Deshon Singleton returned to Nebraska to leave a legacy under Matt Rhule, and in Vegas he spelled out what that looks like—no freebies, no big plays, and an edge the defense can carry every Saturday. Hurrdat Sports’ Avarie Howard caught up with Nebraska defensive back at Big Ten Media Days.
Here’s a transcript of the conversation.
Q: Coach Rhule wanted me to ask… how was the octopus at dinner last night?
A: [Laughs] It was smooth. I liked it.
Q: You and Coach Rhule have a pretty special relationship, and it’s part of why you came back. What makes that connection important?
A: He wants the best for me. When you’ve got a coach like that, you want to go all-out for him. I want to leave a legacy at Nebraska—and I love winning.
Q: When you say “legacy,” what does that mean to you?
A: That I gave everything I had—no cutting corners. All in.
Q: Looking at last year, where does this defense take the next step?
A: I want us to be dominant. I don’t want anybody scoring on us—start to finish.
Q: Coaches keep emphasizing eliminating big plays. How do you make that the standard?
A: It’s doing the simple things right—no missed tackles, no missed assignments. That comes from film study and practice habits. We’ve got dogs on this team, and I’m excited.
Q: What makes this defensive room feel different?
A: The chemistry. We want the same things—be great, reach the league, do things for our families nobody’s done before. We come from different places, but that pulls us together.
Q: You’ve got a new position coach in John Butler. How’s the transition?
A: I’m comfortable. Nothing new for me—we’ve just got to go perform. Coach Butler and Coach Eddie have been special. I’m excited to see what we do.
Q: Dylan said the expectation is a national championship. Where’s that confidence come from?
A: Why not have it? If you don’t have confidence, you’re already beat. I want to be around guys who want it as bad as I do.
Q: What are you most excited for when you’re back in Memorial Stadium?
A: The fans. I want that place rocking. I’m challenging the fans—let’s make the stadium shake
DeShon Singleton (8) and Isaac Gifford tackles Northern Iowa Panther running back Tye Edwards. Photo John S. Peterson.
