LINCOLN — Offensive coordinator Shawn Watson offered no explanation Monday for the green jersey worn by quarterback Cody Green as Nebraska practiced at the Hawks Center.
When asked about Green's green jersey as he left the practice field, Watson hardly slowed his step, joking that Green suffered from a “hangnail,” hardly the kind of ailment that would restrict contact in practice.
NU quarterbacks have not worn the traditional green in practice this spring.
Green will be good to go for full contact Saturday in the Red-White game, Watson said.
Offensive linemen Jermarcus Hardrick and Mike Smith missed practice Monday. Their status for Saturday is unknown.
From pitcher to wide receiver
Senior Joe Broekemeier has traveled an unusual road to his position as a reserve receiver.
A former four-sport star from Aurora, Neb., Broekemeier came to NU as a pitcher on baseball scholarship. He suffered shoulder and back problems and missed two seasons before throwing 1023 innings in eight appearances last year.
But his right arm never recovered completely from the injuries.
“I just knew I couldn't do it any more,” Broekemeier said.
So last summer, he decided to try football at the urging of several friends on the team, including quarterback Zac Lee. Broekemeier practiced as a scout-team quarterback in the fall.
During down times, he lobbied graduate assistant Ross Watson for a chance to try receiver. The week of the Oklahoma game, the coach relented.
“I ran by the (defensive backs) and scored a couple touchdowns, “ Broekemeier said, “and he was like, ‘Um, you can stay at that position.'”
Big audience for final practice
Nebraska is down to practices Wednesday and Thursday before its reward comes with the spring game Saturday.
More than 70,000 are expected for the Red-White scrimmage at Memorial Stadium, which defensive tackle Jared Crick admits will be a little more special than the first 14 practices.
“It is,” Crick said. “With how many people are going to be there Saturday, it's exciting. The atmosphere is what really heightens the emotions. Seeing all those people in the stands, that's going to set the mood.”
Although NU has showed spring progress, I-back Rex Burkhead said there's plenty of work still to be done this week and beyond.
“I think we've improved, but we haven't done anything yet,” Burkhead said. “We haven't played one game, so you really can't tell.”
— Mitch Sherman and Rich Kaipust
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