Givens Price was not old enough to get into R-rated movies when he first enrolled at Nebraska in 2011. He’s been in the Husker program three years and is still a teenager (his birthday isn't until October).
But the 19-year-old junior practically qualifies as one of the old guard when it comes to an offensive line that has a combined 16 starts — Jake Cotton with 11, Mike Moudy with three and Mark Pelini with two.
Put it to paper and you might conclude there's trouble in 2014 for NU’s front five as it tries to overcome losses of players such as guard Spencer Long, center Cole Pensick, and tackles Jeremiah Sirles, Brent Qvale and Andrew Rodriguez.
Yet there’s a clear sense of optimism in Husker camp, with big opportunities for linemen such as Price who have been waiting in the wings.
“Last season was a progression place for me,” Price said. “The way I finished last season, I feel like I got better. So coming into spring, I’m not starting over, but carrying over.”
Talk about Ameer Abdullah. Talk about Kenny Bell. Talk about quarterback play. But much of Nebraska’s offensive success, as always, will hinge on whether the guys up front can find the proper mix of discipline and nastiness to enforce their will when it matters.