Asante Could Emerge as Top Newcomer

2 comments so far March 19, 2007 by Steve Hanway

Defensive tackle Shukree Barfield may be the most important addition for the Huskers in terms of replacing what they lost to graduation, but in terms of turning an area of weakness into a strength, few offer what junior college safety Larry Asante can.

Asante is among the early arrivals from the class of 2007, which should give him a decent grasp of his responsibilities by the time fall practices end. With Asante's speed and physicality, he could play either safety or linebacker. With no immediate starting needs at linebacker (and a nice fourth linebacking option in Lance Brandenburgh), safety seems like the right place for Asante. He reportedly will be competing with speedy Rickey Thenarse for the starting strong safety job.

Considering how little the Huskers have gotten out of their safeties in recent years, a real headhunter could make a world of difference. A physical safety can create turnovers with jarring hits. Once a safety develops a reputation as a hitter, he can cause receivers to drop passes simply by being in the area. Asante is supposed to have that kind of ability.

A starting spot isnt' guaranteed for Asante. Thenarse is wicked fast but he doesn't bring quite the size or physicality that Asante is supposed to have. In part, because Thenarse is younger and just not quite where Asante is physically. So Asante is definitely going to be a player to watch with interest this spring. Even if he ended up behind Thenarse or moved to linebacker, he'd add needed depth. If he does emerge as the starter at safety though, watch out. He could be a really good one.

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