LINCOLN — Nebraska added another member to its 2010 recruiting class, the fifth commitment since Saturday's 10-3 home win against Oklahoma.

Chase Harper, a 6-foot-4, 235-pound tight end, made an oral commitment to the Huskers on Tuesday, according to multiple recruiting services.

He's the 16th recruit to make a non-binding pledge to the 2010 class, but the first tight end.

Harper redshirted before playing his freshman season at Navarro Junior College this fall, so he'll join the NU program with three years of eligibility. He's rated as a four-star player by rivals.com and a three-star recruit by scout.com.

Since Saturday's prime-time win over the Sooners, Nebraska has received oral commitments from defensive tackle Jay Guy, cornerback Joshua Mitchell and defensive end Tobi Okuyemi.

Jake Cotton, son of NU assistant Barney Cotton, announced his decision to join Nebraska on Monday, though the Lincoln Southeast lineman said he accepted the Husker scholarship offer about a month ago.

West's play earns him a Blackshirt

Junior Anthony West, demoted about a month ago, has earned a Blackshirt.

The former starting cornerback lost his first-team spot when sophomore Alfonzo Dennard stepped in for him against Louisiana-Lafayette on Sept. 26. West has began games on the bench ever since.

But as Dennard's been dealing with a sprained shoulder, West has played some valuable minutes. He replaced Dennard for nearly the entire game against Baylor and finished Saturday's Oklahoma win after Dennard left with about three minutes left.

Defensive coordinator Carl Pelini said the staff wanted to reward West for his contributions.

“We tell our guys either you're a 1 or you're playing at the level of a 1,” Pelini said. “When Anthony takes the field, there's not letdown, there's no dropoff. And we're very comfortable with him in there. He earned it.”

Focus still key for Husker defense

Unflappable focus is key to Nebraka's recent success on defense, Pelini said.

Nebraska has allowed just 22 points in its last three games, despite an inconsistent and turnover-plagued offensive unit that's often put its defense in difficult situations.

Pelini said the NU defenders haven't had many lapses in concentration, something that had hurt them at times early in the season.

“I think we're a pretty good defense and we can execute pretty well, but we have to stay focused every play,” Pelini said. “That type of consistency is what we're after, and that's what we had Saturday. We've got to continue to get that.”

Reesing still a threat, despite struggles

Despite his recent struggles, Kansas senior quarterback Todd Reesing is still capable of causing problems for the NU defense, especially if he's allowed time to create, Pelini said.

Reesing has committed 10 turnovers in his last four games, but the experienced quarterback has shown an ability to make plays on the perimeter, according to Pelini. And he said the Jayhawk receivers are talented enough to find openings.

Pelini said his defensive unit had better be ready to defend Reesing as a runner.

“He's very effective when he's out and moving,” Pelini said. “That's the scariest part with him as a quarterback. He's a good pocket passer, but he's an exceptional guy when he gets out and breaks contain on the rush.”

Suh makes another honor list

Senior defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh was named one of eight semifinalists for the Lott Trophy.

That honor is awarded to the nation's top defensive player for his impact on and off the field.

Fellow Big 12 defensive linemen Gerald McCoy from Oklahoma and Sam Acho from Texas are also on the semifinal list.

The four finalists will be announced Nov. 24. The award will be presented Dec. 13.

— Jon Nyatawa

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