NU notebook, 12/6: Callahan says Herian will ease back into practice
Monday, Dec 05, 2005 - 11:57:00 pm CST
Those anticipating Nebraska tight end Matt Herian’s return to action next season received a positive report Monday.
Bill Callahan, speaking on the Big 12 coaches’ weekly teleconference, said he hopes that Herian can practice this month on a limited basis. The Huskers begin workouts in earnest Wednesday for the Dec. 28 Alamo Bowl.
“I’m optimistic that he’ll have some practice time on a low-scale level in terms of contact,” Callahan said.
Callahan said Herian probably will be limited to practicing in helmets and shorts, and not full pads. He won’t play in the bowl game.
“We’ll let him get the feel of the passing game and get a couple of reps,” Callahan said. “I really don’t want to bang him around. It’d be ludicrous for us to put pads on him and make him go full-throttle.”
The 6-foot-5, 240-pound Herian, a senior from Pierce, continues to rehabilitate a fractured left leg suffered in October of 2004 against Missouri. He hasn’t practiced since the injury occurred. After missing all of spring practice, he underwent a second surgery in April.
Before his injury, Herian caught 24 passes for 308 yards and three touchdowns. His 24 receptions were the most for a Husker tight end in 14 seasons.
“We’ll let him go through the passing drills this month if he’s capable of doing that,” Callahan said. “We hope he can get in the mix a little bit and get his competitiveness back up and increase his confidence. If not, then we’ll heed the trainers’ advice and allow him to rest and just assure ourselves of getting a fresh Matt Herian back when we start spring drills.”
