Cassidy was one of 25 first-team selections in the University
Division, and one of just four defensive backs honored nationally. A psychology
major, Cassidy carries a 3.88 cumulative grade-point average.
The Lincoln Southwest graduate becomes Nebraska’s
69th all-time first-team academic All-American, and the Huskers’
first since Kurt Mann and Dane Todd were honored in 2005. Cassidy’s honor gives
Nebraska a nation-leading 103 ESPN Academic All-Americans in football when
including second- and third-team choices. As an athletic department, Nebraska
has a nation-best 279 academic All-Americans across all teams and all
sports.
In addition to the first-team academic All-America selection,
Cassidy has received numerous academic honors throughout his career. He is a
two-time ESPN Academic All-District VII selection and a two-time first-team
academic All-Big 12 honoree. He has also been named to the Big 12 Commissioner’s
Academic Honor Roll each of the first six semesters of his college
career.
On the field, Cassidy has moved into a starting role with the
Huskers over the past month. He has 36 tackles this season, and also had a
29-yard interception return for a touchdown at Iowa State. Cassidy has been one
of Nebraska’s special teams leaders each of the past two seasons.
Cassidy originally joined the Nebraska program as a walk-on
before being awarded a scholarship prior to the 2010 season.
Cassidy is one of three first-team members from the Big 12
Conference, joining Texas defensive end Sam Acho and Texas A&M linebacker
Michael Hodges.