Defensive coordinator Bob Diaco agrees. While he sees the Blackshirt tradition as an exciting one, he also believes there has to be a bigger goal from it. He hopes all
16 defensive players who were awarded one will grow from it.
“
If their goal was to get a shirt, then we’re going to have a learning curve,” Diaco said. “If their goal was to take on the responsibility and accountability of defending the hopes and dreams of the team, the university and the state, that’s super exciting.”
Diaco is the first to say he appreciates the Blackshirt tradition. In his opinion, it’s one of the more special traditions in college football.
But now Diaco hopes Weber, Barry and the others awarded a Blackshirt work to uphold it.
“
It’s the beginning of a process,” Diaco said. “
It’s the beginning of a responsibility and accountability to work, habits, leadership, strain, pain.”