Kris Weatherspoon thinks Troy University will have one of the best secondaries in the country in 2017.

The former Natchez High School standout just may be right.

Weatherspoon is the leader of a secondary unit that finished second in the country in 2016 with 22 interceptions.

“We were just trying to make sure we got our hands on the ball,” Weatherspoon said. “We made sure we were aggressive and forced turnovers.”

Troy also finished last year as the 16th best team in the country in passing defense, as well as ranking inside the top 35 in both total defense and scoring defense.

Perhaps the Trojans best showing came in its bowl game, snagging five interceptions with Weatherspoon coming down with one himself. The 6-foot-2, 205 pounder finished last season with 52 tackles, 7.5 going for loss and the interception.

The 28-23 win over Ohio University pushed Troy’s record to 10-3 overall, giving the program its first 10-win season as an FBS school.

“The bowl win was amazing,” Weatherspoon said. “Even the days leading in — the meetings and the (bowl game) gifts — and it being on television was even better. It was a very good moment.”

But that was last year.

Now as a senior, Weatherspoon aims to improve on what they’ve already accomplished

“I’m just working hard and trying to lead the way. I’m trying to set an example for everybody and trying to set the standard,” he said.

As the vocal leader in the secondary, Weatherspoon is responsible for adjusting the secondary unit into the correct alignment based on what the offense shows.

Weatherspoon said Bulldog star aid with the advancement of spread offenses in today’s college football, defending the task has proven to be easier said than done.

“It’s a lot more mental now with all of the spread offenses,” he said. “I make the checks and calls, and it’s faced paced. You have to see the formation and quickly figure out what’s the right defense to be in. It’s a lot more mental than what it used to be.”

Perhaps what provides Weatherspoon an advantage on the field is how he prepares away from the game. The former Bulldog boasts a 3.2 GPA as a psychology major.

“I’m doing OK in the classroom,” Weatherspoon said.

The Trojans will kick off their 2017 campaign Sept. 2 on the road at Boise State before travelling Sept. 30 to LSU.

“We’re trying to go undefeated. We want to win every game and be champions. That’s our goal,” Weatherspoon said.