(AP) - Seven Nebraska players have been named "Blackshirts" and awarded the black practice jerseys that traditionally go to defensive starters.

Coach Bo Pelini usually waits until at least the middle of the season to name Blackshirts. Defensive coordinator John Papuchis said Wednesday that some of the veterans deserved the status because of their willingness to help young players, their effort on the practice field and their attitudes in the meeting room.

The Blackshirts are senior defensive lineman Jason Ankrah and Thad Randle, sophomore linebacker David Santos, senior cornerbacks Stanley Jean-Baptiste and Ciante Evans, junior cornerback Josh Mitchell and junior safety Corey Cooper.

Nebraska's defense is known nationally as the Blackshirts. The tradition started in 1962, when Bob Devaney differentiated the defensive starters by putting them in the black practice tops.