Dillard Goes to Giants in Fourth Round; Browns Draft Asante

Nebraska linebacker Phillip Dillard and safety Larry Asante got the calls they have been waiting for on Saturday with both players being selected in the National Football League Draft. Dillard was selected in the fourth round by the New York Giants, while Asante was a fifth-round selection of the Cleveland Browns.

Dillard was the 17th pick of the fifth round and the 115th overall selection in the draft. The 6-1, 240-pound Dillard enjoyed an outstanding senior season, finishing second on the Nebraska defense with 83 tackles, including 11 tackles for loss and three sacks. Dillard was at his best in Big 12 play, registering at least five tackles in each of the season's final eight games, including five games with at least eight tackles. His 7.8 tackles per game in conference play ranked ninth in the Big 12.

Dillard's play helped Nebraska lead the nation in scoring defense and pass efficiency defense, while also ranking in the top 10 in total defense, rushing defense and sacks. Dillard was a second-team All-Big 12 selection for his outstanding effort as a senior. He was also named the winner of the prestigious Tom Novak Award, given annually to a Cornhusker senior who overcomes difficult circumstances to succeed. Dillard suffered season-ending injuries twice during his Nebraska career, with both his 2006 and 2008 seasons cut short.

Cleveland made Asante the 29th pick of the fifth round and the 160th overall selection. The 6-1, 215-pound Asante was a three-year starter for the Nebraska defense and finished with 224 career tackles, the fourth most in school history by a defensive back.

Asante recorded 79 tackles in his senior season and was among the team leaders with seven pass breakups. He also caused two fumbles and had a pair of interceptions, including a 74-yard interception return for a touchdown against Louisiana-Lafayette. Asante was a first-team All-Big 12 pick as a senior by the Big 12's coaches, while he was an honorable-mention pick both as a sophomore and a junior.

Asante and Dillard join defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh as Cornhuskers who have been selected in the 2010 Draft. Suh was the No. 2 overall selection in the first round by the Detroit Lions on Thursday night. This selection of Suh, Dillard and Asant gives Nebraska at least three players drafted for the 41st consecutive season.

Nebraska continues to be one of college football's leaders in placing players into the National Football League. Since the inception of the Big 12 Conference, Nebraska leads the league with 65 players selected in the NFL Draft. Among that group, 43 have been defensive players, bettering any other Big 12 school.