Playing nickel back in the Big 12 is arguably the most demanding defensive assignment in college football — lined up over the slot receiver, nickel backs have to provide run support, defend against screen passes, and make sure that those slot receivers don’t beat them deep, especially on run-pass options.
For PJ Locke III, the demands of playing nickel back didn’t truly catch up to him until last season.
The 6’0, 205-pounder took over the position in 2016 after moving from safety and experienced significant success for the Texas Longhorns — in addition to two interceptions, Locke broke up six passes and had two tackles for loss.