Nebraska Football's DeShon Singleton Being Put in 'Best Positions' Under John Butler

DeShon Singleton was ready for another opportunity to play for Nebraska football despite announcing his intention to move forward with his career after the 2024 season.

"The turning point for me is I sat down, talked about it with my family," Singleton said during his Tuesday press conference. "I feel like God blessed with me with another opportunity that just came out of nowhere. I mean, you have to take it so I just took that opportunity."

Singleton aims to use his opportunity to rebuild a Nebraska defense that had several key players graduate or move on from the program after the 2024 season. Singleton said it took "about two weeks" after the Big Red's Pinstripe Bowl game to determine he would return to Lincoln.

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) catches a touchdown pass as Nebraska Cornhuskers — Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate catches a touchdown pass as DeShon Singleton defends during the first quarter of the Buckeyes' 21-17 win last season. | Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

Singleton added that he returned to Nebraska to "develop and become a better player" but said he wanted to help the Huskers "go win a National Championship." Those lofty goals may have been stifled by defensive coordinator Tony White's departure to Florida State. However, the senior defensive back said he was not concerned about the defense missing a beat.

"I just know what he wants at the end of the day," Singleton said of Butler. "He wants his guys to play fast, physical, and make the play at the end of the day."

Singleton continued his praise of his new defensive coordinator and former defensive backs coach, adding that Butler helped him "learn the game" and widen his image of the game.

Nebraska defensive coordinator John Butler meets with the media after the fifth spring practice of 2025. | Kaleb Henry

"He put confidence in me to go out there and make the plays I need to make. He expects a standard from me," Singleton said of Butler.

Singleton added that he's been "moving around a little bit" in Butler's defense, saying that he is being put in "the best positions to use" his skillset. He said there could be more opportunities to play closer to the line of scrimmage.

"You might see me blitz some plays. You might see me in the B-path, in the post, playing man. There's a lot of different things," Singleton said.

DeShon Singleton pursues Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins during the second half of the Buckeyes' 21-17 win. — DeShon Singleton pursues Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins during the second half of the Buckeyes' 21-17 win last season. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Singleton said that he "loves playing safety" and that there's "different types of safeties." The senior returned from a season-ending injury in 2023 to start all 13 games for the Blackshirts in 2024, recording a career-high 71 tackles, ranking second on the team. He added a career-high three pass breakups, one interception and one fumble recovery.

Singelton is taking advantage of the NCAA's blanket waiver for athletes who attended a non-NCAA school to remain eligible for the 2025 season. He spent his first collegiate season in 2021 at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas.

Hear Singleton's full comments from Tuesday's session below.

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