I’ll answer your first question in part by deflecting you to a decent article on the History of the Blackshirts. To summarize, Blackshirts are awarded to the starting defensive units at Nebraska. The term was a result of the starting defensive unit wearing black pullover jerseys in practices back in the early 1960’s. Apparently this made it easier for the coaches to decipher who was starting on defense and made the practices more efficient.

In laymen terms, the Blackshirt is an identity, a mood; it is something to strive for – because it is only given to the starting defensive unit every year – unless we aren’t living up to expectations like in 2007 when the team said, “no more Blackshirts until we play like a Blackshirt!”

When the Nebraska defense did well in the glory years of the 90’s the Blackshirts were feared across the country and created very high expectations of what it means to be a Blackshirt. What I am getting at is that the Blackshirts expect to dominate every team they play. During the 90’s they ranked in the top 10 in all four major defensive categories on four occasions creating big shoes to try and fill. Nowadays the Blackshirts are a treasured tradition for Nebraska fans.

As my signature says, my roots are in Denver and my branches in Nebraska, means that I was born in Colorado – Fort Collins to be specific (so I have a soft spot for the Rams) and within two weeks moved to the Aurora/Denver area. My father’s side of the family were huge Bronco fans and they happily shoved (not passed) the torch down my throat. Every Christmas and every birthday meant more Bronco gear… and then Nuggets gear… and then Rockies gear… and then Avalanche gear…. you get the idea.

My family moved to Nebraska about the same time I began elementary school and fans here are as rabid about their Huskers as Coloradans are rabid about their Broncos. Needless to say my backyard football games growing up consisted of idolizing John Elway on offense and being a Blackshirt on defense (ya know, back when college teams could really play pro teams… who knew?) When the 90’s arrived I was playing high school football at the same time Nebraska was winning their 3 national championships. Considering the timing, who wouldn’t want to emulate what Nebraska was doing? On top of that, being in Lincoln, our high school offense was eerily similar to what Nebraska ran back then – the triple option all day every day.

I really couldn’t ask for two more respected and envied programs to have the pleasure of being a fan of. I know many Coloradans may not appreciate it (and I wish had more time to delve into the theory), but throughout the years there have been many parallels that can be drawn between the two programs. Personally, I am thankful for that. Actually, here is a link to my first post on MHR that you may find interesting.

Look at this… you got me rambling and I haven’t even addressed Mr. Swift. I hope you didn’t mind. Swift is yet another intelligent, hard working team captain that has talent – and according to Yosemite Sam’s article that is exactly what McDaniels is looking for.

Swift was a four year starter who took advantage of the new west coast system that Callahan brought with him breaking many receiving records – relatively speaking this was not a very difficult thing to do at Nebraska considering our dependence on the run until recently.

Okay, with that said, he does have skills and is versatile. He runs crisp routes, has a high football IQ, outstanding hands, and very elusive speed and quickness (for a white guy, lol). He is able to return punts and was the guy Nebraska counted on when our returners suddenly had issues fielding punts. He was initially put in there to just catch the ball without fumbling it or letting it roll 20 more yards down field and he ended up showing he could return the ball too. He had an 88 yard punt return for a touchdown against Virginia Tech who is known for their special teams. He was also used on kick coverage teams. Here is a link to Swift’s biography on the husker.com web site.

He will most definitely add competition to the position, but considering all the depth I am hesitant to suggest that he will make the team. He would be a great possession receiver that could contribute on special teams as well. If McDaniels wants rookies that can come in, learn the playbook and correct mistakes the FIRST time – Swift will catch McDaniels’ eye.

Lastly, if I were asked to compare him to one NFL player it would have to be Ed McCaffrey.