Nebraska LB makes loud impression
By Rob Biertempfel
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, September 16, 2005
Nebraska linebacker Corey McKeon loves to talk.
When he's in front of a microphone, McKeon keeps reporters happy by spouting funny, provocative quotes. On the practice field, he constantly yaps to motivate his teammates. During games, he barks at opposing players.
"He is really loud and obnoxious," Cornhuskers linebacker Stewart Bradley said, laughing.
"I'm one to always smart-off. That's just how I am," McKeon said. "That's what makes it fun for me. What fun is it to go on the field and just run around and hit people if you're not talking and having fun with your buddies? There's no point to it."
McKeon is more than just a motor mouth. A redshirt sophomore, he has rapidly become the leader of Nebraska's famed Blackshirts.
Through two games, McKeon has racked up a team-best 20 tackles (14 solo), including three sacks. He has broken up a pass, picked off another and caused one fumble.
"Corey is excitable and he's a good player," Huskers coach Bill Callahan said. "He's intelligent and his preparation has improved. He'll only get better as we move along."
That is exactly what Callahan wanted from the guy who must replace Barrett Ruud, who graduated as the Cornhuskers' all-time leading tackler. But, McKeon, who appeared in only one game last season, is a bit stunned by his sudden emergence.
"I think you should be surprised," McKeon said. "I really didn't do anything the last two years, except watch Barrett play, which was nice.
"In summer camp, I just thought it was time. It's time to play. It's my turn to step up."
In his debut as a starter in the season-opener against Maine, McKeon made 10 hits. Last week against Wake Forest, he notched two sacks and returned an interception 38 yards for a touchdown.
McKeon tortured Wake Forest quarterback Benjamin Mauk, climbing into Mauk's head with a barrage of trash talking. McKeon would watch Wake's players line up, then call out the offensive play before the snap.
"That really frustrates (quarterbacks)," McKeon said with a wicked smile.
"I can see him going at any guy on the (opposing) team -- be it a lineman, a quarterback or whoever," cornerback Tierre Green said.
In the huddle, though, McKeon took some good-natured ribbing from nose tackle LeKevin Smith.
"LeKevin got a little mad at me," McKeon said. "He'd say, 'You're making (Wake's) linemen mad, and we have to hit them first.' "
Saturday, McKeon will get his first crack at trying to stymie Pitt quarterback Tyler Palko. Last season, Palko threw for 228 yards and one score in what was his second game as a starter.
Nebraska defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove is familiar with Palko. When he was an assistant at Wisconsin, Cosgrove tried to recruit Palko.
"Coach Cosgrove always raves about him," McKeon said. "I would never actually say I'm anxious to face Palko. He's a tough kid. Great players arise against great defenses like ours."
Palko was sacked three times and threw three picks in the 2004 game, which Nebraska won, 24-17. McKeon said the key is to play a physical game against Palko.
"He took a lot of hits from us, and we hope we're going to deliver more and see if he can take it," McKeon said. "Our d-line is really anticipating this game. They had a big game against him last year, and they expect this year to be no different."
itt(0-2) vs. Nebraska(2-0), 3:30 p.m.