Big shoes to fill.

[n.e.husker]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/cory_mccartney/08/23/big-holes-to-fill/index.html?eref=sihp&sct=hp_t11_a2

Nebraska
Who's gone: CB Prince Amukamara

Who's next: Losing a lockdown corner would cripple most teams, but the Cornhuskers can rely on the fact that they have another in preseason All-America Alfonzo Dennard. Figuring out who will play alongside Dennard is the biggest question mark on a loaded defense.

Junior Antonio Bell, a former wide receiver, is in the mix, along with sophomore Ciante Evans and redshirt freshman Andrew Green. Bell played in eight games last season, mostly on the punt unit, and Bell and Evans took the field in one game each.

Evans made a strong impression in that appearance. Thrust into action when Dennard was injured against Missouri, Evans impressed with four tackles and two key pass breakups. It was just one game, but he thrived under pressure. With Dennard's running mate likely to be tested early and often, that one game should be enough to give Evans the edge.

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/cory_mccartney/08/23/big-holes-to-fill/index.html#ixzz1VyeYHhYT

Could say the same for Hagg, Gomes and Henery.

 

[Haspula]

Dennard's gonna have to step it up this season

 

[NUance]

Coverage might actually be easier for Dennard now that Prince is gone.

 

[HuskerfaninOkieland]

Could say the same for Hagg, Gomes and Henery.

I think his graduating is going to have a huge effect on the team this year. He was vital especially when he was able to pin the opponents so far deep.

 

[Blaze1up]

Biggest fault for DBs was missed tackles or maybe that was just Rickey Thenarse.

 

[HuskerT]

PJ was pretty good at missing tackles too. Hope he's got that figured out or that could be why he's not starting.

 

[Stumpy1]

I think there is a good chance that PJ is our starter along side Cassidy when the season starts.

 

[n.e.husker]

http://www.omaha.com/article/20110822/BIGRED/712159969/-1#q-amp-a-safety-p-j-smith

Q & A with PJ Smith:

World-Herald: How much did getting benched last season bother you?

P.J. Smith: I mean, stuff happens. I just wanted to win. Yeah, I was kind of upset about it. But at the end of the day, it's a game. You have to compete every day to get your spot back.

WH: Did you tend to use that as motivation during the offseason?

PS: I think about it in everything I do. You've got to do something to get better, do something to make it work and get back on the field and playing. I focused on the little things — film, tackling, meeting room, working out, running. All of that played a part for me.

WH: How much does being a backup to end last season play a part in how you've competed during fall camp? Do you feel you can still earn your job back?

PS: We don't have starters right now. We're all going out there and just working. Every position is still open. People assume what it is, but at the end of the day, it's all up to the coaches.