LINCOLN — No aspect of Nebraska's blocking scheme should surprise Arkansas State's star defensive end.

Alex Carrington is used to the extra attention.

The 6-foot-5, 285-pound lineman spent his junior season developing new ways to beat tackles and deal with those pesky running backs and tight ends who often dive for his legs instead of engaging him up high.

It'll be the same story against the Huskers on Saturday, Carrington said.

“Oh yeah, I'm expecting to see everything,” he said. “I'm thinking outside the box here, not taking anything away from them.”

But Carrington is embracing the challenge.

He recorded 19 tackles for losses and 10½ sacks last year despite drawing special attention from offenses. And this year opponents will be even more aware of Carrington, who's considered by many experts as a first-day selection in the NFL draft.

Double and triple teams are coming Carrington's way. And he knows it.

“As a competitor, you have to expect things like that and still fight through it,” Carrington said. “You're getting double-teamed ... you have to step up and make more plays.”

Much of the time, though, the opponents who preoccupied themselves with Carrington ended up getting burned by his line teammates last year.

Carrington had three tackles, all past the line of scrimmage, during the Red Wolves' 18-14 win over Texas A&M. But tackle Khari Mays had a sack and a forced fumble that day, while fellow lineman Bryan Hall recorded five tackles and a sack.

In a 35-0 loss to Alabama, Carrington picked up two tackles. But Hall found some openings, recording five tackles and combining on a sack with end Stanley Wakwe. Lineman Greg McCall also had a sack.

That's what makes the Red Wolves' defensive front so tough, Husker assistant coach Barney Cotton said. The talent starts with Carrington but continues down the line.

Referring to Carrington, Cotton said: “He's absolutely as good as just about any Big 12 end that we'll play against. They've also got a d-tackle that is certainly in that category as well. (Hall) is a real quality d-tackle. ... This Arkansas State d-line is certainly a Big 12 caliber d-line.”

For Arkansas State to slow Nebraska, Carrington knows he has to cause some disruption.

That was one of his points of emphasis all offseason. Carrington worked on the technical aspects of his game, such as hand placement or recognizing visual keys. He didn't make any drastic changes, just a few tweaks.

“The small details, that's the difference between a tackle for loss and no tackle at all,” Carrington said.

And ASU coach Steve Roberts said the Red Wolves need Carrington to make those plays in the backfield. When Carrington is involved, Roberts said, it increases the chances that Arkansas State will win.

“There's no question about that. He needs to have a very productive day for us,” Roberts said. “He needs to be productive stopping the run and rushing the passer.”

Contact the writer:

402-473-9585, jon.nyatawa@owh.com

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