Who are the top defensive backs in SEC history?

We’ve spent the last several weeks flipping through team-specific media guides, glancing over highlight film and nearly coming to blows at our home office determining this 25-member comprehensive list of the league’s best players in the secondary.

Editor’s note: The SDS staff weighed multiple factors during our SEC’s all-time defensive backs rankings process including career statistics, individual awards, importance to their respective team and the era in which they played. Official statistics were pulled from team web sites or media guides.

25.) JOHN LITTLE, GEORGIA (1983-86)

Considered one of the Bulldogs’ top standouts in the secondary in program history, Little was a prep quarterback from Florida before being moved to defense upon his arrival in Athens to take advantage of his athleticism as a linebacker-safety hybrid. He was only the second freshman defensive back in the Vince Dooley era to ever earn a starting spot.

Little emerged as a top underclassmen the following campaign who wasn’t afraid to get dirty after filling the void left by two-time SEC defensive player of the year Terry Hoage as a sophomore in 1984. Georgia’s leading tackler at his roverback position as a three-year starter, Little ranks seventh on the school’s all-time list. He was a two-time All-American and a consensus all-conference in 1985 and 1986.

Career numbers:

381 tackles, 18 pass breakups, 10 INTs

Individual superlatives:

All-American (1985-86); All-SEC (1985-86)

NFL Draft:

Undrafted

Defining moments:

As a junior in 1985, Little recorded two interceptions in the fourth quarter to help the Bulldogs topple nationally-ranked Clemson.

24.) BUDDY MCCLINTON, AUBURN (1967-69)

Quite possibly the shortest All-American at the safety position in SEC history, the 5-foot-7 McClinton holds the Auburn record for interceptions in a season (9) and a career (18), managing those numbers as a three-year starter since freshmen were ineligible.

A member of the 2011 SEC Legends class, McClinton was a three-time All-American on the Plains, earning consensus status as a record-setting senior in 1969. He was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.

Career numbers:

18 INTs

Individual superlatives:

All-American (1967-69); All-SEC (1968-69); Alabama Sports Hall of Fame (2006)

NFL Draft:

Undrafted

Defining moments:

McClinton recorded six tackles and three interceptions — including one for a touchdown — in the 1968 Sun Bowl against Arizona to become the first defensive back to ever earn MVP honors in the game.

23.) LARON LANDRY, LSU (2003-06)

The first of several players in this list to star at ‘DBU’ in the SEC, Landry started 48 straight games during his career as a feared head hunter on one of the league’s most stout defenses, the first of three players in the LSU secondary to be drafted No. 6 overall or higher since 2007.

The two-time All-American’s 12 career interceptions ranks third all-time and his 40 passes defended is tied for the second-highest total in program history with Chevis Jackson, nine short of Corey Webster’s program-best mark. Landry is one of two players in LSU history —Shawn Burks, 1983-85 — to lead the Tigers in tackles three times during their career.

A model for consistency, Landry recorded a tackle in 51 consecutive games.

Now infamous for his hulking weightroom photos in the NFL, this beast of an NFL safety who calls the gym his ‘sanctuary’ was suspended for the first 10 games of the 2015 season for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drugs policy for a second time.

Career numbers:

315 tackles, 12 INTs, 8 sacks

Individual superlatives:

All-American (2005-06); All-SEC (2005-06)

NFL Draft:

No. 6 overall in 2007

Defining moments:

Landry’s most memorable tackle was a sack on Alabama quarterback Brody Croyle as a junior that changed the complexion of the game, one LSU would win, 16-13, in overtime.

22.) JEREMIAH CASTILLE, ALABAMA (1979-82)

The Crimson Tide’s headliner on defense during Bear Bryant’s final season in 1982, Castille earned All-American honors that fall and finished tied for first in program history with 16 career interceptions.

A member of Alabama’s All-Decade Team in the 1980s, Castille was a paulbearer at Bryant’s funeral in 1983. He had a close, long-lasting relationship with the SEC legend.

Career numbers:

156 tackles, 30 pass breakups, 16 INTs

Individual superlatives:

All-American (1982); All-SEC (1981-82); SEC Legends Class (2003)

NFL Draft:

No. 72 overall (third round) in 1983

Defining moments:

Castille intercepted a career-best three passes during a 21–15 win in the 1982 Liberty Bowl, earning the game’s MVP award.

21.) JOHNTHAN BANKS, MISSISSIPPI STATE (2009-12)

One of Mississippi State’s most decorated defensive players in program history, Banks’ senior season in 2012 was one to remember after the skilled ballhawk took home the Thorpe award as the nation’s top defensive back in college football.

Banks, who made a seamless transition from safety to cornerback in 2010, finished tied for the Bulldogs school record for career interceptions (16) and interception returns for touchdowns (3). Banks also brought back a punt for a score during his time in Starkville.

A three-star prospect coming out of high school, most thought Banks’ 4.6 time in the 40 wasn’t impressive enough to start in the SEC. He developed into one of college football’s top cover guys rather quickly.

He has already tallied 104 tackles and seven interceptions in two NFL seasons for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Career numbers:

221 tackles, 16 INTs, 4 defensive touchdowns

Individual superlatives:

All-American (2012); All-SEC (2011-12); Thorpe Award (2012)

NFL Draft:

No. 43 overall (third round) in 2013

Defining moments:

As a true freshman in 2009, Banks picked off SEC legend Tim Tebow and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown during a loss to Florida.