Scott Frost has always thought Husker alternative jerseys were missing something – mainly that skull and crossbones logo.

"I've honestly been thinking about this a long time, way before I was the coach at Nebraska," Frost said. "I've seen a lot of alternative uniforms at Nebraska but I haven't seen one specifically for the Blackshirts."

So you bet Nebraska's second-year head coach had a big say in those black alternate uniforms that were released to the public eye last week. No date has been announced for when the Huskers will wear those uniforms this year, which feature the Blackshirt logo that has long been synonymous around here with the practice jerseys worn by starters on defense.

But based off Frost's comments, expect those uniforms to remain a constant while he's around. In fact, expect to see the Blackshirts represented even more in their game wardrobe. Away from Memorial Stadium too.

"I guess I can spill the beans," Frost said after Friday's practice. "I think by next year, hopefully, we have a home and away version of this. And down the road, I'd like to see it be a tradition that if the defense has a great game and holds an opponent under so many points that they earn the right to wear Blackshirts (uniforms) the next week. I think that would be another source of pride for our defense."

Frost doesn't expect the Huskers to start such a tradition this year, but wanted to get the uniforms broken in at least once this 2019 season and make sure the kids like them. "But I'd like to see that happen while I'm the coach here."

The Huskers defense is banking on making some major improvements in Year 2 under coordinator Erik Chinander. They'll need to climb from a group that ranked 75th last year in average-yards-per-play allowed (5.81) and 88th in scoring defense (31.3 points per game). Nebraska also struggled to stop the run, giving up 5.0 yards per rush, and it has been one of the leading focuses all offseason.

Frost does believe defenders have been gaining a better grasp of what the Blackshirts tradition signifies, and how much current players are representing not just themselves but those who wore the uniform before them. Nebraska coaches have even brought in former players to speak about what it means, including Chris and Chad Kelsay at a recent practice.

"I think the big step for us to understand it was having Jason (Peter) and Grant (Wistrom) in last year, and seeing the passion and toughness that they still exuded 20-some years later when they're both old men and broken and crippled," Frost said with a jesting jab at his old teammates. "More than understanding it better, I think they're embodying it more right now. I'm excited for that group because they look entirely different than they did a year ago. Now we still got to play like we've been practicing."