« Football 2011

Jared Crick

School
Nebraska
Position
Defensive Tackle
Major
History

Classroom

Crick graduated in August with a degree in history, needing only four years to complete his undergraduate work. He has been a member of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll during his time at Nebraska.

Character

Crick, a possible first-round prospect, turned down the 2011 NFL draft to return to school, finish his degree and play as a senior. He is one of the leaders in the program, for his work ethic in the classroom and on the field. Nebraska does not appoint season captains until the conclusion of the season (game captains during the year), but Crick will likely be one of those captains chosen by his teammates and coaches.

Community

Crick has been active in Nebraska’s Life Skills program and has been a two-time member of the Brook Berringer Citizenship Team for his efforts. Some of his activities have included making hospital visits, reading at elementary schools, visiting with World War II veterans, and speaking at churches.

Competition

Crick is one of the nation’s top defensive linemen and a consensus preseason All-American. He was the preseason Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year by a vote of the media. Crick was a two-time first-team all-conference performer (2009-10) and earned second-team AP All-America honors in 2010 when he had 70 tackles, including 17 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks. If he earns first-team all-conference honors after this season, he would be only the 22nd Husker in more than 100 years of football to be a three-time first-team selection. Crick already holds school single-game records for sacks (5) and tackles for loss (7) and is eighth on Nebraska’s career sack list at 19 entering his senior year. He needs 10.5 to tie the school career record.