Florida linebacker Neiron Ball led the way among SEC individual defensive performers this week. Given the competition level that most of the programs around the Southeastern Conference faced this past Saturday, it’s not a surprise there were several stellar individual defensive performances, led by a versatile, athletic linebacker talent in Gainesville, Fla.

1. Neiron Ball, LB, Florida- For all the talk about the Gators’ revamped offense during a 65-0 win against Eastern Michigan, their defense again looks like it has the potential to be among the best in the country and Ball spearheaded the effort with two sacks, 2.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble to go along with a team-high six total tackles.

2. Montravius Adams, DL, Auburn- Adams played outstanding for a Tigers’ defense that held San Jose State to 65 rushing yards in a 59-13 victory. He had three tackles for loss and a sack- six total tackles- for Auburn in the victory.

3. Jason Hatcher, DL, Kentucky- Hatcher had 2.5 tackles for loss as the Wildcats defense held Ohio U. to a mere field goal and moved to 2-0 with a 20-3 victory at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington.

4. Cliff Coleman, CB, Ole Miss- There were standouts across the board for the Rebels during their 41-3 win against Vanderbilt in Nashville, but Coleman, a senior cornerback, had a morale-crushing pick-6 early in the second half that caused the rout to be truly on.

5. Eddie Jackson, CB, Alabama- In his return to the Crimson Tide lineup, the talented cornerback looked as good as ever- he was strong in run support, forcing a fumble and had four tackles. Alabama needs him to continue to be at this level.