As the SEC, and college football in general, gets more and more pass happy with different versions of the spread offense everywhere, recruiting quality defensive backs becomes more and more key to success.

Few players can either look like a star or a chump on a given play dozens of times a game. Cornerbacks can. Often the smallest guys on the field, the cornerbacks also often have opportunities to make the biggest plays, snagging momentum-changing interceptions and blowing up plays in the backfield with surprise blitzes.

Some schools, like Alabama and Texas A&M, feature several touted underclassmen vying for starting spots in the secondary. Others hold more of a veteran presence. Either way, all 14 schools — even Florida and LSU — could use some more help at cornerback in 2016.

Here’s a look at the top 5 cornerbacks in the class of 2016 committed to SEC programs.

1. Saivion Smith (Bradenton, Fla.) — LSU commit

The Skinny: The No. 1 player in the state of Florida, Smith is tall at 6-foot-1. He’s one of just two five-star cornerbacks in the entire 2016 class, and the other is headed to Florida State. Smith, though, is the gem of what will be, at the least, one of the most spectacular defensive back classes that an SEC team has signed in years. LSU also holds a commitment from five-star safety Eric Monroe (like Smith, No. 2 in the nation at his position) with a great chance to add more touted defensive backs.

2. Chauncey Gardner (Cocoa, Fla.) — Florida commit

The Skinny: The Gators turnaround project begins with recruiting and first-year coach Jim McElwain has a good one here with Gardner, the No. 3-rated corner in the class by Rivals.com. At 5-foot-11, 190-pounds, he already has good size to go along with great speed. Gardner chosing Florida over Alabama, Auburn, Florida State and a host of others was a big win for the Gators.

3. Marquill Osborne (Charlotte, N.C.) — Tennessee commit

The Skinny: The Vols got a good one from ACC country, beating the likes of Duke, North Carolina and Clemson. The No. 5 corner in the class, Osborne is also a Top 100 overall player who has been committed to Tennessee for nearly a year without wavering.

4. Travon Fuller (Athens, Texas) — Texas A&M commit

The Skinny: Another player who committed a year ago, Fuller has held steady with the Aggies. At 5-foot-11, 160 pounds, he probably needs to get bigger to fit in with new defensive coordinator John Chavis’ aggressive scheme, but he’s got time. The No. 14 cornerback in the nation is also the No. 19 overall player in Texas and chose A&M ahead of Baylor and TCU.

5. John Broussard (Phenix City, Ala.) — Auburn commit

The skinny: Playing high school ball just 40 miles down the road, Broussard has been a standout at Auburn’s camps and committed to the local team in May. The 5-foot-11, 164-pound defensive back is ranked No. 15 at his position and reportedly says he’s still a solid commit to Auburn, but plans to take other visits, including one to LSU.