David Santos started 19 games at linebacker for the Huskers over the past three seasons. He won't be starting anymore.
Nebraska head coach Mike Riley announced Thursday that Santos, along with safety LeRoy Alexander and wideout Jariah Tolbert, would be leaving the program. Alexander and Tolbert will transfer, while Santos was described as no longer with the program.
The loss of Santos is a big one for the Huskers defense. He was set to be the most experienced linebacker on a defense that could use all the help it can get after last season's less-than-stellar performances and the loss of playmakers like Randy Gregory and Josh Mitchell. Santos started eight games last season, finishing sixth on the team with 50 tackles. He started 10 games as a redshirt sophomore in 2013, second on the team that year with 87 tackles.
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Alexander was suspended for the entirety of last season by former head coach Bo Pelini, though he was expected to compete for playing time in the secondary as a redshirt junior.
Tolbert has four years of eligibility left after redshirting during his first year with the program last season.