Henery on Pelini's mind for scholarship

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Henery on Pelini's mind for scholarship
By the Lincoln Journal Star

Saturday, Dec 13, 2008 - 06:01:08 pm CST

Walk-on place-kicker Alex Henery has enjoyed an excellent season for Nebraska — perhaps good enough to earn a scholarship. Nebraska coach Bo Pelini was asked about the possibility Saturday.

“We’re working through the numbers, and he’s obviously a guy at the top of the list who would get one,” Pelini said after the morning practice at Hawks Championship Center.

Henery, a sophomore from Omaha Burke, booted a 57-yard field goal to help push Nebraska past Colorado on Nov. 28 in the regular-season finale for both teams. He has connected on 14 of 17 field goals and 54 of 55 extra points this season.

Henery came to Nebraska after considering Creighton’s scholarship offer to play soccer.

Heisman talk: Pelini wasn’t biting Saturday when asked what quarterback he thought should win the Heisman. “That’s not for me to decide, but I think they’re all deserving in their own right,” he said. “They’ve all had great seasons ... Same with Graham Harrell. I think Harrell ought to be there (in New York). It’s a shame he’s not.”

The Texas Tech senior quarterback wasn’t invited to New York for Heisman ceremonies despite throwing for 4,747 yards and 41 touchdowns this season, with only seven interceptions, while engineering three straight wins against ranked teams, including back-to-back wins against No. 1 Texas and No. 8 Oklahoma State.

Harrell was 20-for-25 for 284 yards and two touchdowns in Texas Tech’s 37-31 overtime win against Nebraska on Oct. 11.

This and that: Pelini on Saturday celebrated his 41st birthday. ... One thing Pelini has been impressed with during Gator Bowl preparations is his team’s work ethic. “Our tempo has been great,” he said. “I’m happy with that. I think the focus has been good. These kids have learned how to practice and what kind of tempo we expect. That hasn’t been an issue at all. We have had great tempo, great enthusiasm.” ... The Huskers will take Sunday off before returning to the practice field Monday. ... The team banquet is set for Sunday night.

Just asking: Any words of wisdom for players on the brink of finals week?

“I think they understand what’s at stake, that they really have to make sure they take care of their business, and study this weekend,” Pelini said.

:horns2 Definitely deserves it!!! If you kick a record game winning field goal and can't get a scholarship, I think there is something wrong...unless your a rich kid and your parents can afford to send you through college on their dime. I know he isn't rich...give him the scholarship!!

 
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The best scholarships are the ones earned by a walk on. Those kids really do get what it means to be a Husker

 
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I knew he was a walk-on, but usually when you graduate to a starting role (special teams or not), you have earned a scholarship in tow. If anything he should get a scholarship for having balls larger than most foreign automobiles.

 
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The bad thing would be if they gave him the scholarship, then all of a sudden he couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with the wind to his back the rest of his career...can you imagine how many people would be screaming they should have never given a scholarship to a kicker?

BTW...I am not one of those people. You have to recognize the importance of the kicking game, and I think when you recruit, one of the coaches should be looking for the best kicker in the country. Another reason I think it is important that they come up with a position for a special teams coach that works with kickers and special teams. IMHO, not enough time is spent on that now days, seems they are more interested in working on gadget plays that tend to backfire more than they work.

 
uh, didn't he delete the walkon program?
No - he reduced the numbers, and possibly made the walk-ons feel unappreciated, but he never killed the program.

And DaveH was being sarcastic, as Callahan awarded at least one walk-on a scholarship, as I recall (although I can't recall who).

 
The payout difference from the Gator Bowl, compared to the Insight, Sun or Alamo bowls, which is where Neb would have been if not for his kick, would more than pay for his scholy the rest of the way. Lets hope one opens up for him.

GBR!!!

 
uh, didn't he delete the walkon program?
No - he reduced the numbers, and possibly made the walk-ons feel unappreciated, but he never killed the program.

And DaveH was being sarcastic, as Callahan awarded at least one walk-on a scholarship, as I recall (although I can't recall who).
Dane Todd, I think it was.
Brandon Rigoni was a walk-on that finally got a scholly correct? Or did he ever get a scholarship?

 
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