Ruud Leads List of Departed Seniors

Transcription

1 Ruud Leads List of Departed Seniors Barrett Ruud MIKE Linebacker Four Letters Lincoln, Neb. (Southeast) 4Second Round NFL Draft Pick by Tampa Bay Buccaneers (36th overall selection) Third-Team All-American (Associated Press) Honorable Mention All-American (CollegeFootballNews.com) First-Team All-Big 12 (Associated Press, Coaches, Austin American- Statesman, Dallas Morning New, Fort Worth Star-Telegram) Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week (Missouri) Butkus Award Watch List Nebraska Defensive MVP Nebraska Team Captain Brook Berringer Memorial Scholarship Award Winner Senior Bowl Participant Second-Team All-Big 12 (Associated Press, FW Star-Telegram, Dallas Morning News) Third-Team All-Big 12 (Coaches) 4Three-Time First-Team Academic All-Big 12 (2002, 2003, 2004) Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week (Texas A&M) 4Nebraska Career Record for Tackles (432) 4Nebraska Season Record for Tackles (149 in 2003) Honorable-Mention All-Big 12 (Coaches) Second-Team Freshman All-American (Sporting News) 4Four-Time Big 12 Commissioner's Spring Academic (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005) 4Two-Time Big 12 Commissioner's Fall (2002, 2004) Barrett Ruud was the anchor for the Blackshirt defense and one of the most successful linebackers in Nebraska history. He served as a three-year starter at middle linebacker after seeing action in all 13 games as a true freshman in During his four-year Husker career, Ruud amassed an NU-record 432 total tackles. Along with his success on the field, Ruud was a three-time first-team academic All-Big 12 selection and earned his bachelor's degree in business management from Nebraska in May The Lincoln, Neb., native ended his career with an outstanding 2004 senior campaign. Ruud earned third-team All-America honors from the Associated Press and was a consensus first-team All-Big 12 selection. He led the Blackshirt defense in total tackles for the second straight year with 143, while his 18 tackles for loss also paced NU. He broke former teammate Demorrio Williams 2003 Husker record by recording 89 solo stops. Ruud notched a personal-best three sacks and was named Nebraska s Defensive MVP for One of four Huskers voted as a team captain last season, Ruud set a single-game high with 19 tackles at Kansas State, while his 16 solo stops against the Wildcats broke Clete Pillen s 1976 school record of 15. He shattered Jerry Murtagh s ( ) previous career standard of 342 tackles at Texas Tech, while he finished his career No. 2 to Grant Wistrom on NU s all-time tackles-for-loss chart. Despite playing in two fewer games than the previous season, Ruud nearly matched his own single-season Husker record of 149 tackles, which he set in Ruud s senior campaign came on the heels of his record-breaking junior season of Along with setting the program s single-season tackles record, he reached double figures in tackles nine times, including seven of the season's final eight games. Ruud recorded 14 or more tackles in each of the final four regular-season contests, including a then-career-high 17 stops at Texas and 16 in NU's victory at Colorado. Ruud finished the season tied for seventh nationally in total tackles. In addition to his 149 total tackles, Ruud finished second on the team to Demorrio Williams in tackles for loss (14-39) and quarterback hurries (11), and ranked third on the team in sacks (2.5-21). He also forced a team-high four fumbles, and recovered three others, while scoring his only two career touchdowns. Ruud took over for former Husker Jamie Burrow at middle linbacker as a sophomore in He finished only one shy of Williams team-leading total of 91 tackles, while his 13 quarterback hurries ranked third on the team and his two fumbles caused tied for the team lead. Ruud had six games with eight or more tackles, beginning with an eight-tackle outing against Arizona State, when he added a pair of TFL. Ruud broke his left hand early in the first quarter vs. Troy State, but returned to action in the contest. Despite playing with a cast the following week against Utah State, Ruud had four tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, a fumble caused and two quarterback hurries. He played the next several games with a cast on his hand, but still compiled impressive statistics before battling a leg injury late in the year. Ruud had eight tackles and a pair of pass breakups against McNeese State, then produced his best play of 2002 in the final five games. He posted a season-high 12 tackles, including three tackles for loss and a sack against Texas, then finished the season with nine stops and two tackles for loss at Kansas State, followed by a 10-tackle effort against Colorado, when he forced a fumble. He had nine tackles in the Independence Bowl against Ole Miss. Ruud played in every game as a true freshman and made 49 tackles, the most among non-starters. His tackle total included 18 solos, six tackles for loss, half a sack and one quarterback hurry. His play earned him recognition from The Sporting News, which tabbed him as a second-team freshman All-American. Ruud was one of three true freshmen to see action in 2001, joining Philip Bland and Mike Stuntz. Ruud had seven games with four or more tackles, with a season-high 10 against Troy State. He had five tackles in his first collegiate game against TCU, before his Troy State outing that included four solo stops, keying an NU defense that held the Trojans to minus-25 yards rushing. He had seven tackles against Rice, including a season-high two tackles for loss. He had four tackles each against Iowa State and Baylor, before making five tackles each against No. 2 Oklahoma and Kansas. He played in the 2002 Rose Bowl, but did not have a tackle. The Ruud family has a long history with Nebraska football. Barrett s father, Tom ( ) played for the Huskers, as did two of his uncles (Bob Martin, John Ruud) and his great-grandfather, Clarence Swanson. His younger brother, Bo, is a sophomore WILL linebacker for NU who could see considerable playing time in / / / / Totals 50/ Rose Bowl vs. Miami: Tackles, none 2002 Independence Bowl vs. Ole Miss: Tackles, 1 UT, 8 AT, 9 TT 2003 Alamo Bowl vs. Michigan State: Tackles, 4 UT, 5 AT, 9 TT Tackles 19 at Kansas State, 2004 Solo Tackles 16 at Kansas State, 2004 Tackles For Loss 4 vs. Missouri, 2004 Sacks 1.5 vs. Troy State, 2003 Quarterback Hurries 3 at Missouri, 2003 Touchdowns 15-yard fumble return vs. Oklahoma State, 2003; 27-yard interception return vs. Texas A&M, 2003

