Cornerbacks hold experience, new talent for fall season

Already this spring, there has been talk about the swagger of the Nebraska football team.

One position head coach Bo Pelini said especially has the talent and energy associated with swagger is cornerback.

"I feel great about our defensive backfield, and I'm excited about that aspect." Pelini said.

With the loss of key players at safety, middle linebacker and along the defensive line, a lot of pressure this fall will come down on the shoulders of NU's experienced group of cornerbacks. Returning players such as junior Prince Amukamara and sophomore Alfonzo Dennard highlight a deep group of cornerbacks who hope to provide an anchor for the NU defense this season.

That depth is something Pelini said he feels fits into NU's defensive system.

"It gives us a lot of versatility," Pelini said. "We have a lot of depth, a number of different guys who can step up. And the way we play, we need a lot of depth in that area."

The depth at the position not only gives the team options next fall, but Amukamara said it helps push them to compete hard in the spring.

"I think it pushes all of us to know that your spot is never promised," Amukamara said. "It doesn't matter if you're first or second team. It just keeps us humble and hungry."

In addition to Amukamara and Dennard, junior Anthony West saw significant playing time during his sophomore campaign. Redshirt freshman Lazarri Middleton is also expected to make an impact. Amukamara said one thing he has seen from Middleton already is his willingness to work hard.

"Lazarri is a very hungry player," Amukamara said. "He always texts me on the weekends and tells me to come to the stadium and put in more work."

With the competition already starting this spring, Dennard said he feels confident no matter who winds up on the field come fall.

"We can bring anyone to play in our secondary, and we know we're going to get the job done," Dennard said. "We all know the plays and what we're doing out there. The competition has been good for us."

Last season, the cornerbacks overcame a shaky start and finished strong. During a 10-3 win over Oklahoma, the Husker pass defense had five interceptions in keeping the Sooners out of the end zone. They followed up by holding Texas quarterback Colt McCoy to just 202 yards passing in the Big 12 Conference championship game, before allowing a measly 46 yards passing in the Holiday Bowl.

Along with Middleton, redshirt freshmen Andrew Green and Dijon Washington are also looking to contribute.

With the talent both returning and being added to NU's cornerback group, Dennard said he expects to continue last season's strong play.

"I think you can expect a lot of the same things from last year," Dennard said. "We had a good secondary last year, and we know we just have to keep going out there and making plays."

patradigan@dailynebraskan.com