When looking for leaders on the Nebraska football team's defense, one need look no further than Vincent Shavers Jr. That was made official earlier this week when he was handed one of the single-digit jerseys by head coach Matt Rhule.
It's not just that Shavers is a leader. He's also someone who new defensive coordinator John Butler sees as typifying the Blackshirts. Butler talked a bit about that earlier this summer when he met with the Big Ten Network.
Vincent Shavers Jr. earns single-digit as John Butler defines Nebraska football's Blackshirts’ physical identity
“I think the identity of the Blackshirts has always got to start with just an incredible level of physicality. It just has to be, right?” Butler said about his new Nebraska football defensive squad. "It’s the only defense, really in the country, that has their own nickname. So if you’re going to have nickname, you better be some bada---. You better be physical. That better be your identity."
Speaking earlier this week, Shavers believes Butler has taught him what he needs to know to be that kind of tough for the Huskers this coming season. He'll be able to show that in several different roles. Butler has all sorts of plans for the young linebacker.
"I feel great with the role. Playing sideline to sideline, blitzing me a lot," Shavers said Tuesday. "So I feel like that's a nice role to make a lot of plays this year for my team and for my brothers on the defense."
Shavers also thinks fans will see a better player from last year. And that would be the improvement, considering he was pretty good as a freshman.
"I feel like I’m a better player than last year, I’ve learned a lot. Experience-wise from last year, mistakes I made in a game last year, I learned from them. Watching film, I got better at watching my keys, that played a big role."
Shavers also knows how important it is that he's earned the right to wear a single-digit jersey. Last year, he was No. 1, and this year, he'll don No. 9 for the Huskers.
"I am thankful to be held to that standard. I am just ready to play football," the budding Nebraska football star said. "I could wear any number, I just wanna ball. I've been working hard and putting in extra work. It made me feel good that they have that confidence in me. They are pushing me to a different standard."