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.
Free Safety
As mentioned in the overview for the strong spot, Bo Pelini’s safeties have to be some of the smartest players on the team. Free safety is the Blackshirts’ last line of defense, so excellent football IQ is just as important as athletic ability. The prime candidates for this role are senior Austin Cassidy and junior P.J. Smith.
Cassidy was given the starting nod over Smith for the Missouri game and remained for the rest of the year. He ended the season with 48 tackles (24 solo), one fumble and one interception.
To his credit, Smith is a ball-hawking safety and started seven games for a reason. Underclassmen Bronson Marsh and Harvey Jackson will get looks here for rotation much like at the strong safety position.
While Smith has the ability to make plays, Cassidy is one of the most cerebral players on the Cornhuskers’ roster. His play should remind fans of Matt O’Hanlon’s during the 2009 season. Smith is excellent at taking advantage of the occasional miscue. However, Cassidy will prevent already large offensive gains from growing if not stopping points from going on the scoreboard on a consistent basis.
Projected Blackshirt: Austin Cassidy
Other Predicted Starters:
Strongside Defensive End, Strongside Defensive Tackle, Weakside Defensive Tackle, WILL Linebacker, MIKE Linebacker, BUCK Linebacker, Cornerback No. 1, Cornerback No. 2, Strong Safety
