Defensive tackle Barry Cryer made the most of his only season as a starter for the Blackshirt defense in 2006. Cryer did an outstanding job of controlling the line of scrimmage, allowing the Nebraska defensive ends and linebackers the opportunity to make plays. Cryer started all 14 games and completed his two-year Husker career in the Cotton Bowl.

As a senior, Cryer recorded 31 tackles, and his 10 tackles for loss ranked third on the team behind all-conference defensive ends Adam Carriker and Jay Moore. He added 2.5 sacks for 18 yards in losses, and had at least one tackle for loss in eight games. He helped the Husker defense rank in the top 30 nationally in scoring defense.

Cryer began a five-game stretch with at least one tackle for loss with a half-sack against Troy. A week later, Cryer opened conference play with a career-high seven tackles, including a pair of tackles for loss, in NU’s overtime victory over Kansas. He added four tackles, including a nine-yard sack, at Iowa State. In Nebraska’s narrow loss to Texas, Cryer had a five-yard sack in the fourth quarter and forced a Colt McCoy fumble on the play.

Cryer capped the regular season with an impressive effort against Oklahoma in the Big 12 Championship Game. He recorded four total tackles, including two tackles for seven yards in losses, as Nebraska held Oklahoma to just 42 yards rushing, 82 yards fewer than the Sooners’ previous season low. He finished with two tackles in the Cotton Bowl against Auburn. Cryer also played a key role on a kick block unit that produced two blocked PATs and a crucial blocked field goal at Texas A&M.