Many hear the call, but few are chosen to be on the island.

Defensive back.

There is something special about lining up across from elite athletes every down – and taking pride in shutting them down.

I am a bit biased because I played the position at Michigan State, but I believe playing defensive back is the hardest positon on the football field. You have to be in great shape and willing to take risks in order to make plays consistently.

DBs also must have thick skin because it sometimes means going from hero to zero is less than seven seconds.

The island is not made for everyone, but here are five things every successful defensive backs have.

• Swagger. This goes from the way you dress to how you cover your opposition. Football is 90 percent mental and 10 percent physical, so if you can get into your opponents’ heads by distracting them with words, you better back it up or you will find yourself on SportsCenter futility chasing wide receivers into the end zone. Swagger means confidence, not cocky. Embrace who you are and know that your game is solid because you prepare to the best.
• Short memory. Things will not always go your way. The island gets cold sometimes, and many teams will run the ball to lull you to sleep and take you off your game. Then they will run play action and catch a deep one over your head. Shake that off and be ready to compete on the next snap.
• Fundamentally sound. The fastest guy in the world is nothing without technique. Some defensive backs have the propensity to rely on their athletically ability, and that may work sometimes in high school, but that’s when you get beat for touchdowns in college. Always know the down and distance, and play with great technique. Put yourself in position to make a play, then let your athletic ability take over.
• Alignment. Great defensive backs understand and anticipate what route a wide receiver is going to run before the ball is snapped. Watch film, be a student of the game, realize the down and distance and know the personnel. It seems simple, but many fail to take the time to understand how important it is to prepare off the field as well.
• Ball hawk. Some – Deion Sanders, Darrell Revis, Patrick Peterson, Charles Woodson, Ronnie Lott – are born with great instincts. Others develop them. Either way, defensive backs cannot be afraid to take chances. When the ball goes in the air, you have every right to it as that wide receiver. Compete and bring your game every down.

SEE ALSO: Training the eyes of the defensive back in press coverage

SEE ALSO: 4 steps to developing the modern defensive back

There is no greater feeling then being on that island. I challenge you to elevate your game so you can join the best athletes on the field.

Nothing compares to being a DB.

Work hard. Be great.

Ashton Henderson was a four-year letterman at defensive back for Michigan State University as well as an honor student and co-author with former teammate Travis Key of “Beyond The Gridiron: How to successfully transition into collegiate football,” a detailed account of what it takes to be a Division I college football player and successful in life. To learn more about their mission and purchase your copy today, visit: www.beyondthegridironllc.com