Eric the Red
Team HuskerBoard
OWH: Rands has plenty to do in practices
Nebraska coach Bill Callahan said Monday there's been a "little bit of everything" on Robert Rands' plate during Husker preseason practice.
The freshman from Bellevue East primarily has worked out at cornerback. But the coaching staff also has tried him as a return man and a punt-block specialist.
"He's got that knack," Callahan said, "because he is an explosive player coming off the line of scrimmage."
Rands is the smallest Husker in camp, listed at 5 feet 7 and 160 pounds. But his athletic ability is unique, highlighted by him breaking Gale Sayers' state and state-meet track records in the long jump last spring.
Jackson moves to free safety
Callahan said NU's depth at I-back allowed for Leon Jackson's move to free safety, which has now covered two practices Saturday and two again Monday.
"That was something we looked at hard in the offseason," Callahan said. "We wanted to challenge Leon to go to the secondary, and he was wide open to it."
The Huskers' I-back troops include returnees Cory Ross and Brandon Jackson, along with freshmen Marlon Lucky and Cody Glenn. Jackson played safety at the U.S. Army All-American game in January.
"He had come to me personally about making the switch, because he felt that he could contribute a little bit quicker back in the secondary," Callahan said. "And he feels confident that he can pick up the system and play."
Jackson also will continue to be a candidate to return kicks.
NCAA clears Picou to play
Jordan Picou joined practice Monday afternoon after being cleared by the NCAA. The offensive lineman from Mt. San Antonio Community College ended up missing 11 workouts.
"It's not only the physical, but there's so much mental that he's missed right now," Callahan said. "It's going to take some time."
The Huskers are still awaiting word on offensive lineman Rodney Picou and receiver Tyrell Spain.
New backs have nose for action
Cory Ross sounded like an old man after Monday afternoon's practice.
The senior I-back has heard his share of hype in fall camp regarding new running backs Marlon Lucky, Cody Glenn and Leon Jackson. Ross' basis of analysis has little to do with breaking tackles or scoring touchdowns.
"What I like to watch is how they try to get in there when it's time to pass protect. The younger guys stick their noses in there and get hit. Whether they get beat or not, at least they stick their noses in there."
That's good news for Zac Taylor.
Nebraska coach Bill Callahan said Monday there's been a "little bit of everything" on Robert Rands' plate during Husker preseason practice.
The freshman from Bellevue East primarily has worked out at cornerback. But the coaching staff also has tried him as a return man and a punt-block specialist.
"He's got that knack," Callahan said, "because he is an explosive player coming off the line of scrimmage."
Rands is the smallest Husker in camp, listed at 5 feet 7 and 160 pounds. But his athletic ability is unique, highlighted by him breaking Gale Sayers' state and state-meet track records in the long jump last spring.
Jackson moves to free safety
Callahan said NU's depth at I-back allowed for Leon Jackson's move to free safety, which has now covered two practices Saturday and two again Monday.
"That was something we looked at hard in the offseason," Callahan said. "We wanted to challenge Leon to go to the secondary, and he was wide open to it."
The Huskers' I-back troops include returnees Cory Ross and Brandon Jackson, along with freshmen Marlon Lucky and Cody Glenn. Jackson played safety at the U.S. Army All-American game in January.
"He had come to me personally about making the switch, because he felt that he could contribute a little bit quicker back in the secondary," Callahan said. "And he feels confident that he can pick up the system and play."
Jackson also will continue to be a candidate to return kicks.
NCAA clears Picou to play
Jordan Picou joined practice Monday afternoon after being cleared by the NCAA. The offensive lineman from Mt. San Antonio Community College ended up missing 11 workouts.
"It's not only the physical, but there's so much mental that he's missed right now," Callahan said. "It's going to take some time."
The Huskers are still awaiting word on offensive lineman Rodney Picou and receiver Tyrell Spain.
New backs have nose for action
Cory Ross sounded like an old man after Monday afternoon's practice.
The senior I-back has heard his share of hype in fall camp regarding new running backs Marlon Lucky, Cody Glenn and Leon Jackson. Ross' basis of analysis has little to do with breaking tackles or scoring touchdowns.
"What I like to watch is how they try to get in there when it's time to pass protect. The younger guys stick their noses in there and get hit. Whether they get beat or not, at least they stick their noses in there."
That's good news for Zac Taylor.
