Thomas draws praise from Callahan

[Blackshirt]

Another one that should have an immediate impact..

 

Husker football notebook

 

Thomas draws praise from Callahan

 

Cornealius Thomas, the late-arriving junior college offensive tackle, has made a good early impression on Nebraska head coach Bill Callahan.

 

"He's getting the reps he needs to get better and the reps he needs to play in this offense," Callahan said Wednesday. "It's going to take a little time. But he's done well so far. He's made a good transition. It's just a matter of taking the time, and teaching him the system, and all the small details that go along with it."

 

Callahan said Thomas has already lost 15 pounds since arriving in Lincoln late last week. Thomas missed nearly two weeks of preseason drills while waiting for academic issues to be cleared up at City College of San Francisco.

 

 

Nebraska opens the season Sept. 4 against WesternIllinois at Memorial Stadium.

 

"He's getting in game shape," Callahan said. "Ithink a player like himself, who played junior college football, they really don't have that training regimen like we do here in the summer. He could have really benefited from that.

 

"Unfortunately, he didn't. But we're going to try to make up as much time as we can with him while we have him."

 

n KICKER UPDATE:The race for the starting job at placekicker is too close to call at this point, Callahan said. He praised the two kickers in the running for the spot, sophomore David Dyches and senior Sandro DeAngelis. "Both David and Sandro are very confident in their abilities," Callahan said. "As you watch them compete with one another, it's great competition. We couldn't have any better competition for that spot right now." Every practice kick is charted and examined, the coach said. "We look at them from every hash, every angle and every increment. There's a lot of data out there. We'll base it on who's done well and who's obviously been in those situations, or money shots, as we like to call them. We're looking for somebody who will provide the winning edge in the game when we need a crucial field goal to win the game. That will enter into the equation as much as consistency and efficiency." Dyches replaced DeAngelis as the starter in last season's second game. Dyches connected on 14 of 21 field-goal attempts and was perfect on 32 PATs.

 

n PRACTICEREPORT:Nebraska practiced for nearly two hours in full pads Wednesday in Cook Pavilion. The Huskers, during the past couple of days, have started zoning in on Western Illinois, said starting left cornerback Fabian Washington. "From the film I've watched, I think they're going to come in and try to pass the ball around," Washington said. He said he's been impressed with Leatherneck running back Travis Glasford. As for the receivers, "They're little but shifty," Washington said.

 

n INJURYREPORT:Callahan said the following players missed Wednesday's practice:Safety Shane Siegel (ankle/foot), offensive lineman Jared Helming (calf strain), defensive end Jay Moore (ankle) and wide receiver Ben Zajicek (hamstring). None of the injuries are believed to be serious.

[Redout]

KICKER UPDATE:The race for the starting job at placekicker is too close to call at this point, Callahan said. He praised the two kickers in the running for the spot, sophomore David Dyches and senior Sandro DeAngelis. "Both David and Sandro are very confident in their abilities," Callahan said. "As you watch them compete with one another, it's great competition. We couldn't have any better competition for that spot right now." Every practice kick is charted and examined, the coach said. "We look at them from every hash, every angle and every increment. There's a lot of data out there. We'll base it on who's done well and who's obviously been in those situations, or money shots, as we like to call them. We're looking for somebody who will provide the winning edge in the game when we need a crucial field goal to win the game. That will enter into the equation as much as consistency and efficiency." Dyches replaced DeAngelis as the starter in last season's second game. Dyches connected on 14 of 21 field-goal attempts and was perfect on 32 PATs.

 

This is certainly something to look at. We really don't have a great kicker and NU will, most likely, not recruit another one this year. Do we play Dyches and get him that extra experience, regardless of how good he does? But can Sandro get the job done?? I just think Dyches has the better leg. More explosion in his kicks.

[DaveH]

As far as the kicker goes, I would have to go with Dyches. Sandro was really limping along last year. Dyches shows potential and I think that has to be developed in game situations.

[Heinie44]

How doesn't love good Dyches B)

[DaveH]

How doesn't love good Dyches B)

Anyone else confused?

[Blackshirt]

I think he meant to write "Who doesnt love some good Dyches"... but its just a hunch.

[DaveH]

I think he meant to write "Who doesnt love some good Dyches"... but its just a hunch.

Ahh, I bet too. I am surprised I didn't catch that!

[Eric the Red]

How? Who? What? I don't give a crap. Dyches is the key word here.