Cornerback Dennard improves with time

Just two plays earlier, Alfonzo Dennard had avoided a disaster.

It was midway through the third quarter of Saturday's victory over Washington. The Huskers were already nursing a comfortable 42-21 lead, and a miss by Washington quarterback Jake Locker kept the score there.

Dennard was covering Huskies receiver Jermaine Kearse when the 5-foot-10 wideout broke away at the last second on a deep throw from Locker. The ball fell harmlessly to the turf, sparing Dennard from an embarrassing touchdown.

Now, he was about to go from goat to hero.

After another incomplete pass on second down, Dennard jumped Locker's third-down attempt and took it back 31 yards to the house, ending any hopes of a Washington victory.

This time last year, Dennard wouldn't have even been on the field to make that play. He received little playing time and recorded just one tackle in NU's four nonconference games.

This year, he already has two interceptions, including a diving Houdini-esque pick against Idaho.

So how did Dennard go from benchwarmer to potential all-conference performer? It started, he said, when he began spending more time with his playbook.

"Last year, I wasn't really focused on trying to learn my playbook and stuff like that," he said. "Every team we play, it's a different game plan. You've got to be real focused."

Dennard took Anthony West's place in the starting lineup against Missouri last year and hasn't given it back. He's started every game since then but one, an injury-induced absence against Kansas State.

Secondary coach Marvin Sanders agrees it was the things Dennard did off the field that eventually helped him get on it.

"I think right now he's playing at a high level, but it started last year," Sanders said. "It started with his preparation and his work habits. (Head strength coach James) Dobson made him bigger, stronger, faster. I just think there are a whole lot of things that fall into place when you see a guy improve like him."

Part of Dennard's improvement comes from the fact he's simply getting older. Sanders said the junior's improved maturity and experience have played a huge part in his development.

"I think progressively, over time, you get better," Sanders said. "As you get older and you mature, you start to understand the game a little bit better. You know what it takes to do certain things, and I think he's just reaching that maturity level now."

None of this is good news for Saturday's FCS opponent, South Dakota State. The Jackrabbits have already suffered losses to Delaware and Illinois State, scoring just 8.5 points per game.

Quarterback Thomas O'Brien has already thrown five interceptions this season — compared to just one touchdown — and he now faces a secondary that feasts on quarterback's miscues.

Just ask Locker if he'd like that pass back.

Even as Dennard was jogging into the endzone, Sanders said he wasn't surprised by his corner's display of knowledge and athleticism.

"That's kind of what you grow to expect," Sanders said. "We're going to take some

chances."

danhoppen@

dailynebraskan.com