DeShon Singleton taking over as the alpha of Huskers’ secondary

Nebraska’s senior safety is coming off a breakout season after finishing second on the team in tackles, and he’s making it a priority that the secondary performs at a high level this fall.

DeShon Singleton’s journey is inspirational, considering he started out in the Juco ranks, and emerged from the shadows to be one of the Huskers’ top defenders. Although the Blackshirts lost Isaac Gifford, who was the team’s leading tackler in 2024, and a general in the secondary, Singleton is taking over as the alpha of the defensive backs.

He embraces what comes with the territory too, including responsibility and accountability. With teammates like cornerback Malcolm Hartzog and fellow safety Marques Buford Jr., helping him guide the younger defensive backs in fall camp, Singleton believes the unit has a high ceiling for this upcoming season.

“I’m taking more of a leadership role because obviously me, Buford and Malcolm been there the longest, so being a leader and creating an example for the younger guys, and we’re all trying to be great,” Singleton said. “We trying to push each other to get to the next level, and be the best secondary in the country.”

The Blackshirts will be operating under first-year Defensive Coordinator John Butler, but Singleton feels the transition is going smooth. After all, Butler led the defensive backs last season, so in Singleton’s mind there hasn’t been much of a learning curve.

“It’s been smooth because he (Butler) was my DB coach, so I already knew his philosophy and what he wanted,” he said. “His move to Defensive Coordinator is all the same thing, it’s just different terminology now.”

Despite Nebraska ranking 65th nationally in pass defense last year, Singleton is confident that the Blackshirts are making strides. especially in the secondary. There’s value at cornerback and safety, and everyone wants to be a ballhawk.

Singleton posted 71 stops last year, and even picked off a pass in the victory over Wisconsin. Hartzog is a productive tackler, and led the team with four interceptions. Buford’s versatility is noteworthy after starting seven games at cornerback, five at safety and breaking up five passes. Singleton anticipates the secondary will be a team strength, which will be vital with a schedule full of game-breaking wide receivers.

His 6-foot-3, 210-pound frame is ideal when it comes to stopping the run, being a staple out in coverage, physical, and he takes pride in being aggressive. Singleton is also a student of the game, who likes to watch NFL safeties like Derwin James and Tyrann Mathieu, and applies their qualities to his everyday routine in practice.

“I don’t really mold my game after anyone, because at the end of the day I’m DeShon,” the Louisiana native said. “I just like to take certain things from certain safeties.”

He’s not taking anything for granted, especially after missing the final seven games of the 2023 season with an injury. Bouncing back was huge for his confidence though, and Singleton put together some impressive performances in Big Ten play. He posted a career-high, 10 tackles at Ohio State. Not to mention he generated eight solo stop against UCLA.

Now Singleton is trying to strengthen his mental aspect of the game, which is a constant grind. There’ll be times of adversity, including missed tackles or a breakdown in coverage, so Singleton wants to give the right response whenever struggles transpire. It’s also his message to the younger defensive backs everyday in practice.

“Just stay consistent in your process by working on your craft daily, because this not a side job or none of that, so work on your craft daily if you want to get what you want to get.”