2 Willie Amos Wide Receiver Three Letters Sweetwater, Texas (Sweetwater) Big 12 Commissioner's Spring Academic Big 12 Commissioner's Fall Academic Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week vs. Kansas State 4Four-Time Brook Berringer Citizenship Team Member (2001, 2002, 2004, 2005) Willie Amos finished his career at wide receiver in 2004 after playing his first four years at Nebraska in the defensive backfield. Amos endured a roller-coaster career in Lincoln. He made an impact in the secondary early in his career. He played in all 12 games as a freshman, then was NU's starting free safety as a sophomore when he made four interceptions and helped the Huskers to the Rose Bowl. He suffered a major knee injury during spring practice in 2002, forcing him to miss all of the 2002 campaign. Amos returned to the field in 2003, when he served as a reserve cornerback. He saw limited action in 2004 following his move to receiver, but closed out his career by recording a season-best four catches in the season finale vs. Colorado. His biggest performance came in the season opener vs. Western Illinois, when he racked up a career high 40 yards and two touchdowns on three receptions. The scores were his second and third as a Husker; he also made a 20-yard interception return for a touchdown against Kansas State in 2001 while at free safety. Amos enjoyed a distinguished career off the field at Nebraska. The Sweetwater, Texas, native was named to the Brook Berringer Citizenship Team for the fourth time in his career last spring, recognizing his extensive outreach work in the community. He graduated last December with a degree in advertising / / Injured Did not Play (Redshirt) / Totals 25/ Alamo Bowl vs. Northwestern: Tackles, none 2002 Rose Bowl vs. Miami: Tackles, 5 UT, 3 AT, 8 TT, 1-1 TFL Rushing Year G/S Att. Gain Loss Net Y/A Y/G Long TDs / vs. Missouri 0 Receiving Year G/S No. Yds. Y/R Y/G Long TDs / vs. W. Illinois 2 Totals 9/ vs. W. Illinois 2 Single-Game Bests Tackles 10 at Kansas State, 2002, at Texas, 2003, vs. Kansas State, 2003 Solo Tackles 6 at Texas, 2003 Tackles For Loss 3 at Texas, 2003 Sacks 1 vs. Texas, 2002, vs. Iowa State, 2003, vs. Michigan State, 2003 Alamo Bowl Quarterback Hurries 3 vs. Michigan State, 2003 Receptions 3 vs. Colorado, 2004 Receiving Yards 54 vs. Western Illinois, 2004 Long Reception/TD Reception 36 vs. Western Illinois, 2004 TD Receptions 2 vs. Western Illinois, 2004 Number of Career Catches of 25-Plus Yards 1 in 2004 Rushing Attempts 1, Twice Rushing Yards 7 vs. Missouri, 2004 Long Rush 7 yards vs. Missori, 2004 Jake Andersen Offensive Guard Three Letters Littleton, Colo. (Mullen) Tom Novak Award Winner Second-Team Academic All-Big Big 12 Commissioner's Spring Academic Big 12 Commissioner's Fall Academic Lifter-of-the-Year Finalist Jake Andersen was a fixture at right guard on the Nebraska offensive line over the last two seasons, starting each of the 22 games in which he appeared. He was the lone holdover from the 2003 edition of the NU pipeline to maintain the same position during his final two campaigns. The Littleton, Colo., native earned his first academic All-Big 12 nomination during his senior season and was named to a pair of Big 12 Commissioner s Academic s as a junior. Hegraduated last December with a degree in communication studies. Andersen was one of the key components in the NU offensive line s successful transition to the West Coast Offense blocking attack last year. He helped the Husker offense set several passing records, while also paving the way for a 1,000-yard rushing season by I-back Cory Ross, the first for an NU I-back since the 2001 season. Andersen took over the starting duties at right guard in 2003 after seeing minimal action during his first two seasons. He played in 12 of Nebraska's 13 games with 11 starts. Andersen was healthy only for the first three games before suffering a toe injury against Southern Miss. The injury forced him to miss the Troy State contest the following week, but he returned to the lineup at Missouri and started eight of NU's final nine games. Andersen was a key part of a Nebraska offensive line that paved the way for seven 250-yard rushing efforts in 2003, including a season-high 337 rushing yards against Penn State. The Huskers' power attack against the Nittany Lions allowed the NU offense to control the ball for more than 39 minutes of action. The Huskers also topped 300 yards on the ground against Texas A&M (333). On the season, Nebraska finished seventh nationally and second in the Big 12 in rushing offense at yards per game. The Huskers also controlled the clock for nearly 32 minutes per game. He played in six games as a reserve offensive guard as a sophomore. His most extensive action came in the 2002 Independence Bowl after starter Mike Erickson left early in the second half with an injury. Andersen had seven pancakes on the year, including a season-high three against both Utah State and Kansas. 36 Dan Burrow Free Safety One Letter Ames, Iowa (Ames) First-Team Academic All-Big 12 4Five-Time Big 12 Commissioner s Fall Academic (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004) 4Four-Time Big 12 Commissioner s Spring Academic (2001, 2003, 2004, 2005) Dan Burrow earned his first letter for the Huskers in 2005 after completing a career in which he appeared in seven games as a reserve free safety and on special teams. The Ames, Iowa, native was accomplished in the classroom, being named to the Big 12 Commissioner s nine times and receiving his first academic All- Big 12 honor as a senior in He graduated last May with a degree in business administration. Burrow played against Southern Miss and Texas A&M as a reserve free safety in 2003, but did not record a tackle. He played in three games in 2002, and made

3 an unassisted tackle against the Jayhawks. Burrow played against Rice and Iowa State in 2001, recording a pair of tackles in the 48-3 win over the Owls. A walk-on, Burrow redshirted his first season at Nebraska. Ira Cooper Linebacker Four Letters Omaha, Neb. (Westside) 11 4Signed NFL free agent contract with Minnesota Vikings Ira Cooper was a versatile player at linebacker and on special teams during his Husker career. He appeared in all but one game in his time at Nebraska, including four starts. He signed a professional contract with the NFL s Minnesota Vikings in April The Omaha, Neb., native played his entire senior campaign after receiving his degree in sociology in August Cooper saw his most extensive action as a Husker linebacker during his senior season in 2004, setting personal bests in several categories while backing up teammate Barrett Ruud. He made three starts during the season, once for Ruud and twice for Chad Sievers at Will linebacker. Cooper ranked sixth on the team with 50 tackles, almost double his career total entering the season (31), while he also registered his first career sacks, interceptions and tackles for loss. He finished tied for third on the team with two interceptions, including one that he returned 51 yards in the season-opener against Western Illinois, ninth in tackles for loss (six) and eighth in sacks (1.5). Along with the long interception return, he added a career-high 12 tackles against the Leathernecks. Cooper was T.J. Hollowell's top backup at Buck linebacker and was a special teams standout for the third consecutive season as a junior in He finished the season with 12 tackles, including eight solo stops. Cooper backed up Scott Shanle at Sam linebacker as a sophomore in 2002 and played in all 14 games. He earned his first career start in the Independence Bowl against Ole Miss when Shanle was ill, and Cooper responded in strong fashion. Cooper had a then-career-high five tackles against the Rebels and added a hurry of quarterback Eli Manning. Cooper finished his sophomore season with 12 total tackles, including four solo stops. He saw action in all but one Nebraska s 13 games during his redshirt freshman season