PORT ARTHUR — Every season, players who had a little success the previous year pop up and turn into breakout stars. Who will be those breakout guys this season on defense around the area? Here are some possibilities:

Walter Oliver, DT, Port Arthur Memorial – Anchoring the Titan defense for a second straight season, Oliver will be like many nose tackles: he won’t garner a ton of attention by fans. But, you can be sure opposing coaches will be aware of him as he provides a sturdy base for the Titan defense up front. Oliver is also athletic enough to push the pocket and even force some turnovers by stripping the ball occasionally. He may not be flashy, but could end up being one of the best players on this Titan defense.

Koby Couron, DE, Nederland – Again, I use the term “breakout” loosely, as Couron goes from being a solid starter on this Bulldog defense last year to being a possible district player of the year candidate. The athletic, big end can get up the field and stop the run equally well. Look for him to have a Corbin Carr-esque impact on this squad, leading a talented group and being one of the best two-way defensive linemen in the area.

Jalen Barnes, DB, Memorial – Barnes will garner plenty of attention for his size and physical play, which will definitely make both recruiters and opposing coaches take notice. If Barnes plays with the hard-nosed attitude of last year’s hard hitter, Jaylon Howard, he will be a force in the middle for the Titans. Barnes will be sliding inside to safety, where his cover skills will make him a tough matchup.

Logan Warlick, LB, Port Neches-Groves – He may not have gotten enough attention last season, but that will change this year, as Warlick is poised to become a leader of a very good Indians defense. He was a consistent playmaker as a junior and can anchor the middle of the field as the new guys around him get used to the system.

Caleb Malveaux, DT, Nederland – Plenty of Nederland’s defenders already have good reputations and many have already made all-district teams. Malveaux was named Newcomer of the Year last season and should join Brock Pryor and Couron on a stacked Nederland defensive line. If Malveaux takes a step forward beside a player like Pryor, who Nederland head coach Larry Neumann thought was the best player on that unit last year, opposing offensive lines won’t be able to double team anyone.

Do you double Pryor and leave Couron or Malveaux alone? If you double Couron and chip Pryor, Malveaux could wreak havoc on the pocket and running game up the middle.

Kaleb Clark, DB, Port Neches-Groves – The speedy defensive back should make an impact both on the defense and on special teams. Clark returned kicks last season, but should see more time back there with the graduation of Chase Romero. He’s very good covering down the field and has enough size to be a factor in stopping the run.

Melbrodrick Matthews, DE, Memorial – Much like he did to the starting lineup last season, MD Matthews forced his way onto this list. The Titan coaching staff really likes him and he earned plenty of weekly awards in 2011. That should continue this season as he has a starting spot all but locked up. He plays with a relentlessness that will make him a factor against opposing passing games and, if the deep Titan secondary can cover like they should, Matthews could rack up a ton of sacks this season.