Isaac Gifford preparing to thrive in year two of Tony White’s system
Nebraska safety Isaac Gifford prepares to line up before a play in the first quarter against Minnesota Thursday August 31, 2023 at Huntington Bank Stadium. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
INDIANAPOLIS — If there’s a Husker that would love nothing more than to get the program back to a winning season, it’s definitely Isaac Gifford, and for many reasons.
After all, the veteran safety is a Lincoln native, his brother Luke is a former Husker, and he grew up a Nebraska fan his entire life. Which is why the program, tradition and the University as a whole means more to Gifford. Whenever he puts on on the scarlet and cream uniform, along with the helmet, Gifford is representing his team, family and hometown.
Over the past two seasons he has been a very productive defender, with 156 tackles. However, Tony White’s 3-3-5 scheme seems to bring out the best in Gifford. He even led the Huskers in tackles during his first year in White’s system. Now Gifford is feeling more comfortable in year two, and is spreading his wings as a defender.
“I think I’ve come a long way from where I was four years ago, and I can’t wait to build on top of it,” Gifford said. “Now that I know the system like the back of my hand, I can just build on what I did last year.”
From stuffing the run, to dropping back in coverage to defend the pass, Gifford is quickly molding himself into a complete defensive back. The six-foot-one, 205-pounder looked up to former Husker great LaVonte David as an adolescent, and prides himself on physicality.
No doubt Gifford considers himself one of the generals in Nebraska’s secondary. He finds himself guiding the youngsters as the Huskers approach fall camp. The secondary as a whole is a mixture of veterans, and young talent, so Gifford likes the balance. Gifford’s teammates respect him as a leader, and when he talks they listen.
Having the opportunity to earn a Blackshirt this fall is one of the main reasons Gifford chose to be a Husker. It’s one of his favorite traditions, and represents hard work and team unity.
“It means the world, growing up in Nebraska I watched a lot of people come through the University, and earn that Blackshirt,” he said. “So it’s always been a dream of mine, and means everything to me.”
Nebraska finished 11th nationally in total defense last season, and Gifford believes this year’s unit can be even better. Everyone wants to cause more turnovers on defense, put the offense in great situations and most importantly, win games.
The new 18-team, Big Ten is going to present some new challenges, and the Huskers will have a slimmer margin for error. Gifford and his teammates will be going up against some high-flying offenses this fall, including Ohio State, USC, and Colorado. Gifford is confident the Blackshirts will be ready though, and they know how to make adjustments.
“My IQ has gotten so much better in the five years that I’ve been here,” the 23-year old said. “Just being able to know the offense, knowing what’s coming has been big for me.”
Gifford had a bunch of bright moments in 2023, that showed he’s due for an All-Big Ten caliber campaign. The former three-star prospect made eight solo stops at Colorado, picked off a pass in the victory over Louisiana Tech, and left a lasting impression with a season-high, 11 tackles against Iowa. Gifford feels he’s just cracking the surface. Nothing matters to him if he can’t help the Huskers end their bowl drought.
“That’s my main goal for everything, since I’ve been here it’s to get Nebraska back to the place where everybody respected the N, so that’s ultimately my goal, and that’s what we’re going to get done.”