of 2001, including the 2002 Rose Bowl, and finished the campaign with six tackles and a pair of quarterback hurries Redshirted / / / / Totals 49/ Rose Bowl vs. Miami: Tackles, none 2002 Independence Bowl vs. Ole Miss: Tackles, 1 UT, 4 AT, 5 TT, 1 QB Hurry 2003 Alamo Bowl vs. Michigan State: Tackles, 0 UT, 1 AT, 1 TT Tackles 12 vs. Western Illinois, 2004 Solo Tackles 8 vs. Western Illinois, 2004 Tackles For Loss 1, six times in 2004 Sacks 1 vs. Colorado, 2004 Interceptions 1, two times in 2004 QB Hurries 1, five times Sandro DeAngelis Place-Kicker Three Letters Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada (St. Joseph s Collegiate, N.Y.) 22 4Signed CFL free agent contract with Calgary Stampeders CoSIDA Academic All-District VII Second Team AFCA Good Works Team 4First-Team Academic All-Big 12 (2001, 2003, 2004) 4Four-Time Brook Berringer Citizenship Team (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005) 4Five-Time Big 12 Commissioner s Fall Academic (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004) 4Five-Time Big 12 Commissioner s Spring Academic (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005) Sandro DeAngelis served as Nebraska s starting place-kicker for parts of three seasons during his career before signing a professional contract with Calgary of the Canadian Football League in March The native of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, won the starter s spot at the end of fall camp in 2004 prior to his senior season and started in nine of the the Huskers 11 games. He connected on 4-of-9 field goals, including a career-long 41 yard attempt against Missouri, while converting 33 of 34 point after tries during the campaign. He finished second on the team in scoring to Cory Ross with a career-best 45 points. DeAngelis appeared in seven games as a junior in 2003 and was NU's starting place-kicker for the first two games before giving way to freshman David Dyches. DeAngelis shared kickoff duties for the first part of the year before Sam Koch took over kickoffs for the final seven games of the season. He connected on 3-of-4 extra points and hit on 1-of-3 field goal attempts. He started four of the first five games of 2002 and hit 2-of-3 field goals, and connected on 15-of-16 PATs. DeAngelis most extensive action came against Notre Dame, when he kicked off five times, made three PATs and connected on field goals of 19 and 21 yards. DeAngelis was successful on a season-high five consecutive PAT attempts against Rice. He served as a backup to Josh Brown the remainder of the year, and converted on 3-of-3 PATs and kicked off three times. DeAngelis was one of NU s most active players in the community. He was one of 11 Division I-A players named to the American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team in 2003, and he was a four-time member of Nebraska s Brook Berringer Citizenship Team. He also was very accomplished academically, earning 10 Big 12 Commissioner s awards and three academic All-Big 12 nominations, as well as a second-team academic All-District VII honor from CoSIDA in DeAngelis graduated in May of 2005 with a degree in secondary education/natural science. Scoring Field Goal Range Year G/S PAT FG TP PPG Lg 2000 Redshirted / Injured--Did Not Play / / Totals 26/ Field Goal Sequence: 2001, Notre Dame (19, 21); Missouri (32 miss); 2003, Oklahoma State (28, 34 miss, 33 miss); 2004, Southern Miss (35); Pittsburgh (26); Kansas (45 miss, 44 miss); Texas Tech (43 miss); Baylor (21); Missouri (41); Iowa State (24 miss, 33 miss) Two-Point Conversion Attempts: 1 run vs. Baylor, 2001 (failed) Points Scored: 72; 21 in 2001; 6 in 2003; 45 in 2004 Tackles: 1 UT, 1 AT, 2 TT; 0 UT, 1 AT, 1 TT, 2001; 1 UT, 0 AT, 1 TT, 2003; 0 UT, 1 AT, 1 TT, 2004 Career Long Field Goal 41 yards vs. Missouri, 2004 Most Field Goals Made 2 vs. Notre Dame, 2001 Most Fields Goals Attempted 3 vs. Oklahoma State, 2003 Most PATs Made/Attempted 8-8 vs. Western Illinois, 2004

4 67 Darren DeLone Offensive Tackle Two Letters Pomona, Calif. (Garey/Mt. San Antonio CC) Darren DeLone provided much-need depth on the offensive line as a reserve tackle during his two years at Nebraska. He played in 22 of 25 games during his Husker career. After sitting out the 2004 season opener against Western Illinois, DeLone returned to see action as a reserve offensive tackle in the final 10 games last season. He was one of the key components in the NU offensive line s successful transition to the West Coast Offense last year. He helped the Husker offense set several passing records, while also paving the way for a 1,000-yard rushing season by I-back Cory Ross, the first for an NU running back since the 2001 season. DeLone did not arrive in Lincoln until after the start of 2003 fall camp, but moved quickly up the depth chart. He saw his first action against Utah State and played in each of NU's final 12 games. His playing time increased throughout the year as the offensive line was hit with injuries, and saw his most extensive action in wins over Iowa State and Texas A&M. He was also a regular on NU's PAT and field goal units. The Pomona, Calif., native became the first junior college offensive line scholarship recruit for NU in 30 years after completing a two-year stint at Mt. San Antonio Community College in Walnut, Calif. Mike Erickson Offensive Tackle Four Letters Omaha, Neb. (Papillion-LaVista) 78 4Signed NFL Free Agent Contract with Tennessee Titans Honorable Mention All-Big 12 (Associated Press) Las Vegas Football Classic Participant Honorable-Mention All-Big 12 (Associated Press) Second-Team Academic All-Big 12 Mike Erickson proved to be the ironman of Nebraska s offensive line during the final three seasons of his career, starting each of his final 37 games as a Husker. After spending his sophomore and junior campaigns playing left guard in NU s option-based offensive attack, Head Coach Bill Callahan s West Coast Offense utilized Erickson as the starting left tackle in The Omaha, Neb., native earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors from the Associated Press after spending his senior season protecting quarterback Joe Daily s blindside. Erickson and his counterparts on the NU pipeline helped the Husker offense set several passing records. They also paved the way for the first 1,000-yard rushing campaign by a Nebraska running back since the 2001 season. Erickson started all 13 games at left guard as a junior. Behind the offensive line, Nebraska finished second in the Big 12 and seventh nationally in rushing yards per game at yards per contest. Nebraska produced more than 250 yards on the ground seven times, including a season-high 337 yards in an victory over Penn State. He had the tough task of replacing departed 2001 All-American Toniu Fonoti at left guard as a sophomore in 2002 and responded by starting all 14 games. Nebraska finished fourth nationally in rushing offense, averaging yards per game. The Huskers topped 300 rushing yards five times in 2002, all in a six-game mid-season stretch from the McNeese State game to the Texas game when the NU offense averaged yards on the ground. In 2001, Erickson was the only freshman on the Huskers top two offensive line units and saw reserve action in six games. Erickson graduated in May 2005 