Few position groups were more rocked by graduation this spring than the Auburn secondary.
Senior defensive backs Chris Davis, Ryan White and Ryan Smith all departed from a secondary that was 100th in the nation in passing yards allowed in 2013.
That said, Ellis Johnson's secondary group will return in 2014 with a number of athletes with SEC experience.
"The (Jermaine) Whiteheads, the (Joshua) Holseys, the guys that have been back there, we know what they can do," Johnson said. "It's a matter of them just continuing to improve their craft and to get better as leaders and players."
In addition to Holsey, who is returning from an ACL injury suffered against Texas A&M, and Whitehead, defensive backs Robenson Therezie and Jonathon Mincy are each returning for their senior season.
"I don't really think we have a 'quote-unquote' leader," Whitehead said. "I think it's just the guy who wants what's best for the team, what's best for the defense, who's been here, who knows what it's supposed to look like."
While the upperclassmen have already proven their worth to coaches, spring practice has also allowed new faces to show their potential.
One name making early waves is former No. 1 JUCO safety Derrick Moncrief.
"Moncrief has been an extremely pleasant surprise," Johnson said. "When you get a junior college player who's not played in your system, you always wonder how long it is going to take him to transition."
One secondary player hoping to make a name for himself in 2014 is Jonathan Jones, who is coming off another injury.
Finally, former wide receiver Trovon Reed has had a steep learning curve after his offseason switch to cornerback, but coaches are confident the senior can carve out a role.
"Trovon has had a really good camp," Johnson said. "We think he's going to help us tremendously."
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