The Blackshirt tradition is one of college football’s best. The starting defensive players earn the right to wear the black jerseys in practice like the legends of the Osborne era did.

For some, it’s another pat on the back. For others like Nebraska native Jack Gangwish, who walked on at Nebraska after graduating from tiny Wood River High School, it’s a truly powerful moment.

He’ll begin the season as a starter for the first time and look to replace Randy Gregory.

See Gangwish and his teammates react here: