The long awaited issuance of Blackshirts was big news in Huskerland this week.
But not everyone is celebrating their good fortune. Matt O’Hanlon, for instance. According to NE State Paper, O’Hanlon, despite starting nine games and being fourth on the team in tackles, is still practicing in his red No. 33.
He’s locked in a late-season battle with now-healthy junior Rickey Thenarse for the starting free safety spot, and that battle, according to O’Hanlon and secondary coach Marvin Sanders, is what keeps either player from earning a Blackshirt.
“I’ve worked hard and to not get one, it’s tough,” O’Hanlon said. “I guess it’s for a good reason. Me and Rick still have to compete. I’m sure eventually one of us will get one. They’re trying to motivate us.
“It’s still a competition, and nothing’s clear cut, so we don’t really deserve them.”
The article also points out that O’Hanlon has been singled out for unfair criticism on certain fan message boards. That’s lame. My rule of thumb on that is don’t say it online if you wouldn’t say it to the person’s face.