with a degree in criminal justice, one month after signing a professional contract with the NFL s Tennessee Titans. Garth Glissman Quarterback One Letter Lincoln, Neb. (Waverly/New Hampton, N.H. Prep) 17 4Signed Professional Contract with Lincoln Capitols of NIFL 4Four-Time Big 12 Commissioner's Fall Academic (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004) 4Four-Time Big 12 Commissioner's Spring Academic (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005) 4Three-Time Brook Berringer Citizenship Team Member (2003, 2004, 2005) Garth Glissman was one of several quarterbacks to compete for playing time in the first year of Nebraska s West Coast Offense in While he did not appear in a game during his junior season, he did provide the Huskers with a valuable commodity as a scout-team quarterback due to his strong arm. Glissman decided to forgo his final season of eligibility in 2005 after graduating early. He served as NU s No. 3 quarterback behind Jammal Lord and Joe Dailey as a sophomore in 2003 and played in wins over Troy State and Texas A&M. Glissman did not see action in 2002, his first season with the football team. He previously came to Nebraska as a recruit for the Husker basketball team in 2001 before switching his focus to football. Glissman was one of Nebraska s most distinguished players off the field. The Lincoln native possessed a near-perfect cumulative grade-point average in political science and history and earned a total of eight Big 12 Commissioner s appearances. He also was active in the community. Glissman s outreach work earned him a three-year spot on the Brook Berringer Citizenship Team. Kellen Huston Cornerback Two Letters Ankeny, Iowa (Ankeny) ESPN the Magazine/CoSIDA Second-Team Academic All-American 4Two-Time First-Team Academic All-Big 12 (2003, 2004) CoSIDA Academic All-District VII Team 4Five-Time Big 12 Commissioner s Fall Academic (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004) 4Five-Time Big 12 Commissioner s Spring Academic (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005) Kellen Huston was a significant contributor to both Nebraska s defensive and special teams units during his final two seasons as a Husker. He served as the starting holder for NU s placekicking unit for his junior and senior seasons, while becoming the first reserve defensive back off the bench in most games in Huston appeared in every game during his senior season as Nebraska s fifth defensive back. He was listed as the No. 2 left cornerback behind NFL first-round draft pick Fabian Washington, and he made his first-ever start at Texas Tech, a game in which the Huskers featured six defensive backs in its opening defensive alignment. His 12 pass breakups ranked second on the team behind Washington (15), and they tied for the seventh-best single-season total in NU history. Huston also recorded career highs in tackles (38), tackles for loss (two) and quarterback hurries (four). The Ankeny, Iowa, native played in 12 games in 2003 as a junior, seeing significant time on NU's coverage units. Huston was nearly flawless in his holding duties, helping David Dyches to a freshman record 14 field goals and a perfect 32-of-32 performance on PATs. Huston had a 15-yard gain on a fake field goal at Colorado that set up a touchdown to give NU a second-quarter lead. Huston finished the year with five tackles, including a 10-yard sack against Troy State. He made his

5 only career interception to preserve Nebraska's 28-0 shutout of Iowa State. Huston played in seven games as a reserve defensive back and on special teams as a sophomore in He made two assisted tackles, one each against Troy State and Mississippi. He played in two games with a solo tackle against Iowa State as a redshirt freshman in Huston was also one of Nebraska s all-time great scholar-athletes. He became NU s 219th academic All-American last December when he was named to the University Division Second-Team defense by ESPN the Magazine and CoSIDA. Huston earned his undergraduate degree in pre-medicine/exercise science last winter and is currently enrolled in the University of Iowa s College of Medicine. 47 Dusty Keiser Tight End Two Letters Norfolk, Neb. (Norfolk Catholic) First-Team Academic All-Big Big 12 Commissioner s Fall Academic 4Two-Time Big 12 Commissioner s Spring Academic (2002, 2005) 2000 Redshirted / / / / Totals 32/ Rose Bowl vs. Miami: Tackles, none 2002 Independence Bowl vs. Ole Miss: Tackles, 1 UT, 1 TT 2003 Alamo Bowl vs. Michigan State: Tackles, none Tackles 6 vs. Pittsburgh, 2004 Solo Tackles 4 vs. Pittsburgh, 2004 Tackles For Loss 1, three times Sacks 1 vs. Troy State, 2003 Interceptions 1 vs. Iowa State, 2003 QB Hurries 1, four times in 2004 Joel Jackson Wide Receiver One Letter Papillion, Neb. (Papillion-LaVista) First-Team Academic All-Big 12 4Five-Time Big 12 Commissioner s Fall Academic (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004) 4Five-Time Big 12 Commissioner s Spring Academic (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005) Joel Jackson provided depth at receiver his final three years at Nebraska after beginning his career in the defensive backfield. He played in five games during his Husker career. In 2003, he appeared against Troy State and Texas A&M as a reserve wide receiver. He played against Kansas as a backup wingback in 2002, and played a reserve role at cornerback in 2001 against Rice and Iowa State. Jackson redshirded in his first season. An Omaha native, Jackson was a standout in the classroom at Nebraska. He earned his first academic All-Big 12 honor as a senior, while he also appeared on each possible Big 12 Commissioner s during his five years. Jackson earned his degree in mechanical engineering last spring. Dusty Keiser (pronounced KIE-zer) had a breakthrough senior campaign at the tight end position in the first season for Nebraska s West Coast Offense attack. He became quarterback Joe Daily s top tight end target after starter Matt Herian suffered a season-ending leg injury against Missouri. Keiser saw action in all 11 games and made his first six career starts in Keiser made six of his eight career receptions as a senior, including a personalbest 32-yarder at Iowa State. Keiser ranked ninth on the team in catches and yards (89), while his 14.8-yard per reception average rated fifth among all Husker receivers. He also made four tackles while seeing significant action on special teams. The Norfolk, Neb., native played in all 13 games in 2003 as a reserve tight end and on special teams. He had two receptions, a nine-yard grab against Texas A&M and a six-yard catch in the Alamo Bowl win over Michigan State. He also played on special teams and made four tackles, including two solo stops against Kansas State. Keiser saw his first action as at Nebraska during the Huskers 45-7 win against Kansas in 2002, but did not make a reception. A three-time Big 12 Commissioner s honoree, Keiser also was named to the academic All-Big 12 first team in He received his degree in business administration last spring. Receiving Year G/S No. Yds. Y/R Y/G Long TDs 2000 Redshirted / / / vs. Michigan State / vs. Iowa State 0 Totals 25/ vs. Iowa State 0 Single-Game Bests Receptions 2 vs. Iowa State, 2004 Receiving Yards 41 vs. Iowa State, 2004 Long Reception 32 vs. Iowa State, 2004 Number of Career Catches of 25-Plus Yards 1 in 2004 Tackles 2 against Kansas State, 2003 Solo Tackles 2 against Kansas State, 2003 Steve Kriewald Fullback Four Letters Scotia, Neb. (North Loup-Scotia) First-Team Academic All-Big Cletus Fischer Native Son Award Winner 4Three-Time Brook Berringer Citizenship Team Member (2002, 2003, 2004) 4Three-Time Second-Team Academic All-Big 12 (2001, 2002, 2003) 4Three-Time Big 12 Commissioner's Fall Academic (2000, 2001, 2003) 4Four-Time Big 12 Commissioner's Spring Academic (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004) Steve Kriewald finally earned the opportunity to start at fullback for Nebraska as a senior in 2004 after serving his first three seasons as the top backup to former Husker Judd Davies. While he focused mainly on blocking for NU s option-based

