LINCOLN — Football practice got busier Monday at Nebraska. The NU roster swelled to about 150, up from the 105 in preseason camp, as the fall semester of classes opened. It's a sure-fire hint that the season is near. Just 10 practices remain before the eighth- and ninth-ranked Huskers open Sept. 4 against Western Kentucky. The more-crowded practice field also signaled an unofficial end to camp, though coach Bo Pelini and his staff treat this week more like an extension of the preseason. Regardless, progress is evident after 19 practices. “We're not game-ready yet,” Pelini said, “but I think we're further ahead at this point than we were in years past. There's more consistency on our football team. Those are all positives, but we've still got a ways to go.” This time next week, NU might even have a starting quarterback.

SWAGGER

There's no doubt that this team is confident. The players, reflecting the personality of their head coach, are acting as if they're deserving of a top 10 ranking. The question is, will they play like it? It doesn't hurt to believe that you can compete with anyone — until you don't show up.

DEPTH

Ideally, football karma will take over, and the players' daily ailments will start being less severe. Mike Smith, Sean Fisher and Anthony Blue are out. Dreu Young might be, too. But at this point, it's not incredibly concerning because the Huskers have capable replacements at every roster spot.

TEXAS

For the past eight months, the rematch has been accurately portrayed as the Huskers' biggest game, even though coach Bo Pelini has been trying to execute an extensive downplay campaign. Pelini is over the last-second loss. The players? Well, they all have Livestrong-like bracelets that indicate they're not.

IMPROVEMENT

Since his arrival, Pelini's stressed the importance of valuing every practice. He believes that it's the best chance to get better. It took some time, but the players finally understand that now. So those three-hour, on-field workouts have been more productive because of it.

BIG TEN

Conference realignment captivated the college sports scene during the summer, but during the past month or so, the topic has been brushed away by Pelini — and the team, for that matter. The Huskers have goals for this season. Their thought is this: Pondering possibilities beyond 2010 is pointless.

— Jon Nyatawa

* * *

FIVE IMPORTANT BACKUPS TO WATCH

P.J. SMITH

Assuming that seniors DeJon Gomes and Anthony West start at safety, Smith is still the future and one of the players with the tools to help. And another chance for playing time is there when NU goes to its dime defense and Gomes moves out of the safety spot.

BRENT QVALE

If not for Keith Williams and Ricky Henry returning as seniors and No. 1s, Qvale might have a starting job. It's still going to be hard to keep the redshirt freshman off the field with his size, strength, good feet and attitude.

KYLER REED

Mike McNeill is being flexed out, Dreu Young is injured and Ben Cotton is set to be a first-year starter at tight end. That creates more work than anticipated for Reed, the most athletic of the tight ends who has added some size to go with it.

CODY GREEN

There hasn't been an announcement yet at quarterback, but even if senior Zac Lee wins the job, it has the potential to lack permanency. Green should be better prepared than when he got his shot as a true freshman if he's called on to run the show.

REX BURKHEAD

A reprised role for Burkhead, who would have gotten significant work last season if not for being injured during the same stretch when starting I-back Roy Helu was banged up. Even if Helu stays healthy, the sophomore will get his touches.

— Rich Kaipust

* * *

POTENTIAL BREAKOUT PLAYERS

JEREMIAH SIRLES

The staff thought enough of the offensive tackle last season to consider playing him as a true freshman. Now he's in the hunt with Jermarcus Hardrick for the all-important No. 1 spot at left tackle on the Husker line.

THADDEUS RANDLE

No, he's not going to start and actually is among five players looking for time at the two defensive tackle spots. But the redshirt freshman has the tools to do some special things in a supporting role this season — and down the line.

MIKE CAPUTO

Hardly an unknown after backing up Jacob Hickman the past two seasons, but now comes the shot for the former walk-on to be the guy at center. The junior seemingly has the full trust of his teammates and coaches.

BRANDON KINNIE

Safe to say that the junior will easily eclipse the 15 receptions he logged in his first season as a Husker, but by how many? You can't minimize his importance since many opponents will be trying to take away Niles Paul first.

ERIC MARTIN

The sophomore linebacker already might have fit this category before NU lost Sean Fisher last week to a broken leg. Martin plays with a certain ferocity and abandon but now just needs to harness it into what the Huskers need at LB.

— Rich Kaipust

« Sports - Big Red Today

Share