It is perhaps the most feared tradition in college football. Nebraska Cornhusker players becoming transformed into a single word...."Blackshirts"

The Blackshirt legend started back in 1962 when then Husker coach Bob Devaney wanted to make it easier to identify his defensive players during practices. He sent an assistant coach out to a local sporting goods store to fetch jerseys for the men. Unable to get a enough jerseys of one color to outfit the entire squad, the decision was made to give the first string players the black ones, the second team players a gold jersey and so on. From those humble equipment shortage beginnings, the term "Blackshirt" has come to signify players that have earned the right to claim first string status on a defense that has become the dominate force in college football over the years.

The tradition continues in 2000. Fourteen current Husker defenders have been selected by the coaching staff as deserving of the honor, including three players who are earning their first-ever Blackshirt.

Defensive backs Keyuo Craver, Erwin Swiney, DeJuan Groce, Clint Finley, Dion Booker and Joe Walker, linebacker Carlos Polk, rush end Kyle Vanden Bosch and tackles Loran Kaiser, Jeremy Slechta and Jason Lohr are all retaining the Blackshirts they earned in 1999. Sophomore rush end Demoine Adams, sophomore strongside linebacker Scott Shanle and junior weakside linebacker Randy Stella have also joined the ranks.

Shanle is battling for a starting linebacker spot this year. In 1999 he saw action in all 12 games, mostly as a member of the special teams units. Adams and Stella both saw action in 11 games last year and both contributed four unassisted tackles.

The Blackshirt jerseys were handed out by Husker Defensive Coordinator Craig Bohl on Monday.

One other Husker player received recognition this week, but of a more national type. I-Back Dan Alexander was announced as one of 35 candidates for the Doak Walker Award, given annually to the nation's best running back.

Alexander rushed for 865 yards and eight touchdowns as a junior in 1999, helping the Huskers to a 12-1 record and a Big 12 title. In the Fiesta Bowl, the Wentzville, Mo., native ran for a game-high 108 yards and a score in Nebraska's 31-21 victory over Tennessee. Alexander, who started both at I-back and fullback during the year, has 1,302 career yards and an average of almost six yards per carry during his collegiate career.

Eight semi finalists will be announced on November 8, and the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will ultimately vote on the winner in late November. The winner will be announced December 7th.