#4 Lavonte David
Sr • LB • 6-1 • 220 lbs
| Hometown: | Miami, Fla. |
| Previous School: | Fort Scott (Kan.) CC Northwestern H.S. |
Phil Steele's Preseason All Conference Picks
As far as preseason selection go, guessing which players will garner the top honors by the end of the year may be the toughest picks. Phil Steele is known for his methodical predictions and meticulous statistics of teams and their final standings. Selecting preseason all conference teams can only be …
Draft Recap for Huskers
Bo Pelini has again coached defensive players with professional football potential into high NFL draft picks. Highlighted by defensive tackle Jared Crick and linebacker Lavonte David, the draft class also included corner Alfonzo Dennard who slipped because of off-field troubles and offensive tackle Marcel Jones who was mentioned as a …
The Importance of a Strong Start
As outlined yesterday, the Big Ten has released the ABC/ESPN/ESPN2 prime time schedule for the 2012 conference and non-conference game. While none of the Husker non-conference opponents apparently warranted a prime time slot, three of the first four conference opponents will be 7 PM games. There are clearly some benefits …
Profiles in Slobberknocking: Meet Daimion Stafford
Profiles in Slobberknocking was a series we dreamt up last spring to help while away the offseason. Seeing as how the Huskers are all on spring break sunning themselves (or something) this week, now seemed like the perfect time to revive it. Unlike previous iterations, we're not even going very …
Experience and Preparation Make LBs Ready
In Bo Pelini's first four years as coach, Lavonte David is the only linebacker to have led the team in tackles for a season, and he did it two years in a row totaling 285 in the process. In Pelini's first three years, there has been one stand out linebacker …
Three players worth watching this spring
It’s officially bigger, faster, stronger, smarter, better season. Across the country, every coach, when prodded, will tell you that every player is at least one of the above five things and usually a combination of two or more. What else are they going to say? This is particularly true of …
Spring Critical for Player Development
The Nebraska football team started Spring practices today, even as the recent firing of NU Basketball Coach Doc Sadler dominated local sport headlines. (Aside: It's odd to consider that this is one of the very few times that basketball has overshadowed any sort of football news.) Over the next month, …
Bo Pelini and the Signs of Spring
Yesterday, Steve had some questions that would be nice to see Bo Pelini answer as opposed to his (any any coach's) habit of evading real answers when presented with straightforward question. Surprisingly, there was plenty of real answers to real questions during the first official spring conference between Pelini and …
Questions for Bo Pelini
<font size="2">Today marks a press conference for Bo Pelini to help launch spring practices. We may get to hear some of his thoughts on Terry Joseph, the move of running back Braylon Heard to cornerback, and maybe an update on the injuries to defensive tackles Chase Rome and Kevin Williams. But what …
Will NU's Front Four be Special?
<font size="2">It's hard to recall many defenses that have been outstanding without a good front four. Teams that can create pressure on a quarterback without blitzing have a clear numbers advantage in coverage. As long as that front is also sound in their run responsibilities, then the recipe is there …
Recruiting Round Table Wrap Up
Now that the initial excitement of Signing Day 2012 has ended and most of the over-reactions (both good and bad) have been expressed, it seems like the right time to revisit the Huskers' results with fresh eyes. Thankfully, here at BRN we have a variety of contributors and perspectives. So, …
Seisay Signs Letter of Intent
<font size="2">It came as little surprise that one day after Mohammed Seisay announced that he would come to Nebraska that he signed his letter of intent. Still, given how often signing day defections can occur, Husker fans have to be pleased that he inked his name. It's hard to underestimate …
Talking Recruiting with Big Red Report
The regular season is over. The bowl games are more than a month away. But things are not slow in Husker world. It's a hot time for recruiting. Coaches are on the road making in-home visits to prospects as NU tries to gain momentum in assembling their 2012 recruiting class. …
All-Big Ten Teams Testament to NU Walk-On Program
<font size="2">When the All-Big Ten teams were announced, it was no surprise to see Butkus finalist Lavonte David, cornerback extraordinaire Alfonzo Dennard, and workhorse/Superman Rex Burkhead honored as first team selections. Given his performances this season, it was also no shock to see walk-on kicker/punter Brett Maher receive top honors …
David, Dennard Star on Senior Day
Rex Burkhead's record-breaking performance captured most of the headlines after Nebraska's 20-7 win over Iowa on Friday. But, Nebraska's defense was every bit as impressive. That group was led by two seniors - Lavonte David and Alfonzo Dennard - who delivered excellent performances on senior day. As the regular season …
On Expectations
<font size="2">They say that those who don't learn from history may be doomed to repeat it. Four years into the Bo Pelini head coaching era at Nebraska, you fear that it could happen again. Former NU Athletic Director Steve Pederson was most frequently chosen as "Enemy of the State" in …
Huskers Explode in Second Half in Unforgettable Win Over Ohio State