6 running attack early in his career, Kriewald became a top target in Head Coach Bill Callahan s West Coast Offense. Kriewald made a big impact almost every time he touched the ball in 2004, scoring three touchdowns and averaging nearly 13 yards each time he possessed the ball. His biggest impact came in the passing game, where he tied for the team lead with three touchdowns on only five catches. He snuck out of the offensive backfield to snag scoring passes of 18 yards against Baylor, six yards at Iowa State and four yards in his final game against Colorado. Kriewald s longest career run of 48 yards helped the Huskers being shut out at Oklahoma, while it also earned him the team lead in yards-per-rush average (18.0). The Scotia, Neb., native played in all 13 games as a junior and finished with 99 rushing yards on 19 carries, including a one-yard touchdown at Kansas. Kriewald was not thrown for a loss on any of his attempts and averaged better than five yards per carry. His most productive game was at Kansas, when he had a career-high six carries for 27 yards. He had 19 yards on two carries at Missouri, when he had his only reception of the season (six yards). His lone carry against Texas A&M went for a season-long 16 yards. Kriewald also played a role on Nebraska's specialty units. He played in all 14 games with a start against Iowa State as a sophomore in Kriewald finished the season with six carries for 19 yards, including two carries against Arizona State and one carry in four other contests. He also saw extensive action on special teams and finished the year with four tackles. Kriewald backed Davies at fullback during his redshirt freshman season of 2001 and earned two starts (Oklahoma, Kansas) when Davies was out with an ankle injury. Kriewald played in 11 games overall, missing the Texas Tech game with an ankle injury of his own, and finished the year with 18 carries for 96 yards. He scored his only touchdown of the season on a 24-yard run at Colorado. He had a then-career-best 28 yards on two carries at Missouri, and had three carries three other times (Troy State, at Baylor, at Kansas). He also made one tackle on special teams vs. Iowa State and saw action in the 2002 Rose Bowl. A standout in both the classroom and the community, Kriewald earned first-team academic All-Big 12 honors for the first time as a senior after three consecutive years on the second team. He was a three-year member of the Brook Berringer Citizenship Team and played the entire 2004 season after receiving his degree in construction management the previous spring. Rushing Year G/S Att. Gain Loss Net Y/A Y/G Long TDs 2000 Redshirt / vs. Colorado / vs. Utah St / vs. Texas A&M / vs. Oklahoma 0 Totals 48/ vs. Oklahoma 2 Receiving Year G/S No. Yds. Y/R Y/G Long TDs 2000 Redshirt / vs. Kansas / None / vs. Missouri / vs. Baylor 3 Totals 48/ vs. Baylor 3 Tackles: 2001, 1 UT, 0 AT, 1 TT; 2002, 0 UT, 4 AT, 4 TT; 2004, 1 UT, 0 AT, 1 TT Rushing Attempts 6, at Kansas, 2003 Rushing Yards 48, at Oklahoma, 2004 Rushing Touchdowns 1, at Colorado, 2001 (24 yards), at Kansas, 2003 (6 yards) Long Rush 24 at Oklahoma, 2004 Receptions-1, six times Receiving Yards-18 vs. Baylor, 2004 Receiving Touchdowns-1, three times in 2004 Long Reception-18 vs. Baylor, 2004 Jeff McBride Defensive End One Letter Brule, Neb. (South Platte) First-Team Academic All-Big 12 4Two-Time Big 12 Commissioner s Spring Academic (2003, 2004) 4Two-Time Big 12 Commissioner s Fall Academic (2002, 2004) 4Three-Time Brook Berringer Citizenship Team (2004, 2004, 2005) Jeff McBride provided depth on the defensive line as a reserve end during his first three seasons at Nebraska before seeing his most extensive action as NU s No. 2 left defensive tackle as a senior in McBride played in a career-high three games as a senior and recorded his first three career tackles and one tackle for loss. He experienced his best game at NU in the Huskers season finale against Colorado, when he collected a pair of tackles and his only career TFL. The Brule, Neb., native played in two games each of his first three seasons at defensive end, but did not record a tackle. He appeared in contests against Utah State and Troy State as a junior. McBride was a standout in the classroom, earning his first academic All-Big 12 honor in He was named to the Big 12 Commissioner s four times and earned his degree in agronomy in December of He was also one of the most active Huskers in the community and was named to the Brook Berringer Citizenship Team three times during his career. Lornell McPherson Cornerback Four Letters Omaha, Neb. (Central) 1 4Signed NFL Free Agent Contract with Carolina Panthers Big 12 Commissioner s Fall Academic Fourth-Team Freshman All-American (The Sporting News) Lornell McPherson provided quality depth at cornerback for the Nebraska defense for three seasons before earning his first sole starting spot prior to his senior season. He was listed as the No. 1 right cornerback throughout the 2004 campaign and started all nine games that he was available to play after previously serving as the Huskers nickel back. McPherson ranked ninth on the NU defense in tackles as a senior with a careerhigh total of 40. He also added a pair sacks. His six pass breakups tied a personal best he set as a redshirt freshman in 2001, and ranked fifth on the team. One of Nebraska s best weapons on the blitz from the defensive backfield, McPherson recorded a pair of sacks in the season-opening win against Western Illinois, while he added two quarterback hurries during the season. His sack total was tops among all NU defensive backs. As a junior, McPherson played in all 13 games with two starts when the Huskers opened in a nickel set. He had four interceptions in 2003, tying for second on the team behind school-record holder Josh Bullocks. McPherson helped the Huskers pick off a school-record and nation-leading 32 passes in 2003, and the Blackshirts also led the country in pass efficiency defense. He added a career-best 26 solo tackles, as well as three pass breakups and hurries. His best game came in the Alamo Bowl against Michigan State, when he tied a personal-best with eight tackles. McPherson played in 13 games and earned four starts as a sophomore when Nebraska opened in specialty defensive packages during the 2002 season. He finished the campaign with 17 total tackles, including seven solo stops and two tackles for loss.

