Dagunduro should be a force for the Huskers in ‘06

By Timothy Williams  |   Thursday, March 16, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Nebraska Cornhuskers
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Last January as an incoming junior, Ola Dagunduro spent his first few weeks as a Cornhusker trying to adjust to the winter weather in Nebraska.

The Inglewood, California native quickly showed he was all business after receiving the teams, "Finisher Award", for his all-out effort during spring practice. He followed that up in August by earning one of the coveted "Blackshirt" practice jerseys, which are traditionally awarded to the team's defensive starters. Dagunduro's on the field effort during the 2005 season showed that the awards and recognition were well deserved for the defensive tackle.

Brought in from Compton Community College as a part of the 2005 recruiting class as an early enrollee, Dagunduro was able to join the team in time for winter conditioning and he never looked back. At 6'2", 300lbs and under the tutelage of defensive line coach John Blake, he solidified his role as the teams top reserve defensive tackle. Seeing time in all twelve games, Dagunduro immediately relieved the pressure that had been placed on seniors LeKevin Smith and Titus Adams, while undoubtedly playing a major role in the resurgence of the Nebraska defensive front in 2005.

2006 brings a new role - and new responsibilities - for Dagunduro. With Smith and Adams leaving due to graduation, defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove will look to Dagunduro to step in as a full-time starter this season. Dagunduro, along with potential All-American defensive end Adam Carriker, will form the core of Nebraska's strongest defensive unit this year.

With a full season of on-the-field experience and two years of coaching from Blake, Dagunduro looks to take full advantage of the opportunities presented to him in his senior season. His explosiveness and raw strength have led many observers to label Dagunduro as one of the most talented defensive tackles to play at Nebraska in several years. While time will only tell what sort of legacy Dagunduro will leave behind when he departs Lincoln, it's safe to say that Nebraska Cornhuskers fans will have plenty to look forward to from this talented defensive tackle in 2006.
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