The first few battles that defensive back Jonathan Rose had with receiver Alonzo Moore left him with an unfavorable opinion of the guy he now calls one of his best friends.
Rose, a transfer from Auburn, had just joined the Nebraska program. He was redshirting, trying to make a good impression.
Moore was new, too. Also redshirting, he had the same objective.
At least in Rose’s mind, though, Moore was winning too many of those on-field battles.
“It was kind of rough at first because I don’t like getting beat,” Rose said. “This fast Louisiana guy blows past me and makes me change up my whole game.”
Rose did adjust. Two years later, the junior from Leeds, Alabama, has a chance to start at cornerback for the Huskers. He’s competing with junior Daniel Davie for the spot opposite senior Josh Mitchell.
Moore isn’t doing too badly himself. The sophomore from Winnfield, Louisiana, has bounced back from offseason shoulder surgery and is taking practice reps with the first-team offense. He had six catches last season, but could be in store for a breakout year.
