MIKE MAYOCK'S CHOSEN FEW
CORNERBACK
MORRIS CLAIBORNE
5-11, 188, Louisiana State
Winner of the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back in 2011 after recording six of his 11 career interceptions. … Had surgery last month to repair torn ligaments in left wrist. … Considered to be a "shutdown corner" and played with one in college. … Came to LSU as a wide receiver but moved to cornerback as a freshman at the suggestion of corner Patrick Peterson, winner of the 2010 Jim Thorpe Award.
STEPHON GILMORE
6-1, 190, South Carolina
A proven performer with a nose for the ball. … Started all 40 of the Gamecocks' games over three college seasons, producing eight interceptions, four forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. … Dazzled at NFL Scouting Combine with a 4.4 in the 40 and 36-inch vertical leap. … Rock Hill native was Mr. Football for the state of South Carolina in 2008.
DRE KIRKPATRICK
6-2, 186, Alabama
Lack of stats last season actually speaks to dominance. … After recording three interceptions and 53 tackles in first year as a starter in 2010, opponents steered clear in 2011. … Finished with no interceptions and 26 tackles but still earned first-team All-America honors.
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SAFETY
MARK BARRON
6-1, 213, Alabama
Underwent double-hernia surgery after season that sidelined him for Senior Bowl and combine but returned for Crimson Tide's pro day. … Twelve interceptions over last three seasons, including an SEC-best seven in 2009. … Alabama native was first-team All-American last season after helping the nation's top defense record a shutout victory in the BCS National Championship.
HARRISON SMITH
6-2, 213, Notre Dame
Playing both safety and linebacker for the Fighting Irish, became the first player in school history to record at least 200 career tackles (309), 15 tackles for loss (18.5) and 15 pass breakups (28). … Also recorded seven career interceptions, all coming in 2010. … Started all but four games over four seasons but still faces questions about consistency.
BRANDON TAYLOR
5-11, 209, Louisiana State
Was selected to wear No. 18 last season, an honor reserved for the player who best exemplifies being a Tiger on and off the field. … Recorded 160 career tackles (11.5 for loss) with four interceptions and 15 pass breakups. … Older brother, Curtis, is reserve defensive back for Oakland Raiders.
LOCALS WORTH A LOOK
JOSH NORMAN
6-0, 197, Coastal Carolina
Former walk-on cornerback earned Football Championship Series All-America honors in 2009 and 2011. … Ranked second in FCS and set Big South Conference record with eight interceptions in 2009. … Holds conference record with 35 career pass breakups. … Finished career with 13 interceptions and wowed scouts with six picks during practices leading up to East-West Shrine Game.
RYAN STEED
5-11, 195, Furman
Charleston, S.C., native was an FCS All-American as a senior. … Notched 14 career interceptions, including four in each of three seasons as full-time starter at cornerback. … Also managed two interceptions and two blocked punts as a reserve in 2008. … Scored three times off interceptions and twice off fumble recoveries.
CHRISTIAN THOMPSON
6-0, 211, South Carolina State
Started two seasons at free safety and was a key reserve in first season after transferring from Auburn, where he saw minimal action as a freshman. … One of two Historically Black Colleges and Universities players invited to the combine, along with Hampton safety Micah Pellerin.
