LINCOLN — Nebraska offensive tackle Marcel Jones is happy to be healthy again.

The junior-to-be started the first 11 games last season while battling a shoulder problem. He then sat most of the last three with an ankle injury.

Jones said Monday he used the Colorado, Texas and Arizona games as a time to ask questions and watch the game from a different perspective as D.J. Jones started at right tackle.

“That just helps me become a more complete player,'' Marcel Jones said. “I would have really liked to play, but I still try to get the most out of everything, and that's what I could do at the time. And I took advantage of it.''

Linebacker play

Four spring practices haven't been enough for coach Bo Pelini to determine who might be ready to lead at linebacker and play the way Phillip Dillard did finishing last season.

But Pelini does like the list of candidates that includes Will Compton, Eric Martin and Sean Fisher all sophomores who played a decent amount last season either at linebacker or on special teams.

“I like the group as a whole,'' Pelini said. “There's a number of guys who have the opportunity. Guys are practicing well. There's still a lot to be learned. We're still in the initial aspects of installation, so time will tell. There's a long way to go.''

Among others, walk-on Matt Holt is coming back from major knee surgery, and Pelini said the sophomore is bigger at 210 pounds.

“He's got to get the rust off,'' Pelini said, “but I do like his athleticism and some of the things he brings to the table.''

‘Good tempo'

Monday was the Huskers' second session in full pads after the mandatory two without. Pelini said the session on the grass practice fields and inside the Hawks Center included some live work.

“We've had good tempo,'' he said. “We've got a lot done, a lot put in, a lot of good base fundamental work. And I like what I've seen so far.''

Nebraska practices again Wednesday before its Friday and Saturday workouts will be in conjunction with the Huskers' spring coaches clinic. Former Florida State coach Bobby Bowden, a Hall of Fame member, is the featured speaker.

Freshmen progressing

Jay Guy and Chase Rome might have bright futures, but Pelini sees them going through some of the usual freshman hardships right now.

The good part for the two defensive linemen is that both enrolled at NU in January, went through winter conditioning and are getting a jump on others from the 2010 recruiting class.

“They've worked hard,'' Pelini said. “There's a lot of learning to be done, technique and fundamental things that they're hearing and seeing for the first time. But their effort's been good, and they're coming along.''

— Rich Kaipust

« Sports - Big Red Today

Share