Does Nebraska Have a Star Defensive Back?
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July 10, 2009 by
It's been close to six years since Nebraska had a star defensive back. Josh Bullocks starred at safety for Nebraska in 2003 playing under Marvin Sanders and Bo Pelini. He led the nation in interceptions and helped Nebraska to a 10-3 record. Not coincidentally, that was the best win-loss record for a Nebraska team in the past seven seasons. Keyou Craver was the last true star cornerback for NU in 2001. That team played in the national championship game.
Star defensive backs tend to emerge on great defenses. Without a good pass rush and at least adequate run defense a d-back simply can't stand out. The opportunities for playmaking become limited because offenses aren't forced to test them.
But when you've got a star defensive lineman, with some emerging talent in the front seven around him and some great defensive coaches, the opportunities become greater. Assuming those things come together, who might the Huskers look to as their big playmaker in the secondary?
Larry Asante earned honorable mention all-conference honors. Not earth-shattering, but not bad for a player learning a new defense. His four-star rating as a recruit suggests he could be a star. While hardly a fan favorite thus far, he could be yet another player that really blossoms as a senior after finishing second on the team in tackles in 2008. Rickey Thenarse has had trouble getting on the field at times, but has shown some playmaking ability as one of only three players on the team to notch a sack, an interception, a pass break-up, a forced fumble, and a blocked kick (the others being Ndamukong Suh and Zach Potter). Eric Hagg made some huge plays to help Nebraska secure its Gator Bowl victory over Clemson, he also managed seven pass break-ups over the course of the season and a forced fumble along with a sack and a pair of quarterback hurries. Anthony West started more games than any other returning cornerback. Prince Amukamara led the team in forced fumbles despite starting only three games. Walk-on Matt O'Hanlon was third on the team in tackles last season. Anthony Blue returns from injury and was in line to start a year ago.
There are options but no clear star. The percentages might be with Asante, but it's hard to discount Thenarse. Both are safeties. At corner, the man to watch may be Amukamara. He was a state player of the year in Arizona and BRN's Darren Carlson loves POY's as there are only 50 of them a year. Nate Swift was one.
The ability to star will depend on what happens up front. If offenses can simply pick on NU's young linebackers then even a very good d-back might be sort of invisible on the field. But assuming the guys up front can get it done, then we'll see a back emerge on defense that can make big plays. It will be about time.
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Josh Jul 10 09
You forgot about DeJuan Groce in 2002. First team All-American qualifies as a start cornerback the way I see it. DeJuan was a beast, and I always got excited when they threw it his way because if he got his hands on it - auto pick 6.
Josh Jul 10 09
Ah, forgot that DeJuan played beside Keyou. Still, he's was a star cornerback in my opinion even if it was "most" evident when he returned punts. He did make fourth-team A-A and second-team A-Big12 as a cornerback too. And we held opponents to only 43% or something completion percentage! Now that I'm reminiscing I'm all depressed - where did those top-ranked blackshirt secondary teams go?
omarhuskerfan Jul 10 09
When zac bowman was healthy he was the man...just his health was an issue.
Greg Morrow Jul 11 09
Steve,
does Nebraska Have a Star Defensive Back?
I think they do, he's just not currently in the two deep.
I get a whole completely different vibe from the DB recruits, these last two classes. And yes, I'm a Husker "intuitive."
They're not overly hyped, not obscure either. They've arrived with enough talent and a lot to prove. They're another year removed from Nebraska's traditions. They'll show up as football players, learning to compete.
Out of Andrew Green, Alfonzo Dennard, Lazarri Middleton, and Dijon Washington, a star will emerge. Still a soph, I'd like to include Anthony Blue, with that.
I love the team's experience at safety. Can't doubt their pride, "toast" won't come to mind as much, as a descriptive.
Some guys, you know they're going to be good. When Philip Bland was recruited, I "knew" he was going to be good. He was, too. He just blew out his shoulders, once too many.
He had that toughness, about him. He was a starter over Daniel Bullocks and most likely would have remained so.
I think Dijon Washington is in that category. He's my favorite Pelini DB recruit, so far. So, I'll pick him as a future star.