Depth Chart Watch 2012 (Strong Safety)

For the next 4 days HuskerCorner.com will be bringing you an in-depth look at each position for the 2012 season. We will break down  who we think is the front runner for the starting position, the player on the front runner’s heels  for the starting spot and a freshman who could make a splash.

Austin Cassidy was one of the better success stories out of Nebraska football in recent memory. The former walk on earned a scholarship and a Blackshirt, then went on to become one of the most consistent players and best tacklers on the Blackshirt defense. Cassidy graduated in 2011, and the Huskers are searching for the next success story to fill Cassidy’s shoes.

The Front Runner

P.J. Smith was once viewed as “the guy” at free safety. Smith played in relief of Larry Asante in the 2009 Holiday Bowl and appeared to be heir apparent to Asante. However, Smith’s tenure as a starter for the Huskers was short-lived, and by the time the Huskers suited up against Missouri in 2010, Courtney Osborne replaced Smith. Osborne, not Smith, got the nod to start the 2011 season, then Daimion Stafford jumped the pair of them on the depth chart. It appears as though the coast is finally clear for Smith to get another shot, but his tackling form is a big question mark with the coaching staff, so his time as a starter could be short-lived once again.

The Number One Contender 

Courtney Osborne started a number of games for Nebraska in the second half of 2010, replacing Rickey Thenarse. However, Osborne lacked exceptional pass coverage and was ultimately replaced by junior college transfer Daimion Stafford. Osborne has the run stopping ability and tackling ability to start, but needs to make up some ground on P.J. Smith, who was Nebraska’s top backup last year. Whatever Osborne had in 2010, for some reason the coaches didn’t see it there in 2011.

Incoming Freshman 

LeRoy Alexander enters Nebraska as an athlete, but coach Bo Pelini says he will start as a defensive back. Last season, Alexander registered 43 tackles, 7 pass breakups and 2 interceptions as a defensive back. While it’s unlikely any freshman has an impact at safety this year, Alexander looks like he could be a long term answer if Pelini doesn’t opt to stick him at cornerback.

Depth Chart Prediction

1. P.J. Smith

2. Courtney Osborne

3. Corey Cooper

By Chris Peters

Contact the writer at ChrisHuskerCorner@gmail.com or on Twitter @_ChrisPeters

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