Orchard Lake St. Mary's 'Nasty Boys' defense will feature two up and coming stars in its defensive backfield for the upcoming season on the gridiron.

Cornerback Ross Moore and safety Tyson Smith are both most likely to assume starting spots in the defending state-champion Eaglets' secondary. The talented pair are both sophomores-to-be and potential major impact players in St. Mary's quest for a repeat state title in 2012.

Last season, Moore and Smith starred on the school's JV football squad before being called up onto the varsity during the playoffs for the Eaglets' run to the state crown. Moore is a speedy and agile lockdown cover corner, while Smith has wheels, height and strength allowing him to line-up at either safety position for TEAM PORRITT.

Losing a large chunk of its core on defense to graduation, coach Porritt and his staff will look to a series of rising-star playmakers, headlined by Moss, Smith and returning starter Jalen Watts-Jackson (DB/WR) in the Eaglets upcoming classes to fill the gap left by the likes of college recruits such as James Ross (Michigan), David Talley (GVSU) and Dylan Zerki (Kalamazoo).