7 The Omaha, Neb., native was a key contributor and earned fourth-team freshman All-America honors from The Sporting News in He played in all 13 games and started three times (Troy State, Oklahoma, Kansas) when NU opened in a nickel package. McPherson recorded 29 tackles, including 20 solo stops, and had three tackles for loss, including an eight-yard sack against Troy State. His six pass breakups ranked fourth on the team, and he had interceptions against Baylor and Kansas. McPherson set a career high with eight tackles against Texas Tech, including seven solo stops. He also made five tackles against Troy State. He had two pass breakups in a game twice against Oklahoma and Kansas. McPherson was a member of the punt return and kickoff coverage teams and recovered a blocked punt against Iowa State. McPherson was named to the Big 12 Commissioner s in the fall of He graduated with a sociology degree in May of Redshirt / / / / Totals 47/ Interceptions: total; 2-(-6) in 2001; in Rose Bowl vs. Miami: Tackles, none 2002 Independence Bowl vs. Ole Miss: Tackles, 3 UT, 1 AT, 4 TT, TFL, Alamo Bowl vs. Michigan State: Tackles, 6 UT, 2 AT, 8 TT, TFL, 1-2, 1 PBU Tackles 8 vs. Texas Tech, 2001; vs. Michigan St., 2003 Alamo Bowl; vs. Texas Tech, 2004 Solo Tackles 7 vs. Texas Tech, 2001 Tackles for Loss 2 vs. Western Illinois, 2004 Sacks 2 vs. Western Illinois, 2004 QB Hurries 1, six times Passes Broken Up 2, four times Long Interception Return 11 yards vs. Kansas State, 2003 Jack O Holleran Wide Receiver Two Letters North Platte, Neb. (North Platte) 24 4Two-Time First-Team Academic All-Big 12 (2003, 2004) 4Four-Time Big 12 Commissioner s Fall Academic (2000, 2002, 2003, 2004) 4Five-Time Big 12 Commissioner s Spring Academic (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005) Jack O Holleran provided depth for Nebraska at wide receiver, appearing in 16 games during his Husker career. A physical player, he made his biggest contribution as an excellent downfield blocker in NU s previous option-oriented, ground based attack. O Holleran did not appear in a game as a senior after missing all of spring practice with an injury. He played in all 13 games as a junior in 2003, including making a pair of starts in wins against Oklahoma State and Texas A&M. O Holleran also appeared in two contests in 2002 and one in The North Platte, Neb., native was strong in the classroom, as he earned a pair of first-team academic All-Big 12 awards. He was also named to the Big 12 Commissioner s nine times during his career. O Holleran received his degree in business administration in May of Nick Povendo Offensive Tackle Three Letters Leller, Texas (Keller) Big 12 Commissioner's Fall Academic Nick Povendo was a valuable reserve on the Nebraska offensive line during each of his final three seasons as a Husker. He played in all but one game during that stretch serving as a backup offensive tackle. Povendo played in 10 of 11 games as a senior and served as the top reserve to starting left tackle Seppo Evwaraye. Povendo and his counterparts on the NU pipeline helped the Husker offense set several passing records in They also paved the way for the first 1,000-yard rushing campaign by a Nebraska I-back since the 2001 season. Povendo played in all 13 games as Richie Incognito's top backup at left tackle and as a member of Nebraska's extra-point and field goal units in He helped the Husker offense average nearly 240 yards per game on the ground, including seven 250-yard rushing games in Povendo's playing time increased late in the season as injuries continued to mount on the offensive line. The Keller, Texas, native played in all 14 games as Nebraska's top reserve behind tackles Dan Vili Waldrop and Richie Incognito as a sophomore. Povendo started against Iowa State and Ole Miss in the Independence Bowl and regularly rotated into the lineup to spell the starters. Povendo helped pave the way for a Nebraska running game that led the Big 12 in rushing offense at yards per game. He finished the year with 14 pancakes, including a season-high five against Utah State. Povendo played in just one game as a freshman (Rice) and missed several games after being bit by a spider. The bite required surgery to clean out the wound. Chad Sievers Linebacker Three Letters Valley, Neb. (Valley/New Mexico State) ESPN the Magazine/CoSIDA First-Team Academic All-American CoSIDA Academic All-District VII 54 4Three-Time First-Team Academic All-Big 12 (2002, 2003, 2004) 4Four-Time Big 12 Commissioner's Fall Academic (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004) 4Three-Time Big 12 Commissioner's Spring Academic (2002, 2003, 2004) Brook Berringer Citizenship Team Chad Sievers followed up two seasons as Barrett Ruud s top backup at middle linebacker by claiming the starting WILL linebacker role in He earned his first career Blackshirt after winning the starting spot at the conclusion of spring camp. Sievers ranked fifth on the NU defense with a career-high 54 tackles, and also set personal bests with five quarterback hurries and three tackles for loss while replacing former Husker Demorrio Williams in Sievers provided a major runstopping presence for a defense that rated No. 2 in the Big 12 Conference in fewest rushing yards allowed per game at The Husker defense limited opponents to fewer than 100 yards rushing in six of 11 games. He matched a career high by registering nine tackles three times during his senior campaign, including NU s win against Baylor, in which Sievers made five solo stops. The Valley, Neb., native recovered from off-season knee surgery in time to participate in 2003 spring ball and play all 13 games as a junior backup linebacker. He finished with 14 tackles, including seven unassisted stops. His most extensive

8 time at linebacker came late in the Huskers' win at Southern Miss, when he posted a season-high eight tackles. Sievers made two tackles at Missouri and played on NU's coverage units. He played in nine game and finished an injury-shortened 2002 season with 37 tackles, including two tackles for loss. After missing the season opener with Arizona State, Sievers made six tackles, including a tackle for loss, in his Husker debut against Troy State. He sat out the Utah State game, but had five or more tackles in the next three games, including a career-high nine stops at Iowa State. Sievers suffered a season-ending knee injury early in the Kansas game, but continued in the contest and made six tackles and recovered a fumble. In addition to backing up Ruud at middle linebacker, he was a strong performer on Nebraska's coverage units. Sievers sat out the 2001 season after transferring from New Mexico State. He paid his own way to the Rose Bowl, but was not eligible to suit up or travel with the team. Sievers was also one of Nebraska s all-time great scholar-athletes. He became NU s 218th academic All-American last December when he was named to the University Division First-Team defense by ESPN the Magazine and CoSIDA. Sievers graduated with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average in business administration in December of Defense ( Tackles ) Fum. QB Int Redshirted after transfer from New Mexico State / / / Totals 32/ Alamo Bowl vs. Michigan State: Tackles, none Tackles 9, four times Solo Tackles 5 vs. Baylor, 2004 Tackles for Loss 1, five times QB Hurries 2, at Texas Tech, 2004; vs. Missouri, Benard Thomas Defensive End Four Letters East Palo Alto, Calif. (St. Francis) Benard Thomas, a two-year starter at defensive end for the Huskers, was the Blackshirts most experienced pass rusher in He was the only senior among the top two units on the defensive line last season. Nebraska s most effective pass rush presence last season, Thomas made big strides between his junior and senior campaigns. He led NU in sacks, while ranking second in hurries and tackles for loss, one season after registering only one sack from his right defensive end position. Thomas had his brightest day against Missouri, when he totaled seven tackles, 1.5 sacks and three tackles for loss. He tallied a Husker season-high five hurries and caused his second career interception