It has all the makings of being the top position on the New Mexico State football team.
The Aggie secondary, that is.
Last year, the team boasted an All-WAC cornerback in Davon House, an up-and-coming player at the other corner position in Jonte Green, the team's third-leading tackler in Stephon Hatchett at free safety and a player, Alfonso Powell, who came a long way in his first season at the strong safety position.
There was one blow suffered during the offseason, when Hatchett was ruled academically ineligible.
Still, House, Green and Powell all return, and the team believes a player will emerge to replace Hatchett, whether it be Ben Bradley or newcomer Carlton Callender.
"It's simple, we're looking to be No. 1 in the WAC," Powell said of the defensive backfield. "We get the concepts, we've got the chemistry. We're looking to make big plays every time out."
The unit welcomed a new coach in Will Martin this offseason, who will step in and tutor the cornerbacks. Mike Rutenberg will continue coaching the safeties.
"They're two strong-willed guys, that's for sure," head coach DeWayne Walker said. "They're a good combo back there. They're going to get the most out of their guys."
House, who has started for the Aggies since his freshman year, was an All-WAC first team player last year, making 68 tackles, picking off three balls and breaking up 13 passes.
The team believes that Green could emerge as an equal complement on the other side of the field. The junior made 74 tackles a season ago and broke up eight passes.
"We're talking about all the physical tools and God-given ability," Walker said of Green. "It's the mental approach and physical toughness that needs to catch up. If it does, he'll be something else."
Green was asked if he thought 2010 could be a breakout season, from a personal standpoint.
"Most definitely, 100 percent," he said. "But I gotta keep working hard and I gotta keep staying positive. I have to help my team to a good season. That's No. 1 on my list."
Powell had 72 tackles last year, a sack and an interception.
Walker said Bradley is currently penciled in at strong safety, with Callender as the backup, a player who originally committed to Kansas State in 2009.
"We're small at safety, but I think we'll be tough and I think we'll be fine," Walker said. "The corners, we believe are good players. We've got Donyae Coleman as our nickel (cornerback) and we're excited about him.
"The thing for me is, I'm from the show-me state. We can talk all we want right now, but they have to show me they can get it done when the lights come on."
It has all the makings of being the top unit. The time is now to produce.
