Entering his senior season, Ross was recognized more for his potential than production. Along with teammate Tarell Brown, he was recognized back in 2003 as being Texas' Outstanding Defensive Newcomer. From that point until August of 2006, Ross had accumulated only two starts -- compared to Brown's 24.

Texas coaches raved about his potential at the position and pointed to his athleticism as a punt returner (three TDs), but he had yet to show the big-play ability on the field. After winning the Thorpe Award this year, given annually to the nation's top defensive back, it is safe to say that everyone now realizes Ross' ability. Certainly, when looking at his 2006 production -- 77 tackles, 18 passes broken up and 10 takeaways (five INTs, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries), it is easy to see why Ross is skyrocketing up the board.

In terms of play-to-play or game-to-game consistency, Brown is the more impressive cornerback. Few corners compete with Ross in terms of his big-play ability. A true gambler, Ross will give up big plays on occasion, but is just as likely to intercept a pass and return it for a touchdown.

Positives: Tight-skinned athlete with good overall muscle definition, especially in his upper body … Rare overall athleticism … Is still learning to play the cornerback position, but athletic ability speaks to his upside … Good quickness to mirror the receiver … Smooth hip turn and rare downfield speed … Can run with any receiver in the country and has an extra gear when the ball is in the air … Good leaping ability and is a natural receiver … Can pluck the ball out of the air and knows how to tuck it and get upfield quickly … Experience as a punt returner is immediately evident … Among the most dangerous punt returners in the country, returning three for touchdowns over the past two seasons … Willing in run support … Generally reliable tackler in the open field.

Negatives: Classic big-play gambler at cornerback … Gives up as many big plays as he makes … Has started just 15 games over his career at cornerback and those were opposite one of the more consistent corners in the country (Tarell Brown) … Opposing offenses were forced to pick on Ross a bit, giving him plenty of opportunities to make big plays … Not a physical striker and can miss tackles when trying to strip the ball.

Coached by Allen Wilson at John Tyler High School … A three-sport letterwinner who played cornerback, wide receiver and running back during his career … Tabbed second-team 5A all-state after posting six interceptions, three fumble recoveries, three blocked kicks and allowing just one touchdown catch as a senior … Also returned a fumble and a blocked punt for a score in 2000 … Added 350 rushing yards on 46 carries and five TDs and caught five passes for 200 yards and two TDs that year … Posted a career-high 362 all-purpose yards against Katy as a senior and registered three INTs and scored a rushing TD against Lufkin that year … Recorded four INTs, two fumble recoveries and seven blocked kicks as a junior … Scored seven total TDs (rushing and receiving) that year … Had 272 all-purpose yards, rushed for a pair of TDs and had an INT against Marshall in 1999 … Played at San Antonio Fox Tech as a sophomore … Rushed for 486 yards and nine TDs, caught 11 passes for 382 yards and three scores, posted five INTs and blocked 10 kicks that year … Also lettered four times as a sprinter in track and field and twice in basketball.

Born Sept. 15, 1982 in San Antonio, Texas … Full name is Aaron Jermaine Ross … Also has lived in Chandler, Texas … Majoring in education … Active in Texas? community service program … Served as a summer camp counselor during high school (Camp Tyler Summer Camp) … Enjoys playing video games in his spare time.