And if it's that true, we are going to see something really special in the Husker secondary.

The problem is that it's not getting any easier to tell Josh and Daniel Bullocks apart.

Just when we were starting to figure out ways to correctly identify the sophomore safeties from Chattanooga, Tenn. -- their teammates say they can tell by the shapes of their heads -- the Husker coaches had to go and give Daniel a Blackshirt on Friday.

Now both Bullocks have that piece of practice attire in their lockers.

"I'm proud of them boys," said Husker senior linebacker Demorrio Williams. "Last year, they should have been on the field more. Ifeel like they weren't on the field enough. Now, they're taking advantage of their chance to be on the field."

Daniel Bullocks, who has taken over the strong safety position in the absence of injured junior Philip Bland, does have a little catching up to do in one category.

Josh Bullocks, NU's starting free safety, got his seventh interception of the season Saturday in a 48-12 victory over Texas A&M.;

It was one of many gifts received by the Huskers -- there were eight in all -- but as A&M;'s first turnover, it appeared to be a fatal momentum-shifter for the Aggies.

The play gave Josh a share of the school record for interceptions in a season, and the Huskers have five regular-season games remaining.

The guy is the drive stopper. He is NU's Terminator, although, unlike Arnold Schwarzenegger, he doesn't make passes. He stops them.

The man is stealing everything -- except the spotlight.

Josh is as quiet as they come, unless you count Daniel, who doesn't say much but is fond of saying, "You know what I'm saying?"

Here's what Husker secondary coach Marvin Sanders is saying about the play of both Bullocks in 2003.

Sanders on Josh: "I don't want the interceptions to overshadow how well he's playing overall. He's put pressure on the quarterback. He made some great tackles in this game."

Sanders on Daniel:"Daniel Bullocks has really stepped up in Phil's absence. Everyone felt (giving him a Blackshirt) was the right thing to do."

Daniel Bullocks had five tackles Saturday, but his biggest contribution came in the third quarter when he caused and recovered a fumble by A&M;'s Derek Farmer.

"It was a great feeling as a coach to see a young man take pride in something like that," said Sanders, referring to Daniel's first game as a Blackshirt. "He came out and had a great game."

Josh had four tackles against the Aggies while handling all the supervisory duties that come with being a free safety.

"He's got to recognize the offensive set, go through his mind and figure out the tendencies the offense has shown in those formations," Sanders said. "And he has to analyze all of that in a quick span. He's done a great job of doing that."

When did Sanders know Josh had arrived as a big-time d-back? The moment came during a preseason practice two months ago when a Husker quarterback threw a pass much like the one Josh picked off in the first quarter Saturday.

The 6-foot-1 safety went up and snatched the ball with one hand.

"It was unbelievable," Daniel said.

It was a great play but not enough to satisfy Sanders.

"Ithought, `I'm going to run it again and put him in a different defense and run that same play and see if he reacts the same,'" Sanders said. "Boom, he found the ball. That was the turning point, I think."

According to Husker linebacker Barrett Ruud, "Josh is one of those guys who never screws up his assignment."

As good as Josh's season has been, it doesn't get any better than seeing your twin brother get a black NU practice jersey, a symbol of defensive excellence that is unique to the Husker program.

"I was very proud of him," Josh said. "He knew I was very proud of him. It felt really good. Now we're both pretty much on the same level."

Except for that interception deal, where Josh's older brother (by one minute) now trails 7-0.

An illegal participation foul cost Daniel a chance to get one Saturday.

"Ihad one," he said, "but it was taken away from me with too many men on the field. Next game, I'll be looking for one."

Defensive end Titus Adams, who scored on an interception against the Aggies, will be rooting for Daniel to get his first soon.

"As much success as his brother has been having, it might be kind of hard," Adams said.

If there's any jealousy there, it sure didn't show Saturday. Josh and Daniel shared the microphone in the post-game interview session and left the room side-by-side. It was like one, big, happy Doublemint commercial.

They're sharing in each other's success as well as the praise that comes with it.

Daniel said it's not uncommon for someone to come up and congratulate him on all the interceptions this season.

"Iget that all the time," Daniel said. "They think I'm Josh all the time. We're used to it.

"Sometimes I'll play along. Sometimes Iwon't."

Double trouble, to be sure.

Reach John Mabry at 473-7320 or jmabry@journalstar.com.