In football, determining a defensive back’s performance can sometimes be tough. Many offenses know to avoid the best corners and safeties like the plague, throwing anywhere but at the best defensive backs. Some defensive backs just have a nose for the ball, though.

Who are the SEC’s top ball-hawking defensive backs heading into the season?

Jonathan Jones, Auburn — Jones wasn’t a household name heading into 2014, but after his breakout year he’ll certainly be on offensive coordinators’ minds going into 2015. Jones had six interceptions last year, tied for second in the conference, and he tied for the second in the SEC with 12 pass breakups. On top of emerging as one of the SEC’s biggest ballhawks, Jones also developed into one of the best cover men in the league, giving Auburn quite a weapon on a rebuilding defense.

A.J. Stamps, Kentucky — Stamps was one of the brightest spots on a Kentucky defense that struggled for long stretches in 2014. As a junior, he finished fourth in the conference in interceptions with four and added nine pass breakups to his resume. A junior college transfer, Stamps made some eye-popping plays early in the season and proved himself to be one of the Wildcats’ best overall players, finishing fifth on the team in tackles.

Jamal Adams, LSU — Here’s a guess that LSU’s rising sophomore safety is going to explode as a star in 2015. In mostly a reserve role as a freshman, Adams was a heat-seeking missile. He ended the year second on the team among defensive backs in tackles and tops among Tigers DBs in tackles for loss. Adams hasn’t recorded a takeaway yet, but with his hard hitting and nose for the ball, he’ll be hunting one to become a full-fledged member of Defensive Back University this fall.

Will Redmond, Mississippi State — The Bulldogs were often burned through the air in 2014, but they had at least one defensive back who looked like a pro playing balls in the air. Redmond recorded just five pass breakups, but he had three interceptions on the year playing nickel back. He also made one of the biggest plays of Mississippi State’s season, going up high for a last-minute interception to seal the win over Arkansas.

Cam Sutton, Tennessee — A junior cornerback, Sutton welcomed the attention he got from opposing teams as a sophomore. He emerged as a defensive leader for the Volunteers as the season progressed and he consistently got his hands on passes. He tied for the conference lead with 16 pass breakups in 2014, snagging three interceptions in the process. As Sutton continues to blossom, expect him to get far fewer opportunities as offenses learn to avoid him.