Virginia Tech Game is a Homecoming for Huskers? Leading Tackler

Larry Asante not only leads Nebraska in tackles after two games, but also in finding tickets on the road.

The senior safety went into a serious search mode last spring, knowing that the Huskers would be going to Blacksburg, Va., to face Virginia Tech.

Thanks to connections on the East Coast and in the Midwest, 33 of Asante's family and close friends will be cheering for him Saturday when the Huskers try to avenge last year's 35-30 loss to the Hokies.

Asante, who came to Nebraska via Coffeyville Community College - the same school that sent Heisman Trophy winner Mike Rozier to the Huskers - had 145 tackles in 2007 and 2008 and has 15 more in the first two games of '09.

Earlier in the week, Nebraska Secondary Coach Marvin Sanders wondered if Asante might be facing too many distractions in Saturday's  "homecoming" where he will face off against several Virginia Tech players he's known personally since high school.

Sanders soon saw that would not be the case. Asante shut off interviews early in the week and indicated after Thursday's practice that his focus was squarely on the team's needs, even though he appreciates all of those who are following him to Blacksburg.

Highlights of Asante's Thursday video interview are available on Huskers.com. The full 7 ½-minute interview can be seen on HuskersNside.