Vols' Berry shining above the rest in SEC

COLUMBIA — As with Tim Tebow on the offensive side of the ball, locating the best returning defensive player in the Southeastern Conference isn't exactly rocket science.

Tennessee's Eric Berry would already be playing on Sundays, if the rules allowed for it. He's a pro in a college uniform.

Berry is a natural, athletic enough to play cornerback and tough enough to stick his head in there at safety.

And he's got an uncanny knack for forcing turnovers. His seven interceptions last year tied for the league high.

With new defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, an NFL veteran and renowned defensive mind, Berry could take off even more.

Here's a look at the rest of the best returning defensive players in the SEC:

2. Terrence Cody, Alabama, DT

This space-eater was the best immediate-impact defender in the conference a year ago. A knee injury cut the JUCO transfer's season short, but it very well might have been the thing to keep him at Alabama for another year. Cody received mixed reviews from NFL scouts and decided coming back made the most sense. What's it all mean? Good luck running up the middle against the Tide.

3. Trevard Lindley, Kentucky, CB

Many thought he was gone for the NFL, but Lindley thought better of the decision. Now he comes back as the best returning corner in the league. Lindley isn't perfect (that's probably why he's back), but he can cover anyone when he's on his game. It's a down year for experienced corners in the conference. That just makes Lindley shine.

4. Eric Norwood, South Carolina, LB

Listing the senior as a linebacker is a bit of a misnomer. You'll also see Norwood line up at end and tackle, depending on the down and distance. Norwood is the most versatile defender in the league. He's slimmed down, looking fit. Without Jasper Brinkley, the Gamecocks need more from Norwood. And that's saying a lot, considering he's already done quite a bit. He should be the school's all-time sacks leader by November.

5. Carlos Dunlap, Florida, DE

Sometimes you just know when a player is on the cusp of breaking out in a big way. The former Fort Dorchester star got all the physical tools and already eased into the spotlight by leading the league in sacks. If he has the kind of season most expect — at 6-7, who's going to stop him? — he figures to make a good deal of money in the draft next spring.

6. Rolando McClain, Alabama, LB

Just the kind of tough-nosed tackler that makes Nick Saban a happy man. Wait, is Saban ever happy?

7. Brandon Spikes, Florida, LB

Didn't have the best junior season, which clears the way for a big-time rebound as a senior. Most figured he'd be in the NFL by now.

8. Rennie Curran, Georgia, LB

Curran is one of those all-over-the-field linebackers that's just as apt to make an interception as a tackle.

9. Malcolm Sheppard, Arkansas, DT

The Hogs typically build their defenses around a strong secondary, but Sheppard is quite the exception up the middle.

10. Joe Haden, Florida, CB

The Gators' secondary was to be a weak link last year, but it wound up being very serviceable. Better than that, actually. And everyone's back.

11. Javier Arenas, Alabama, CB

Arenas is a quick, little guy. He's one to watch in the return game, as well.

12. Rico McCoy, Tennessee, LB

McCoy and Berry are quite the foundation for the elder Kiffin's new defense.

13. Ahmad Black, Florida, S

He was one of the reasons the Gators' secondary was better than expected last year.

14. Greg Hardy, Ole Miss, DE

Hardy's one of those guys that seems like he's been in school since the '60s.

15. Geno Atkins, Georgia, DT

The strength of the Georgia defense, beyond Curran, is the interior line. Jeff Owens is back from injury to go with Atkins.

16. Ryan Hamilton, Vanderbilt, S

17. Chad Jones, LSU, S

18. Cliff Matthews, South Carolina, DE

19. Darian Stewart, South Carolina, S

20. Jeff Owens, Georgia, DT

Reach Travis Haney at thaney@postand courier.com and check out the USC blog at www.postandcourier.com/blogs/gamecocks.