SEC Network analyst Marcus Spears ranks SEC’s top 5 defenses for 2017
By Kevin Duffey
Published:
SEC Network analyst Marcus Spears knows a thing or two about defense.
The former LSU All-American was a first-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in the 2005 NFL Draft, and on Wednesday night, Spears ranked the SEC’s top five defenses for 2017.
And while he ranked Alabama No. 1, Spears explained that UGA made it a tough decision at No. 2.
“I almost put Georgia ahead of Alabama because there is more knowns about that defense than it is about Alabama’s,” Spears said. “You’ve got 10 guys returning for Georgia.
“But I can’t go against Nick Saban and that system. The thing that makes everyone confident even when new guys are being ushered into this defense is they’re going to be playing defense at a high level because the head coach makes it a point to play defense at a high level. And oh by the way, he’s one of the best coaches to ever do it.”
Spears then expounded on why he likes the Bulldogs’ defense, too, ahead of 2017.
“When you go to the Bulldogs, though, you have to give them a lot of respect,” Spears explained. “I love Trenton Thompson up front; I love Lorenzo Carter, Natrez Patrick. All of these guys have played in this defense and played at a high level. And oh by the way, don’t forget Kirby Smart is trying to bring that same mentality that Alabama has had for so many years to Georgia football. And he has 10 guys who understands his system.”
Here are Spears’ top five defensive units for 2017:
5. Auburn Tigers
4. Florida Gators
3. LSU Tigers
2. Georgia Bulldogs
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
A graduate of the University of Florida and founder of Saturday Down South, Kevin is a college football enthusiast.
