McPherson Plans to Make Impact in Loaded Secondary

By Matt Smith
He doesn’t have a twin brother like Josh and Daniel Bullocks. He didn’t start as a true freshman like cornerback Fabian Washington. He doesn’t rank as one of Nebraska’s career interception leaders like Josh Bullocks and Washington.

Maybe those are the reasons that Lornell McPherson may be considered the forgotten man in a Nebraska secondary that ranked among the best in the nation last year and could be even better in 2004.

McPherson joins All-America free safety Josh Bullocks, twin brother and strong safety Daniel Bullocks, and Washington, who was listed as the preseason No. 1 cornerback in the Big 12 Conference by The Sporting News, in a talent-laden NU secondary.

Although he doesn’t grab the attention or acclaim some of his own teammates enjoy, McPherson is not worried about seeing his name in headlines. He wants to see himself in the starting lineup helping the Huskers battle for a Big 12 title.

"It means a lot to have a Blackshirt," McPherson said. "It takes a lot of heart and dedication to get one, and I’m proud I have one."

Entering his senior season, the 5-9, 180-pounder out of Omaha Central High School is listed No. 1 at right cornerback on the depth chart opposite of Washington.

McPherson’s status as a starter at cornerback may be considered a step up from his standing as NU’s No. 1 nickel last season, when he started two games and wore a coveted Blackshirt in practice. Despite the minor change in status, McPherson said he plans to approach this season the same way as last year.

"I feel like I’ve always felt," McPherson said. "I approach the game with the same type of confidence and the same type of mindset that I always have."

After three successful years on the field for the Huskers, McPherson’s mindset has worked just fine for the Blackshirts. During his career, McPherson has appeared in 38 games with nine starts. He also owns six career interceptions, including four picks a year ago. Along with his big interception numbers, McPherson has added an impressive seven tackles for loss and a pair of quarterback sacks.

Although McPherson may not be considered a headliner in Nebraska’s secondary, he has earned several honors since making his own splash as a redshirt freshman.

McPherson captured fourth-team freshman All-America honors from The Sporting News in 2001, after making three starts and picking off a pair of passes while breaking up six more to help the Huskers to an appearance in the Bowl Championship Series National Championship Game in the 2002 Rose Bowl.

After erupting onto the scene in NU’s secondary as a redshirt freshman, McPherson had a quiet sophomore season with limited playing time as he battled injuries throughout the season. He made a career-high four starts, but recorded no interceptions or pass breakups and made just 17 tackles, exactly half of his tackle total during the 2003 season.

"Waiting for my time to come was frustrating," McPherson said. "But I figured as long as I could get out on the field and contribute, that was all that really mattered. Not everyone can always be a starter, and it’s something almost everyone has to deal with at some point."

McPherson is not ready to settle for just being a starter this season. He also wants to be a leader of a defense that has plans of leading Nebraska to its 36th consecutive bowl game.

"I bring a lot of patience and a lot of character to the team," McPherson said. "I’m going to play with all my heart and give it everything I’ve got and try and keep everybody riled up."

If McPherson produces a similar season to last year, he may even get to enjoy a little bit more time in the spotlight.