in Nebraska s road win at Pittsburgh. A key component of a unit that ranked second in the Big 12 Conference in rush defense while allowing only yards/game, Thomas notched 38 tackles in 11 games, including 10 starts. Thomas earned a starting defensive end spot during 2003 spring practice and played in all 13 games with 10 starts. He finished the season with a career-best 42 tackles, including 18 solo stops. He had five tackles for loss, including two for 17 yards against Texas A&M, when he recorded a seven-yard sack. Thomas also forced a fumble in the game, part of Nebraska's school-record eight takeaways against the Aggies. Thomas tied for second on the team in quarterback hurries with 11 pressures. He had two hurries in each of Nebraska's first two games, and capped the regular season with a career-high three hurries at Colorado. He also had a pair of pass breakups against the Buffs and made a tackle for loss. An East Palo Alto, Calif., native, Thomas chose to sit out the 2002 season as a redshirt one season after playing in 10 games as a reserve left rush end, primarily in pass-rushing situations. He recorded five tackles for loss (29 yards) in 2001, including a 24-yard sack of Iowa State s Seneca Wallace. Thomas had three tackles at Baylor, including two tackles for loss, and added a quarterback hurry against the Bears. He did not play in the Rose Bowl. Thomas was one of four true freshmen to play for the Huskers in 2000, appearing in six games. He recorded two tackles, including a five-yard TFL against Kansas. He also saw action in the 2000 Alamo Bowl. He graduated in May of 2005 with a degree in communication studies / / Redshirt / / Totals 40/ Alamo Bowl vs. Northwestern: Tackles, none 2003 Alamo Bowl vs. Michigan State: Tackles, 1 UT, 0 AT, 1 TT, 1 QB Hurry Tackles 7 at Southern Miss, 2003; vs. Kansas State, 2003; vs. Missouri, 2004 Solo Tackles 3, four times Tackles for Loss 3-16 vs. Missouri, 2004 Sacks vs. Missouri, 2004 QB Hurries 5 at Pittsburgh, 2004 Passes Broken Up 2 at Colorado, 2003 Benard Thomas led the Husker Blackshirts with four sacks as a senior in The East Palo Alto, Calif., native finished his NU career with 22 tackles for loss, including 11 tackles for loss as a senior.

9 Kiffin Wigert Wide Receiver Two Letters Cheyenne, Wyo. (Central) Big 12 Commissioner s Fall Academic Kiffin Wigert was one of several Husker wide receivers who competed for playing time during the first season of Nebraska s West Coast Offense in He played in a reserve role at Z receiver and saw action in the season finale against Colorado. The Cheyenne, Wyo., native played a total of four games during both his sophomore and junior seasons, but did not record a reception. He did not see game action in 2001, and he redshirted in 2000 after walking on to the Husker program. Wigert was named to the Big 12 Commissioner s for the first time in the fall of He graduated with a degree in business administration in May of Ben Zajicek Wide Receiver Three Letters Beatrice, Neb. (Beatrice) 3 4Three-Time Brook Berringer Citizenship Team (2003, 2004, 2005) 4Four-Time Big 12 Commissioner s Fall Academic (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004) 4Three-Time Big 12 Commissioner s Spring Academic (2003, 2004, 2005) Ben Zajicek saw limited time as a reserve wide receiver in the first year of Head Coach Bill Callahan s West Coast Offense after contributing early in his career. The Beatrice, Neb., native appeared in the 2004 season opener against Western Illinois, but did not record a reception. Zajicek saw action against Southern Miss, Texas A&M and Iowa State as a junior following an injury-plagued 2002 season in which he played six contests. Zajicek was an early contributor for the Huskers, as he played in all but one game of the 2001 as a redshirt freshman, including the Rose Bowl. He had one rush for minus-four yards at Kansas and one assisted tackle against TCU. A valuable member of NU s special teams unit that season, he also partially blocked a punt against Kansas. Zajicek was a regular volunteer in the community while at Nebraska, and he was named to his third straight Brook Berringer Citizenship Team in Also a solid student, he earned his degree in community health education in May of Josh Bullocks Free Safety Three Letters Chattanooga, Tenn. (Hixson) 20 4Second-round NFL Draft pick by New Orleans Saints (40th overall selection) Second-Team All Big 12 (Coaches) Honorable-Mention All-Big 12 (Associated Press) Jim Thorpe Award Watch List Lott Award Watch List Walter Camp Award Watch List Nebraska Team Captain Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalist First-Team All-American (The Sporting News) First-Team All-Big 12 (AP, Coaches, Dallas Morning News, KC Star, FW Star-Telegram) 4Nebraska and Big 12 Conference Records for Interceptions in a Season (10) 4Second Nationally in Interceptions per Game (0.77 pg) Midseason All-American (SI.com) Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week (Iowa State) 4NU Special Teams Captain (Texas, 2003) Josh Bullocks distinguished himself as one of the top defensive backs in the history of Nebraska football after taking over as the Huskers starting free safety midway through his freshman season. He was selected in the third round of April s 2005 NFL Draft with the 40th overall seclection by the New Orleans Saints. Bullocks owns several lofty rankings in NU s record books. He sits second all-time on the NU career interception chart with 13 picks, finishing only behind former Husker Dana Stephenson ( ), who had 14. He smashed the school s single-season interception record in 2003 when he recorded a nation-leading 10 takeaways. The previous standard was seven. The Chattanooga, Tenn., native continued to add to his impressive resume with an All-Big 12 junior season in He ranked third overall on the NU defense, and first among defensive backs, with a career-high 63 tackles, while he added seven pass breakups, two tackles for loss and two interceptions. He notched a personal-best 12 tackles in the season finale against Colorado,while he snagged two interceptions against Missouri and Pittsburgh, when he tied a career best with two pass breakups. Bullocks also served as one of four team captains during his junior season. He was one of three Huskers, along with Joe Dailey and Ross Pilkington, to become the first non-seniors to serve as team captains since before former NU coach Bob Devaney s arrival in Bullocks first earned national recognition with his award-winning sophomore season in He helped anchor one of the NCAA s top defenses, a unit that led the country with 32 interceptions and ranked second with 47 total takeaways. Bullocks 10 picks tied for the nation s lead while setting the school record. The individual total was more than four Big 12 teams and tied with a fifth. The opportunistic Blackshirt defense allowed Nebraska to lead the nation in turnover margin at per contest. Bullocks was also a key figure in a pass defense that limited opponents to just yards per game through the air and finished first nationally in pass efficiency defense (88.66) and 11th in total defense. He was named a first-team All-American by the Sporting News for his efforts and was a semi-finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, which is given annually to the top college defensive back. After beginning his redshirt freshman season listed at No. 3 on the depth chart, Josh s playing time increased after his twin brother, Daniel, suffered an ankle injury and Philip Bland shifted to rover. He started five of the season s final seven games and officially became the starter before the Texas game. Bullocks finished the season with 48 tackles, including 26 solo stops, while he broke up three passes and recorded his only interception against Texas with a 19-yard return. Bullocks showed a nose for the football by also causing a fumble (Oklahoma State) and recovering a fumble (Kansas State). In addition to his nine-tackle effort against Ole Miss in the Independence Bowl, he had seven tackles, including five solos, against McNeese State, and made five tackles in four other games.

