LINCOLN — It's easy to see that Nebraska defensive coordinator Carl Pelini is being pulled two ways with Eric Hagg.
The Huskers have this little matter of needing to replace both starting safeties, Larry Asante and Matt O'Hanlon.
And Hagg would probably be a good fit.
The Huskers also need a good nickel back in their defense, because Pelini estimates that NU had a fifth defensive back on the field about 90 percent of the time last season.
And Hagg has been filling that role pretty well the past two years.
“That's all something we've got 15 practices to figure out,'' Pelini said. “I don't think we have any preconceptions there. We're going to look at all kinds of different mixtures and just find that chemistry we had last year.''
Understand any hesitancy to pull Hagg from his old role.
The senior-to-be from suburban Phoenix made 40 tackles (seven for losses) and intercepted four passes last season. He was good at what he did at what Pelini calls a difficult position to play.
“So even if he turned into your best safety, then you've still got to find a guy who can play that nickel role who is kind of a quasi-linebacker/defensive back,'' Pelini said. “Somebody physical enough to play the run, but fast enough to go out and cover a receiver, perhaps. Or be physical on a tight end in man coverage.
“It's a hard hybrid position to play and he can.''
Pelini said Nebraska has other options at safety as it heads into practice Wednesday. P.J. Smith and Austin Cassidy will get looks. So will Rickey Thenarse, but the senior is coming off major knee surgery.
“I know the coaches kind of talked about moving Eric Hagg back there because obviously he's a pretty good player, and physically probably suited better for the safety position,'' O'Hanlon said. “But he's also a really good nickel, and it would probably be hard to replace him at that spot.''
DeJon Gomes likely would be a nickel option after serving as the sixth defensive back in dime packages last season. Several backups at cornerback also would be eager for the chance, and NU has developed depth at that spot.
“That's going to be a challenge for our staff to put that puzzle together and find out how you can get your best guys on the field and be your most effective secondary,'' Pelini said. “But we're deep there, and that's good. So you've got to find out Gomes' role and Hagg's role and who's going to step up at safety.''
Asante started three seasons at safety. O'Hanlon held his spot for two.
In Asante's eyes, head coach Bo Pelini and the Huskers will find the right answer.
“They'll do great,'' said Asante, projected as a mid-round NFL draft pick. “Matter of fact, I think they'll do better because every year coach Bo (Pelini) just gives you more tools to work with. So I think those guys will be well off, and I don't think they'll miss a beat.''
Contact the writer:
444-1042, rich.kaipust@owh.com
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