Defensive backs to watch

Lamar Brown, Northside – Brown will play safety and quarterback for the Patriots this season. He made 88 tackles and had three interceptions in 2006.

Cedric Chambers, Kendrick – Chambers, who played cornerback last season, will move to free safety this season. The 5-foot-10 senior finished with 42 tackles and three interceptions last fall.

Corey Gainey, Columbus – Gainey led the Blue Devils with six interceptions last season. He also had 42 tackles.

D’Antoine Hood, Central-Phenix City – Hood is one of the best cover cornerbacks in the Bi-City. He made 30 tackles and one interception for the Red Devils in 2006.

Trevione Hudson, Hardaway – The senior defensive back made 74 tackles and had two interceptions for the Hawks.

Rico Porch, Central-Phenix City – Porch, who plays safety, led the Red Devils with five interceptions during his junior season. He also had 53 tackles.

Carlos Ross, Carver – Ross, who transferred from Northside, is one of most talented cover men in the Bi-City. He’ll likely split time between cornerback, wide receiver and running back this fall.

DeAndre Smith, Carver – Smith, who has started since his freshman season, made 63 tackles last season. He also had two interceptions and two sacks.

Bryan Willis, Shaw – Willis, who also will see some playing time at running back, made nine interceptions last season. He was a first-team all-state selection as a junior.