<font size="2">Nebraska fans have waited a lifetime to watch their team beat Ohio State. In the only two meetings between the schools more than 50 years ago, the Buckeyes won both contests. OSU looked well on its way to a third win leading 27-6. Then Lavonte David came up with …
Nebraska's Special Teams Advantage
Wisconsin is a favorite in Saturday's game with Nebraska (the line is at 9.5, for those of you playing along at home). So, a Nebraska victory would be considered a pretty significant upset. There is a certain recipe for pulling off an upset, particularly on the road. One important ingredient …
Battling Wisconsin's Big Boys
Wisconsin has an excellent offense. They lead the Big Ten in total offense and scoring offense. Watching them, it is easy to notice that they have two great running backs - Montee Ball and James White. Their highly-regarded transfer quarterback, Russell Wilson, has been every bit as good as advertised. Wide receiver …
Decoding Coach Speak: "They Made a Lot of Mistakes"
In his weekly press conference, Bo Pelini pulled few punches. He said his team, particularly his defense, needed to execute better. His comment about his linebacking corps - "they made some plays, they made a lot of mistakes" - raised some eyebrows considering how the NU linebackers filled the stat …
Huskers Top Chattanooga, 40-7
Taylor Martinez rushed for 135 yards and three touchdowns and added 116 yards passing to help lead Nebraska past FCS division foe Chattanooga, 40-7. First-time starter Brett Maher booted four field goals and defensive end Cameron Meredith had two sacks and an interception to power the Huskers past the Mocs. …
Position Battle Buzz - Defense
There's no actual depth chart on the horizon so lets take a couple of minutes for round two of the annual August parlor game: Guessing the depth chart. We won't know anything for sure until Sept. 3 but here's my take on what's happened so far this fall. …
Three Concerns for Nebraska Entering the 2011 Season
Little more than a week remains before the start of the 2011 football season. Nebraska has wrapped their fall camp and will soon begin preparations for their first opponent. It's the right time to assess the potential pitfalls and problems that may plague NU if they don't get them fixed. …
Crick, David make conference watch list
Nebraska's defense is definitely getting some respect from its new neighbors. Seniors Jared Crick and Lavonte David were among 12 players selected by a media panel to the Big Ten's inaugural Players to Watch list on Thursday. The list replaces the traditional preseason all-conference list.
Many Huskers Worth Watching
Preseason watch lists are curious things. In one sense, they offer little value because the game outcomes and player production for a season mean much more than any preseason hype. But, college football is an odd sport in that preseason perception does play a part in the eventual outcome. Like it or …
An Offense That Is Just Good Enough
To see the high expectations of the Husker Defense in 2011, one need not look further than a stack of college football preview magazines. They are astronomical. Pre-season national and conference watch lists have Seniors like Jared Crick, Alfonzo Dennard, and Lavonte David leading the way, along with a bevy …
Five Great Players for 2011
Former Husker linebacker and Wisconsin head coach Barry Alvarez once shared his theory that to win a national championship you don't need 22 great players. You just need five and the rest just need to be really good. We've made it something of a tradition to look at Nebraska's roster …
Handicapping the Spring Game
<span lang="">Since Bo Pelini returned to Nebraska, the spring game has become a competitive contest. By splitting the talent, Nebraska's head coach has kept things from becoming too one-sided. Even so, it's often been clear which team had an advantage. This season's contest might be the toughest to call yet.</span> …
What To Watch For Saturday
Tens of thousands of Nebraska fans will be watching the Husker's annual spring game this Saturday. While it won't be on television, scads more will listen on the radio and digest every bit of information they can from news reports. What should the fans inside Memorial stadium direct their attention? Well, other …
Does the Big 10 Run the Ball More, Better or More Better than Everyone Else?
In the mind's eye the Big 10 is the Chevy truck commercial of conferences. Big, brawny, and bruising with John Cougar Mellencamp providing the music in the background. Each play from scrimmage is the idealized image of a crane dropping a load of iron beams into the bed of Silverado. …
Huskers Loading Up on Linebackers?
There's been a fair amount of speculation about whether Nebraska would need to abandon the peso defense to handle some of the power rushing attacks in the Big Ten. If the Huskers were to go to a more traditional 4-3 defensive front, then perhaps the additional linebacker could help stuff …
2011 Defensive Line Could Be Memorable
If there's one component of your football team that you'd like to see be strong, it's the defensive line. It's hard to remember seeing a bad defense with a dominant defensive line. It's comparable to starting pitching in baseball. It keeps you in every game. And Nebraska appears to have …
Crick's Return Should Continue Dominating Defense
Bo and Carl Pelini have had a penchant developing great defensive linemen into 1st round draftworthy NFL linemen. From Bo mentoring Tyson Jackson and Glenn Dorsey to Carl's development of Ndamukong Suh (and now likely Jared Crick), the Pelini brothers are going to be known for their ability to churn …
Bo's Best Defense?
