With a strong group of experienced quarterbacks returning in the Big East, the defensive back position may be of greater importance than usual. Louisville's Teddy Bridgewater, Syracuse's Ryan Nassib, South Florida's B.J. Daniels, and Pittsburgh's Tino Sunseri are all solid returning QBs that will be looking to pick apart opposing defenses. Here's the group that will have the best chance of shutting them down.

1. Logan Ryan, CB, Junior, Rutgers

A member of the Jim Thorpe Award watch list, Ryan is returning to what most consider to be the conference's strongest defense. Known primarily as a shutdown corner, Ryan will try to improve on his three interceptions last year.

2. Hakeem Smith, S, Junior, Louisville

Smith may finish the season as the nation's top safety. Smith has at least 80 tackles in each of his first two seasons. He was first-team all-Big East last season after being the league's Rookie of the Year in 2010. Another solid season at Louisville could be his last, as the NFL has taken notice to his talents.

3. Jarred Holley, S, Senior, Pittsburgh

A first-team all-Big East selection as a junior, Holley was also the Panthers' second-leading tackler. He has nine career interceptions, and has started in the Pitt secondary since his freshman season. Holley has also been named to the Jim Thorpe Award preseason watch list.

4. Adrian Bushell, CB, Senior, Louisville

Bushell joined Louisville after transferring from Florida and made an immediate impact, earning first-team all-Big East honors. Like Rutgers' Logan Ryan, Bushell is a solid cover corner with great ball skills. 

5. Kayvon Webster, CB, Senior, South Florida

Best known for his 96-yard fumble return against Notre Dame in last season's season opening victory over the Irish, Webster hopes to build on his successful first season as a full-time starter. Webster was a second team all-Big East selection a season ago, and he will look to improve his NFL Draft status in 2012.

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