10 2001 Redshirt / / / Totals 37/ Independence Bowl vs. Ole Miss: Tackles, 5 UT, 4 AT, 9 TT 2003 Alamo Bowl vs. Michigan State: Tackles, 3 UT, 0 AT, 3 TT; 2 PBU, 2 QB Hurries Tackles 12 vs. Colorado, 2004 Solo Tackles 7 vs. Oklahoma, 2004 Interceptions 2 vs. Oklahoma State, 2003 Pass Breakups 2 vs. Penn St., 2003; vs. Michigan St., 2003 Alamo Bowl; vs. Pittsburgh, 2004 Interception Returns , total; 2002, 1-19; 2003, ; 2004, 2-38 Long Interception Return 41 yards vs. Southern Miss, 2003; vs. Kansas State, 2003 Touchdowns 26-yard blocked punt return vs. Iowa State, 2003 Fabian Washington Cornerback Three Letters Bradenton, Fla. (Bayshore) 3 4First-Round NFL Draft Pick by Oakland Raiders (23rd overall selection) Second-Team All-Big 12 (Austin American-Statesman) Honorable-Mention All-Big 12 (AP, Coaches) Third-Team All-Big 12 (Coaches) Honorable-Mention All-Big 12 (AP) Honorable-Mention All-Big 12 (Coaches) Second-Team Freshman All-American (The Sporting News) 4Nebraska Freshman Record for PBU (13 in 2002) and Interceptions in a Season (Four in 2002) First-Team Freshman All-Big 12 (The Sporting News) interception of the season, had two breakups and added a quarterback hurry. Washington emerged as a playmaker as a true freshman, setting NU freshman records for pass breakups (13) and interceptions (4) in His play earned him second-team freshman All-America honors from The Sporting News. He also earned honorable-mention All-Big 12 honors from the conference coaches. Washington played in 13 games with 11 starts, including the final nine games as Nebraska's top left cornerback. He returned his four interceptions a total of 35 yards, including a 29-yard interception return for a touchdown in his Nebraska debut against Arizona State, when he also had a pair of pass breakups. Washington made 49 tackles on the season, including 34 solo stops and finished the season with five games with five or more tackles. He picked off two passes at Iowa State, and added four tackles and forced a fumble in the game. The performance against ISU moved him into the starting lineup. He made six tackles and recovered a fumble at Oklahoma State, followed by seven tackles and a season-high three pass breakups at Texas A&M. He capped his rookie campaign with a season-high eight stops, including six solos, against Ole Miss in the Independence Bowl. He also had two breakups against the Rebels, the fourth time in 2002 that he broke up two or more passes. Washington was one of five true freshmen to play for Nebraska in 2002, but was the only defender in the group / / / Totals 37/ Interception Returns: total; , 29-yard TD vs. ASU, 2002; in 2003; 3-23, Independence Bowl vs. Ole Miss: Tackles, 6 UT, 2 AT, 8 TT, 2 PBU, FC 2003 Alamo Bowl vs. Michigan State: Tackles, none; INT, 1-0; 1 PBU Tackles 11 vs. Oklahoma State, 2003 Solo Tackles 8 vs. Oklahoma State, 2003 Tackles for Loss 2-3 vs. Penn State, 2003 Passes Broken Up 6 vs. Kansas, 2004 Interceptions 2-6 at Iowa State, 2002 Long Interception Return 19 yards vs. Pittsburgh, 2004 Fabian Washington became an elite talent in the defensive backfield while at Nebraska, and established himself as one of the top cover men in the Big 12 during his three seasons. He appeared in every game while at NU, including starting in 35 of the Huskers 37 games at left cornerback. Washington was selected by the Oakland Raiders with the 23rd overall pick in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft to become the highest-drafted Husker since Grant Wistrom and Jason Peter each were among the top 15 selections in Washington solidified his name in Nebraska s record books with an All-Big 12- caliber junior season in He moved into a tie for fourth place on the all-time career pass breakup list with former Husker Erwin Swiney (38), and jumped to third on the career interception chart (11). Washington recorded 15 pass breakups in 2004, just two off of DeJuan Groce s 2000 record of 17. His six PBU s against Kansas were just one shy of the school s single-game mark set by Ralph Brown in Washington tied a career high by registering three tackles for loss, and he led all cornerbacks with 41 tackles. The Bradenton, Fla., native was a key component of one of the nation s best defenses as a sophomore. The unit led the country with 32 interceptions and ranked second with 47 total takeaways in Nebraska led the nation in turnover margin at per contest, while the pass defense finished first nationally in pass efficiency defense (88.66). Washington started all 13 games at left corner and made 55 tackles, including 36 solos. His 10 pass breakups led the team and his four interceptions tied for second behind Josh Bullocks' school-record 10 picks. He opened the year with a career-high 11 tackles in Nebraska's 17-7 win over Oklahoma State. He helped limit OSU All-American Rashaun Woods to just five catches for 47 yards. Washington had a dominant game in an victory over Penn State, with a team-high nine tackles, including a pair of tackles for loss. He nabbed his first