By Brandon Cavanaugh
A Bo Pelini-led defense is salty and vicious. Only a select few can call themselves starters and are rewarded by being part of a Nebraska tradition that spans over four decades. A simple black practice jersey denotes some of the nastiest young men in the country. We look into the crystal ball and see what's to come for the 2011 Blackshirt unit.
Cornerback No. 2
With Alfonzo Dennard to take over for Prince Amukamara, his vacant spot is up in the air. Some names that stand out for the job are junior Antonio Bell, sophomore Ciante Evans, sophomore Andrew Green and redshirt freshman Josh Mitchell. The three cornerbacks behind Dennard's opposite will likely see rotation with No. 15. However, if any individual is going to bust out of the pack and grab the black jersey, they’re going to have to beat Evans to do it.
Bumping him out of the picture isn’t going to be easy as reports indicate that Evans has only improved from last season. Nebraska fans saw him make an early debut after Dennard was injured. Evans’ greatest challenge this fall may be keeping Antonio Bell at bay.
After some initial struggles, he’s stepped his game up. While Evans has the advantage of live game experience, Bell could make a strong case to split snaps in fall camp and during the non-conference schedule. Mitchell and Green have also improved, but not to the level of the previously mentioned duo.
This shouldn’t be considered a negative thing as the two that will battle for a Blackshirt have simply taken their abilities to a new level. If anything, Husker fans should be encouraged by the continued quality depth that the secondary will be able to provide in 2011. Though Bell will give Evans a run for his money, No. 17 will win out in the end with his already amazing athletic ability and a higher ceiling with which to improve further.
Projected Blackshirt: Ciante Evans
Other Predicted Starters: Strongside Defensive End, Strongside Defensive Tackle, Weakside Defensive Tackle, WILL Linebacker, MIKE Linebacker, BUCK Linebacker, Cornerback No. 1
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