I am excited about seeing this playmaker on the field!!!
http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=1200...;u_sid=10148218
Culbert eager to reprise role as NU's 'joker'
LINCOLN - Major Culbert was sporting his best poker face following Tuesday's practice.
Likewise, Nebraska's defensive coordinator, Kevin Cosgrove, wasn't tipping his hand about his "joker."
Culbert, who moved from safety to running back before last year's Cotton Bowl, said he's feeling comfortable back on defense.
It was in the Missouri game last year that the sophomore out of Harbor City, Calif., made his biggest mark as a Husker.
The 6-foot, 210-pounder registered six tackles against the Tigers and proved an effective spy on Mizzou quarterback Chase Daniel in a special defensive package named "joker." NU pressured Daniel, an effective runner and passer in the Tigers' spread attack, as Culbert and company walked away with a 34-20 win.
Culbert said the special role "allows me to just play."
"It's fun," he said. "I just try to be a football player."
Culbert said he got into a groove at running back, where he carried five times for 35 yards this season. But he was recruited to NU to play defense.
And Cosgrove said he's looked good in his limited time back.
"He really shows up," Cosgrove said. "He could have played in the (Iowa State) game. He picked things back up very well."
Without going into detail, NU coach Bill Callahan said it would be a challenge for the Huskers to present different looks to disrupt the Missouri offense, although he did note there was "nothing they haven't seen."
Nebraska's defense will have its hands full. The Tigers are averaging 42 points per game. Callahan said it would be up to the entire defense, not just Culbert, to slow the Missouri attack.
It remains to be seen just what role Culbert will fill as the season progresses. He said he's leaving it up to the coaches and "praying on it."
For a defense that's taken heat for giving up big plays and loads of points, the addition of an athletic playmaker like Culbert could provide a lift.
"I just want to play," he said.
One thing's for sure: You won't get any information from Cosgrove on the plans for Culbert.
Asked how much Culbert would play this week, Cosgrove answered: "Depending on what we're doing, we'll see. But he's working hard. He had an outstanding practice today. We'll continue to evaluate him."