Steve Octavien: Show Us What You’ve Got
3 comments so far
June 8, 2007 by
It’s not hard to name a player who came into Lincoln with high expectations that never lived up to them, Curt Dukes and Harrison Beck come to mind. But Octavien has shown flashes in practice and on the field. In fact, at one practice he kept sending one NU running back after another to the sidelines because of the violent nature of his hits. It got so bad they had to stop practicing. Against Texas in 2006, he was a big part of Nebraska’s very near upset.
But he hasn’t held up for a whole season. Now is the time. For himself, so he can get a shot at playing pro football. And for Nebraska, who can use another playmaker (especially with Stewart Bradley gone).
In 2003, as a junior college linebacker he amassed 124 tackles in only ten games. That year he had fifteen tackles for losses and eight sacks with three interceptions. Those are the kinds of numbers Nebraska could use in 2007. Octavien is capable of that. Against Texas, the most talented team in the Big 12, he had ten tackles (including two for losses), he forced a fumble and broke up a pass all in a reserve role. Imagine what he could do as a starter against a team like Nevada.
The opportunity should be there. The talent is there. Now he needs to make it happen.
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scott Jun 09 07
this guy is a stud!! he can play as a linebacker and a down lineman, has tremendous size and speed and hits like a truck. if he stays healthy that combo of McKeon, Ruud and Octavien (with Brandenburgh in the rotation)will be straight nasty! can't wait to watch! GO BIG RED!!!
'sa blang thang Jun 10 07
I am thrilled at the prospect of Octo starting and staying healthy for the duration of the season! As Scott says, he's a 'STUD', big time. I think our D will be lights out this year, including the D-line. Can't wait!
James Moore Jun 19 07
If he could stay healthy he could be an absolute terror. Such a presence whenever he is on the field. Reminds me a little of Terrell Farley in terms of just being immediately around the ball. If he's healthy he is an all conference-type player. We really need him to stay healthy. It's been a disappointing offseason since the spring game, Wilson's injury, Purify's troubles & Bowman's injury as well, so we could use a break (pardon the pun) with Mr. Octavien. Keep up the great work fellas!!!