Some of the early preseason college football ratings has Nebraska way up there in the top 10.
Menelik Holt isn't buying it.
Forget the top 10. Holt is looking for a lot more from his former Husker teammates.
"I'm predicting a national championship," Holt said. "I'm an alum now. That's all I want."
Holt was in Grand Island Thursday night to lead a team of former Husker football players against a group of teachers and former players from Northwest High School in a charity basketball game.
Holt was certainly the standout performer with, unofficially, several 3-pointers and a number of dunks as the Huskers edged the Northwest team, 84-78.
It was the fourth charity game Holt has played this year, including one at Grand Island Central Catholic this winter.
Holt was one of eight former Huskers on hand. He was joined by T.J. O'Leary, Derek Meyer, Clayton Sievers, Barry Turner, Hunter Teafatiller and former Central Catholic athlete Tyler Wortman. Colton Koehler was also on the bench but didn't play because of an injury.
"I will probably come back next year and do it," Holt said. "I just think it's fun. I owe a lot to the fans. Without them, there would be no show down at Memorial Stadium. This is just a way to give back and to interact with the fans other than just fan day."
Holt's future is a little in doubt right now. He's still hoping for a chance at the NFL and took part in Nebraska's pro day last month when a number of NFL player personnel people were in Lincoln to watch former Huskers work out.
"I had a pretty good showing," Holt said. "Some general managers contacted my agent. We'll just see what happens from here on out. I don't really think about it too much. I've done everything I possibly could. If it works, good. If it doesn't, that's fine."
Holt wouldn't mind getting drafted, but if not he will look for a free agent deal.
"If I make a team, I'll go with that," he said. "If not, I was thinking about staying in Lincoln and completing a double major in another year. I want to avoid the recession as long as possible."
Holt, who had 15 catches including a touchdown in Nebraska's 10-4 season in 2009, has that backup plan just in case the NFL doesn't work out. He's majoring in sociology, but could complete a major in economics by December.
Whatever happens, Holt will always have fond memories of his time in Nebraska. He came to Lincoln from San Diego and stepped into a different climate and culture.
It took awhile for him to get used to the weather, but he loved Lincoln from the start.
"I was very timid when I first came out here," Holt said. "I didn't know anyone and the community embraced me very quickly. I met a lot of people. It's been like home since I've been here.
"Every time I go to San Diego, I say I can't wait to come back home, and I'm referring to Nebraska. It's a great place to be. I'll be sad when I have to leave. I might not ever leave."
Holt has fond memories of his senior season, even though the Husker offense struggled to find any consistency.
Head coach Bo Pelini and offensive coordinator Shawn Watson went to a conservative approach after the Huskers lost to Iowa State. That led to five straight games and landed the Huskers in the Big 12 championship game.
"The offense had a lot of players," Holt said. "It was just a matter of getting some confidence and figuring out what we want to do. I think toward the end of the year, we said. 'We're just going to run the ball and we're going to stick with that.' And that's what worked and it got us 10 wins."
Holt sees nothing but good things ahead for an offense that returns quarterback Zac Lee, who will miss spring practice after arm surgery in January. Running backs Roy Helu, Rex Burkhead, Austin Jones and Dontrayevous Robinson also return along with receivers Brandon Kinnie and Niles Paul and a slew of offensive linemen.
"The team is definitely heading in the right direction," Holt said. "The morale of the team is high. I'm pretty sure they're going to come out and have an even better year next year."
If Holt is off playing for some NFL team next fall, he'll still do his best to come back and watch the Huskers play.
"I'm going to try and come back as much as possible," Holt said. "I always said I wouldn't because of the weather, but this is home now. I still have a lot of brothers on the team so I'll always come back and support them."
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