By HuskerLocker
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.
Peso Back
No position has received more attention during Bo Pelini’s tenure than the Peso back. A hybrid linebacker/defensive back position, the Peso has gone by other names, but it was very effective in limiting what Big 12 spread-based offenses could do. While the position’s necessity in the Big Ten decreases significantly, it will still be utilized against teams with aggressive passing games such as Michigan State and Northwestern.
The two main candidates to replace Eric Hagg are junior college transfer Daimion Stafford and junior P.J. Smith. Smith works primarily in a safety role, but depending on how well he performs in fall camp, he could find work elsewhere on the field. He’ll have fierce competition from Stafford, however. Much like at strongside defensive end, a JUCO prospect wasn’t brought in to sit on the bench.
Stafford accumulated 62 tackles as a safety for Chaffey Community College (35 solo) along with three tackles for loss, six pass breakups and five interceptions. He also served as a return specialist averaging almost 28 yards per kick return and over 15 yards per punt. At 6’0” 220 pounds, Stafford’s raw athleticism combined with his hard-hitting nature demand that he sees the field.
Without enough time to familiarize himself with the defense for a starting safety position, his talents lend well to the Peso slot. Smith may have more time in the system, but Stafford beats him out as the superior athlete. It’ll take a tremendous effort in fall camp for him to claim the starting spot. Corey Cooper may get an opportunity, but he’s a dark horse candidate at best right now.
When black jerseys are handed out, yet another JUCO will be wearing one and if he has a similar season to David’s first as a Cornhusker, Nebraska’s 2011 defense may be the best overall that Pelini's produced as a head coach.
Projected Blackshirt: Daimion Stafford
