Husker_Power
Starter
By: Katelyn Kerkhove
Issue date: 8/23/07
LINK
As senior Cortney Grixby stood near the end zone of the Hawks Championship Center, a group of reporters enclosed around him, peppering him with concerns about this year's defensive squad.
The veteran cornerback confidently answered questions about the return of fellow senior cornerback Zackary Bowman, the state of last year's inexperienced secondary and the doubts about the defensive line.
It's not the first time Grixby responded to these questions, and as the first game of the season against Nevada on Sept. 1 draws closer, they certainly won't stop.
"Everyone is stepping up," Grixby said of the Nebraska defense. "There is actually a lot of experience in the linebacking corps and the secondary, so there is a lot of competition. I know the D-line is inexperienced, but they're going to do well, especially with the linebackers behind them."
But Nebraska's front four, one of the better units in the nation last season, lost all its starters for 2007, including first-round NFL draft pick Adam Carriker, as well as Jay Moore, Ola Dagunduro and Barry Cryer.
Now NU must rebuild its arsenal with a far more inexperienced group.
Leading the charge are sophomore Ndamukong Suh and juniors Ty Steinkuhler, Barry Turner and Zach Potter, all of whom rarely saw more than 30 plays in a game last season.
Despite the lack of starting experience, the quartet combined for 40 total tackles and five and a half sacks for a loss of 49 yards.
"It's just the fact that we lost four starters, and we haven't played a lot in games," Potter said of the doubts. "I think it's the first time in a while that we haven't brought back just one starter. I mean, we've all played in a game before, but not that many reps."
With the inexperience, the four are focusing on the basics, as well as conditioning themselves for the inevitable 40-plus reps they will be taking once the season opener against Nevada begins on Sept. 1.
Amidst its preparations, the front line has practiced in scrimmage situations and red zone and skills drills. NU Coach Bill Callahan seemed consistently satisfied with the progress of his front line during camp and said more will become evident as NU prepares for Nevada.
As Callahan and defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove continue to work with the Blackshirts, their personnel decisions will constantly be scrutinized by fans and media alike. For many, the fate of the squad rests on choosing the right calls and putting the talented yet inexperienced players in the right positions.
The moves will be altogether necessary against offensive lines the likes of Southern California and Texas.
"We just have to keep coming together as a unit," Potter said. "We haven't had all that many reps together, so we just have to gel. We really have to buckle down and keep working hard."
Issue date: 8/23/07
LINK
As senior Cortney Grixby stood near the end zone of the Hawks Championship Center, a group of reporters enclosed around him, peppering him with concerns about this year's defensive squad.
The veteran cornerback confidently answered questions about the return of fellow senior cornerback Zackary Bowman, the state of last year's inexperienced secondary and the doubts about the defensive line.
It's not the first time Grixby responded to these questions, and as the first game of the season against Nevada on Sept. 1 draws closer, they certainly won't stop.
"Everyone is stepping up," Grixby said of the Nebraska defense. "There is actually a lot of experience in the linebacking corps and the secondary, so there is a lot of competition. I know the D-line is inexperienced, but they're going to do well, especially with the linebackers behind them."
But Nebraska's front four, one of the better units in the nation last season, lost all its starters for 2007, including first-round NFL draft pick Adam Carriker, as well as Jay Moore, Ola Dagunduro and Barry Cryer.
Now NU must rebuild its arsenal with a far more inexperienced group.
Leading the charge are sophomore Ndamukong Suh and juniors Ty Steinkuhler, Barry Turner and Zach Potter, all of whom rarely saw more than 30 plays in a game last season.
Despite the lack of starting experience, the quartet combined for 40 total tackles and five and a half sacks for a loss of 49 yards.
"It's just the fact that we lost four starters, and we haven't played a lot in games," Potter said of the doubts. "I think it's the first time in a while that we haven't brought back just one starter. I mean, we've all played in a game before, but not that many reps."
With the inexperience, the four are focusing on the basics, as well as conditioning themselves for the inevitable 40-plus reps they will be taking once the season opener against Nevada begins on Sept. 1.
Amidst its preparations, the front line has practiced in scrimmage situations and red zone and skills drills. NU Coach Bill Callahan seemed consistently satisfied with the progress of his front line during camp and said more will become evident as NU prepares for Nevada.
As Callahan and defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove continue to work with the Blackshirts, their personnel decisions will constantly be scrutinized by fans and media alike. For many, the fate of the squad rests on choosing the right calls and putting the talented yet inexperienced players in the right positions.
The moves will be altogether necessary against offensive lines the likes of Southern California and Texas.
"We just have to keep coming together as a unit," Potter said. "We haven't had all that many reps together, so we just have to gel. We really have to buckle down and keep working hard."