Camp Happenings

August 18, 2006 by Darren K. Carlson

So far, Husker camp has defections, additions, illness, a celebrity, and...even some very serious football. I'll try to wrap up several camp happenings for those who don't scour the papers every day.

• Linebacker Steve Octavian has had his appendix removed. Apparently the surgery went well and he should be recovered and back in practice in a matter of days. That's good news. Though, I won't rest too easy until I see Octavian back on the field at full speed. I have have my appendix removed. And, complications following surgery slowed me for a month. Let's all hope Octavian doesn't have to deal with anything like that.
• As noted earlier, comedian Larry the Cable Guy was at Husker practice. How hilarious is it to imagine a conversation between him and Steve Pederson? Get 'er Done, Huskers!
• How about the late arrivers? Quarterback Brian Hildebrand has made it in to camp and is acclimating fairly well. I think it is HUGE that he will have this season, hopefully some bowl-preparation practices, and spring practices in able to get ready to compete for next year's quarterback job. And, you never know, this kid be the backup later this year. Ricky Thenarse is practicing at safety after starting out as a corner. A redshirt season may be in order. And, Brandon "The Beast" Johnson was spotted in practice. He could provide valuable depth at defensive tackle. Hope he can be get ready to contribute.
• Practices have been VERY physical early in fall camp, including extensive scrimmaging. Coaches scrimmage because they want to "find" something. They are looking for separation in various spots, particularly running back and offensive line. And, the physical nature of this camp so far lends credence to the coaches saying fans can expect a much more balanced offensive attack this year. NU is committed to running the ball.
• Were the coaches finding separation? Maybe. All of the backs have competed very hard and looked good in different ways. Three of them - Lucky, Jackson and Wilson - all broke some long runs. But it's safe to say that Kenny WIlson has turned the most heads. His position coach raves about a run he had in a recent scrimmage. But, it will still boil down which one protects Zach Taylor the best and can catch the ball well. They want a "complete" back. And, don't be surprised if 2 or 3 different backs see extensive carries in games.
• At offensive line, it looks like things are beginning to round in to shape. Coaches and players have noted the line's increased communication and grasp of the offense, as well the very physical play. Coach Wagner has really moved people around, looking to for the right spots, and hoping to add depth and flexibility. While this development can frustrate fans looking for a clear depth chart right now, it could pay big dividends. It looks like NU could end up with as many as nine or ten lineman who are capable of playing at any time. That's good depth.
• At wide receiver, NU is getting the fleet ready. With returning contributors and exciting newcomers, this might be fun to watch. Forget about starters for a bit, because there are really 2-3 starting "spots" in the formations. I think you can look for as many as six guys to be contributors this fall. Here's my list, in order of how many catches I think they will get - Nunn, Swift, Purify, Peterson, Hardy, Holt. Chris Brooks and Will Henry both have talent, but could red shirt. Throw in a lot of tight end prospects, and this actually looks like a passing team.
• On defense, the front seven looks as talented, deep and nasty as everyone suspects. I still wouldn't mind knowing more about our backup defensive tackles. But, our 2nd string defensive ends and linebackers could likely start at nearly all the other Big 12 North schools.
• Things aren't so great on the backend of the defense. Bowman's injury left NU very thin at corner. I really believe there is talent in the starting group. But, I wouldn't be surprised at all to see a true freshman contributing in the defensive backfield by mid-season (particularly in "nickel" and "dime" defensive situations, when more defensive backs are on the field).

There is a long list of camp happenings. Now, it's only a matter of a few weeks before we can stop talking about practice and start talking about real games.

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