole Miss and is a 19-year coaching veteran. Jones just finished his second year coaching Ole Miss’ corners, coming to Oxford after five years coaching at Oklahoma State.

Texas A&M — Terry Joseph

Joseph just wrapped up his first season coaching the Aggies secondary and is on his third SEC stop in his young career. After a few years in the high school ranks, he moved up to college as a graduate assistant at LSU in 2006. He coached defensive backs and was recruiting coordinator at both Louisiana Tech (2007-09) and Tennessee (2010-11), then moved on to coach defensive backs at Nebraska (2012-13). Joseph was a star baseball player at Northwestern State (La.) in the mid-1990s and was drafted by the Chicago Cubs, playing four minor league seasons.