Daimion Stafford, FS

03/16/2013 - 2013 Nebraska Pro Day: Daimion Stafford improves 40 time at Nebraska pro day...Daimion Stafford, DB (5-10 1/2, 211 pounds) - Poised to be a late-round selection in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Nebraska safety clocked in a 4.63 and 4.64 in the 40 and went 9-foot-9 in the broad jump. He improved on his 4.69 40 at the combine. - Gil Brandt, NFL.com

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Although not a household name just yet, Stafford could be the best safety in the Big Ten and one of the most underrated defenders in the country.

Although he was forced to play catch-up most of the season, he was a standout defensive back in his first year at the FBS-level in 2011, leading the team in pass break-ups. Stafford was forced to go the JUCO route out of high school and spent two seasons at Chaffey (Calif.) College, combining for 140 tackles and nine interceptions.

Turning down a scholarship offer by Southern Cal, he enrolled in Lincoln last year and quickly established himself as a starter in the secondary. Stafford started 12 games at strong safety and finished third on the team in tackles (80) with 2.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble and a team-high 10 pass break-ups, earning Honorable Mention All-Big Ten honors.

With a full season of experience at Nebraska now under his belt, Huskers' coaches say he is much more advanced mentally and ready to take control of the team's secondary.

Stafford is a smooth athlete with the flexibility and foot speed to accelerate in a flash and blow up plays with his aggressive attitude. He uses his eyes well with the football awareness to break down the action and waste little time making accurate reads in both run and pass coverage. Former Nebraska linebacker Lavonte David was another JUCO transfer and became a second round pick after two seasons in Lincoln. Stafford isn't at the same level as David, but will try and follow that same path.

--Dane Brugler