Senior Bo Ruud's switch from weakside linebacker to strongside linebacker highlighted a rundown of position changes supplied Tuesday by Nebraska coach Bill Callahan.
Ruud will replace departed senior Stewart Bradley, leaving seniors Steve Octavien and Lance Brandenburgh to battle for the starting job at the weakside position.
"That will be an outstanding position for Bo, (because of) the way we're playing coverage and what we're asking the SAM to do in coverage. Also, in terms of his blitzing, that'll be an ideal spot for Bo," Callahan said.
In addition, junior Clayton Sievers will move from strongside linebacker to the "open" defensive end position, where he will compete for playing time come August with classmate Barry Turner. Turner will be sidelined for all of spring practice with a shoulder injury.
"I think Clayton will find a home there," Callahan said.
Other players on the move:
-- Redshirt freshman Pierre Allen, from "open" end to "base" end, where he will compete for playing time with junior Zach Potter. The 6-foot-5 Allen, listed at 225 pounds last season, weighed 266 last week, Callahan said.
-- Major Culbert, from safety to I-back (he practiced at I-back during Cotton Bowl preparation). "He was impressive," Callahan said, adding, "We still feel he's a defensive player, and he'll make a contribution on defense. We're not going to lose that side in terms of his progress.
"This just puts him in position to help us at the running back position in an emergency situation . . . However, I'm not saying he couldn't contribute (at I-back), because he certainly can."
Also:
-- Tierre Green, from strong safety to free safety; Rickey Thenarse, from cornerback to strong safety; Anthony West, from corner to free safety; Mike Smith, from defensive end to offensive left tackle; Matt Slauson, from right tackle to right guard; Jordan Picou, from defensive line to center/left guard.