Reshad Jones, SS

Jones redshirted in 2005 despite being ranked the No. 1 recruit in the state of Georgia by some services. He racked up 56 tackles and two interceptions but started just two games in '06.

A starter in 12 of 13 games as a sophomore, Jones emerged as one of the best at his position in the country, posting 76 tackles and a team-leading five interceptions in earning second-team all-SEC honors. It was his missed tackle against Georgia Tech runner Roddy Jones, however, that many remembered from his 2008 campaign.

After considering leaving after the '08 season for the NFL, Jones opted to stay at Georgia. His numbers slipped slightly (73 tackles, four INTs), but Jones was steady in coverage and as an open-field tackler.

With all of the attention Eric Berry (Tennessee), Earl Thomas (Texas) and Taylor Mays (Southern Cal) have received, Jones has gone a little under the radar for those outside of the SEC. NFL scouts see the big-hitting ballhawk as capable of making an immediate impact at either safety position.

Read & React: A bit inconsistent in this area, as he's aggressive to come up in run support. Can be tricked by good play-action, though he shows the change-of-direction agility and straight-line speed to recover. Rarely out of position, even if fooled initially. Ballhawk who keeps his eyes trained on the quarterback and has the burst to close on underneath routes.

Man Coverage: A bit high-cut and lacks the foot quickness and loose hips to come down and cover NFL receivers out of the slot, but has good straight-line speed and fair change-of-direction ability for centerfield. Fluid athlete that competes for the ball.

Zone Coverage: Typically a good zone coverage defender, but follows the quarterback's eyes and will drift out of position at times. Changes direction pretty well for a defender of his size and closes quickly on the ball. Has good range to get to the sideline from the opposite hash. Intimidating hitter who protects the middle of the field. Significantly improved his angles in pursuit in 2009.

Closing/Recovery: Even with his size, this ranks as one of Jones' better traits. Has a second gear to recover when trailing deep. Good leaping ability. Explosive vertical with good height, long arms and good hand-eye coordination to make the interception. Can plant his foot in the ground and drive downhill to close on underneath routes. Believes the ball is his and competes hard for the interception. Will sneak his hands between the receiver's to knock the ball away in an attempt to tip it to himself.

Run Support: Improved significantly in this area in 2009, but remains a bit of a work in progress. Reacts aggressively to the run, exploding upfield through the trash to close on the ballcarrier at or near the line of scrimmage. Crashes in a bit out of control and elusive backs with vision can see him coming. Turns quickly and pursues hard when he misses tackles. Takes good angles in pursuit and can track down the faster ballcarrier.

Tackling: Too inconsistent in this area, considering his athleticism, size and strength. Flashes the ability to be textbook hit-lift-drive tackler capable of the eye-popping hit. Likes to lower his shoulder to make big hit and sometimes fails to wrap up. Typically supplies such an explosive collision that ballcarriers aren't able to maintain their feet, but could see some slipped tackles in the NFL. Good strength for the pull-down tackle.

Intangibles: Good toughness and durability. After redshirting in 2006, played in every game in his college career. Characterized as immature and inconsistent early in his career, but developed into a team leader and one of the steadier players on a defense that underachieved in 2009.

Named All-SEC Second Team by Phil Steele … Earned team's Most Improved Player award for defense … Started all 13 games making 73 tackles, seven pass break-ups, four interceptions and a forced fumble … Registered a season-high 10 tackles vs. No. 4 LSU … Tallied nine tackles vs. S. Carolina and had eight tackle games at Vanderbilt and vs. Kentucky … Seven tackles, an INT and a pass break-up at No. 7 Ga. Tech … Tied for the team-lead with seven tackles vs. No. 1 Florida … Posted five tackles, an interception and two pass break-ups in victory over Texas A&M in Independence Bowl … Named to watch list for Jim Thorpe Award … Selected Preseason All-SEC Second Team by Phil Steele … Named Preseason All-SEC Third Team by SEC Coaches … Named to Athletic Director's Honor Roll for summer semester … Recipient of Loy D. Thompson, IV, Football Scholarship.

Named to CollegeFootballNews.com's All-Sophomore Second Team. Named Second Team All-SEC by Associated Press and Phil Steele's All-SEC Second Team. Appeared in 13 games making 12 starts recording 76 tackles and a team-leading five interceptions to go along with two punt returns for 38 yards. Led the team in tackles in four games. Recorded four tackles and an interception in Capital One Bowl victory over No. 19 Michigan State. Notched a career-high 12 tackles and one interception at No. 11 LSU. Recorded nine tackles and an interception vs. No. 18 Georgia Tech. Tallied eight tackles at Kentucky and vs. No. 22 Vanderbilt and also had an interception against the Commodores. Recorded six tackle performances at Auburn, vs. No. 8 Florida and at South Carolina, where he also picked off a Chris Smelley pass near the goal line late in the game to preserve the win over the Gamecocks. Named the Most Improved Defensive Back at the end of spring.

Redshirted.

Booker T. Washington, coached by Rodney Cofield; The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super 11, Super Southern 100, AAAA All-State and Defensive Player of the Year; Georgia Sports Writers Association Class AAAA All-State and Defensive Player of the Year; Rivals Top 100, No. 1 player in Georgia, No. 1 safety in the country and No. 14 overall player in nation; ESPN.com Top 150, No. 5 safety and No. 25 overall player in nation; PrepStar 100 and No. 1 defensive back in nation; Fox Sports Net South Countdown to Signing Day All-South First Team defensive back; Scout.com No. 13 safety; Participated in Georgia North-South game; Tallied 82 tackles and two inceptions on defense as a senior; Notched 15 touchdowns on offense as both a running back and wide receiver; As a junior, collected 71 tackles and 10 interceptions on defense.

Born: Feb. 25, 1988