LINCOLN, NEB. ? For the first three weeks of spring practice, the plan was for Nebraska to have an experienced defensive back to complement DeJuan Groce at cornerback.

Two torn ligaments in Willie Amos’ knee have changed those plans. With one practice and Saturday’s Red-White game remaining in the spring season, several players have two final chances to establish themselves as the top prospect at left cornerback.

“We have some players who are working hard and have some potential and so we’ll just work around it,” secondary coach George Darlington said Wednesday. “We just have to determine who the people are going to be that are playing, what techniques within the coverage concept gives them the best opportunity to be successful and then go from there.”

The candidates include sophomore Lornell McPherson and junior Pat Ricketts, who both played in every game last fall.

Junior college transfer Rodney Burgess is healthy after missing most of last season with a shoulder injury. Incoming freshman Fabian Washington has also been mentioned as someone who could compete when fall camp opens.