LINCOLN — Barrett Ruud was totally fine with Tampa Bay getting Gerald McCoy with the No. 3 selection in the NFL draft, and the linebacker will appreciate the immediate help for the Buccaneers' defense.
But Ruud admitted Monday that part of him hoped to see Ndamukong Suh still on the board when Tampa Bay picked.
“I don't mind saying that,” Ruud said, smiling. “He's a Nebraska guy. I've known him and been around him for long enough that I know what type of player he is.”
As Suh hacked at balls on the driving range Monday before the first Bo Pelini Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament, former Nebraska defensive stars praised his expertise on the football field — and predicted future success for the defensive tackle who went No. 2 overall to Detroit.
“Just watching him from a fundamental standpoint — they way he uses his hands, the way he plays with leverage, his explosiveness — I think his game will translate very well,” said Buffalo Bills defensive end Chris Kelsay. “I think it'll be an easy transition from college to the professional game for him, and I think he'll have an immediate impact.”
Former Husker star Neil Smith, who played 13 NFL seasons with Kansas City, Denver and San Diego, was asked what he saw when he watched Suh last season. Smith responded: “Total domination.”
“You've got to love it, being a defensive lineman,” Smith said. “And, of course, you got it being from the University of Nebraska and you can brag on him — that he can be the next you, or he can be better than you.
“I expect some great things out of him this year, there's no question. I just look at him and he just reminds me so much of Reggie White.”
Smith cautioned that Suh has a “long way to go,” but was glad to congratulate him Monday on his achievements so far as the two met and talked after taking some practice swings.
It was one of the better scenes at Wilderness Ridge Golf Club and was followed by Suh shaking hands or posing for pictures with such other former Husker greats as Rich Glover, Johnny Rodgers and Tommie Frazier.
They were only part of an all-star lineup for the 160-player outing that was expected to raise $125,000 to $150,000 for the Bo Pelini Foundation, according to Executive Director Connie Jamrog. Among the celebrities were former Colorado coach Gary Barnett and comedian Dan Whitney, aka Larry the Cable Guy.
“I saw Larry the Cable Guy swing over there on the range,” said Pelini, the third-year NU head coach. “I'm going to stay clear of him for a while, I think.”
Suh's swing was worse, but also included the pressure of several photographers following him to the practice tee. When Guy Rozier, NU's assistant director of development, hollered for him to slow down, Suh called back: “Can I get some tips?”
Others who already have carved out NFL careers would have offered some football suggestions, but Kelsay and Smith said Suh seems to have a jump on most rookies because, as Kelsay said, “It seems like he's really got his head on straight.”
In Detroit, Kelsay said, Suh also will have a great mentor in Kyle Vanden Bosch, the former NU defensive end who signed a free-agent deal with the Lions.
“I don't think Suh needs much help as far as the off-the-field stuff, because it seems like he's a good guy, a good character guy,” Kelsay said. “But on the field, Kyle will be able to show him the ropes. I think he's going to pick up on it fast and really make an immediate impact.”
Smith said he shared some “words of wisdom” about taking care of yourself, doing the right things and dealing with temptation. The bigger adjustment for Suh, according to Smith, is just dealing with the fact that everybody is going to be good in the NFL, not just certain players.
“I think Suh is a little bit different than the average guy that comes out,” Smith said. “I think he's got a level head. I think he was raised right, such as myself.
“Some of the things that these guys tend to get into trouble with is having problems with the money and that fame changed their life. Sometimes, unfortunately, they make the wrong decisions. I don't think I look at Suh like that.”
Ruud will have to watch from more of a distance than he prefers as Suh takes the field for Detroit. The five-year veteran, however, is excited about McCoy and what the former Oklahoma star can bring to the Tampa Bay front.
“Yeah, you're always hoping you get him (Suh), but it's one of those things where you get Gerald McCoy and I think those are the two best players in the draft,” Ruud said. “And when you can get an impact defensive lineman like that, you're going to take it no matter what.”
Contact the writer:
444-1042, rich.kaipust@owh.com
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