Nebraska Blackshirt tradition continues with 11 recipients awarded for start of 2023 season
Nebraska’s Blackshirts were awarded to its 11 defensive starters. Husker Head Coach Matt Rhule and his staff prioritized upholding the Blackshirts tradition the way it was intended in the past.
Nebraska defensive coordinator Tony White said the Blackshirts will be on a week-to-week basis. However, they are open to adding more Blackshirts in the future is a situation presents itself.
The Huskers’ 11 Blackshirt recipients against Minnesota are S DeShon Singleton, S Omar Brown, S Isaac Gifford, CB Quinton Newsome, CB Malcolm Hartzog, LB Chief Borders, LB John Bullock, LB Luke Reimer, DL Nash Hutmacher, DL Blaise Gunnerson and DL Ty Robinson.
Robinson, Singleton, Bullock, Newsome, Reimer, Hutmacher and Gifford also earned a single digit.
Linebacker Nick Henrich was the only defender who earned a single digit but not a Blackshirt. He earned a Blackshirt in the past.
White said he and Rhule want to ensure the Blackshirts continue to represent what they have always represented. They want the competition and attention to detail in practice to stay the same for each player.
White said that he and Rhule decided to give Blackshirts to the 11 players they anticipated to start on defense.
“I went in there and we talked about it, and he said, “How does this look?” and I said,” That looks cool.” Let’s do it so quick, easy, simple,” White said.
The players had their Blackshirts hanging in their locker before practice on Sunday.
Singleton, Brown, Bullock and Borders were Nebraska’s four players who earned their first Blackshirt.
“You could tell who they were because when they came out they were extra smiles,” White said. “I don’t know if it was the Blackshirt or the single digits because they kind of went hand in hand but they were excited.”
White and Rhule talked to Athletic Director Trev Alberts, many former Blackshirts and coaches about the importance of the Blackshirt and its meaning. The defensive coordinator said it was cool to ask veteran players about the first time they received a Blackshirt.
“They’re able to rattle it off like that,” he said. “It means something to them and it was exciting to watch those guys yesterday walk into the indoor and then see it on them and have a smile on their face because I know they know what it means.”
8 defenders earn single-digits, 7 named Blackshirts
Of the 10 players that earned a single-digit, eight were on the defense.
“That’s a testament to a lot of people, that’s a testament to them and what they represent and then obviously buying in and adopting what the program is about, what Coach Rhule preaches daily, what Coach (Corey) Campbell preaches in the weight room,” White said of the players who wear a single-digit.
The single-digit players adapted what they learned from Rhule, Campbell and the other coaches and staff and put it on the field. White said there is a difference between talk and application. The single-digit winners show the difference.
“Those are low-maintenance, blue-collar young men who care about this place,” White said. “It’s actually a treat to see them rewarded for it.”
Monday nuggets: White details Blackshirts, Foley updates Nebraska’s kicker battle
The players voted on their teammates who they think deserve a single-digit number. White said the players who received many votes but weren’t one of the 10 have started to compete to earn one eventually.
The Huskers’ Blackshirts and single-digit winners are also all over the special teams units.
Special Teams coordinator Ed Foley said with the different color jerseys and single digits, the punt return team is scattered with Nebraska’s top leaders.
He said that proves how important special teams are because the players whom the team views as the best make up the special teams unit.
“You’ve got a bunch of guys on the punt team that make you feel really good that their peers think they’re the best players on the team. That’s always really powerful for us on special teams.”
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