In the past two seasons, Nebraska fans have been treated to two tremendous defenses. In 2009, it was led by Ndamukong Suh and a front four that collapsed the pocket quickly, ending plays before they could begin. In 2010, it was a secondary that made completing passes seem downright futile. …
Running Game Should Determine Holiday Bowl Victor
<font size="3">With an NFL prospect at quarterback like Jake Locker, you'd think the game between Washington and Nebraska would be about passing. In reality it's probably going to be about running. How well does Nebraska run the ball? How well do the Huskers stop Chris Polk, Callier, and Locker from running? …
Bowl Week Buzz
It is game week for the last time of the season for the Huskers. Bowl week is always filled with the interesting possibilities of who is staying versus who might be going to the NFL draft. Injuries have had time to heal with the extra weeks of practice and rest …
The Importance of All-Americans
By now you have probably already heard that two Huskers have been named to the Associated Press All-America team this year. Both Prince Amukamara and Alex Henery received this honor. Jared Crick and LaVonte David were both named to the 2nd team and Eric Hagg was listed on the 3rd team. …
All-Big 12 Selections Tell a Larger Story
The Big 12 announced it's all-conference team and it's annual award winners. Nebraska players hauled in a number of accolades - the most in more than a decade. These awards are another solid indicator that NU is indeed on an upswing as a program. They also underscore the reputation that coach …
LaVonte David Having a Special Season
<div> This August, before the season began, the sports writers and fans following Husker football had a pretty good idea of who the the defensive stars might be. Jared Crick and Prince Amukamara graced the covers of magazines and were the subject of significant buzz. Both have played very well. But …
Pelini gives a little tough love to Husker fans
I guess now we know what it's like to be Lavonte David. Following David's Nebraska debut against Western Kentucky, a game where he more than doubled any other defender's output with 13 tackles, Pelini's only comment on his performance was that the "linebacker made a lot of mistakes." Nebraska fans, …
Demorrio Williams the Hybrid Template for Lavonte David
Bo Pelini's stint as the Husker's defensive coordinator in 2003 did more than just endear the coach to the state of Nebraska, it gave him the opportunity to work with one of the schools most dynamic linebackers in recent history. Under the tutelage of Pelini, Demorrio Williams was able to …
Defense Struggles in Husker Win
<font size="3">You'd take any win in a road game against an undefeated team, be it 10-9 or 71-70. But that painful familiar feeling returned for Husker fans that they hadn't had since 2008 or 2007. That is, the helpless feeling of watching your opponent drive the length of the field, …
Huskers Trounce Cats in Series Finale
<font size="3">The jersey said number three, but you'd swear it was a seven as Taylor Martinez did his best Eric Crouch impression in the last meeting with Kansas State for the Huskers. Or maybe it was Scott Frost? Nebraska rolled up 450 rushing yards and 136 passing yards on their …
Rumors of the Blackshirts' demise have been greatly exaggerated
While Taylor "Tatts" Martinez--I promise you I'll never call him T-Magic--dazzled everyone wearing red on Saturday with his feats and feet of Crouchian proportions, the new "5X Improved!" Blackshirts seemed to get a collective "meh" from most. Where was the ferocious, throat-ripping attack dog of a defense we remembered from …
Taylor Martinez Starts as Huskers Top Hilltoppers
<font size="2">When Bo Pelini said this week that he'd decline to name a starting quarterback to avoid a "media circus" it seemed a bit of a clue. After all, if returning starter Zac Lee were named the top QB, why would there be any hysteria? It took just three plays …
Linebacker Depth Becoming an Issue
It has been a rather injury-filled preseason camp for Nebraska. Before yesterday, NU had lost four players thought to be contributors in 2010, including an offensive lineman (Mike Smith) a linebacker (Sean Fisher), a tight end (Dreu Young) and a cornerback (Anthony Blue). The list appears to have grown by one …
Fisher Injury Affects Depth of Young LB Squad
The majority of the off season discussions about the defense has centered on the defensive line stepping up to fill in Ndamukong Suh's void and the secondary's amazing athletic abilities. With the emergence of the Peso position, Linebackers were short a spot to compete for as the base set now includes …
Questions that Matter: How Will NU Replace the Middle of its Defense?
Season preview articles typically include a run down of the depth chart or a listing of key contributors. Often, they take the form of a unit-by-unit review of the team (Headline: NU is deep at cornerback!). At Big Red Network we get tired of reading that kind of thing. We suspect …
Updated Roster Provides New Information
Fans never get to know everything that people in the Athletic Department do, and that's probably a good thing. But from time to time, they tip their hand a bit and provide some new insights on the team. When Huskers.com updated their bios and roster, it gave some clues about some …
Spring Themes: New Crop of Linebackers
With Nebraska's spring practices just days away, we're addressing the themes of this spring - the big picture items to be keeping track of as you sift through daily practice updates. I already addressed the burgeoning quarterback battle. Now, it is time to turn our attention to the defense. Everybody knows …
- First-Team All-American (Rivals.com, CBSSports.com, 2010)
- Second-Team All-American (AP, SI.com, 2010)
- Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year (Kansas City Star, 2010)
- Big 12 Newcomer of the Year (Coaches, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2010)
- Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year (AP, Dallas Morning News, San Antonio Express-News, 2010)
- First-Team All-Big 12 (Unanimous, 2010)
- Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week (Oct. 7 at Kansas State, 2010)
- Nebraska Defensive MVP (2010)
- Preseason All-American (Athlon, 1st Team; Lindy's, Sporting News, Phil Steele, 2nd Team, 2011)