“The grind is real,” he said.
That was only Day 3 of spring ball, mind you. But McMullen has clearly bought into the idea that there can be no off days, not even in March, not when you’re about to take on the role he will for this Nebraska football team in 2014.
As a redshirt freshman a year ago, he had a bit part in Nebraska’s defense, called on for snaps here and there, flashing his talent here and there, always just here and there.
Things have changed. He's now a lead actor in this drama.
Last year, he learned from veteran Jason Ankrah. Now Ankrah is gone and the 6-foot-3, 280-pound McMullen is one of the voices of wisdom, trying to help A.J. Natter and Joe Keels while furthering his own game.
“How Jason Ankrah was to me, I am to them,” he said. “They look up to me to help them with steps, technique, alignment. It’s an awesome feeling knowing that you’re one of the guys they look up to.”
