Goodman 'shocked' at No. 2 QB status
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BY BRIAN ROSENTHAL / Lincoln Journal Star
Ryan Goodman learned for certain of his quarterback status when a reporter flashed a copy of Tuesday's depth chart before Goodman's eyes.
"That's the first I've seen it on paper," Goodman said.
And then the butterflies began swirling.
"I'm excited,"Goodman said, "and I'm shocked."
He's not the only one. About 1.7 million other folks across the state - after learning a scholarship wrestler is Nebraska's first option at quarterback if Joe Dailey's injured - will probably gulp.
Who's Ryan Goodman?
Don't bother consulting your 2004 Nebraska media guide. Goodman's not even listed.
Ah, but Bill Callahan says to relax. The first-year NUfootball coach describes Goodman as an "interesting guy," an ultimate competitor with great command in the huddle and an extremely high confidence level.
As for Goodman's arm?
"His throwing mechanics may not be exactly where he want them right now," Callahan said, "but he'll get there."
Yes, Callahan realizes he'll need to limit the playbook for his No. 2 quarterback - a true freshman walk-on who's been practicing with the team less than four weeks.
"Now, let's be honest," Callahan said. "We're not going to put a volume of plays on a young player like that and let him carry the load. We want to take the game out of his hands somewhat, so he can get comfortable playing college football for the first time."
Whether that's the second quarter, fourth quarter - or at all - remains to be seen Saturday night against Western Illinois.
"It depends on how we do in the game," Goodman said. "Second string, if first string gets hurt, or something happens, is obviously going to go in. Other than that, I don't know how much we've got to lead by for me to go in."
The 6-foot-2, 185-pound Goodman has been working at No. 2 quarterback throughout most of fall practices, sharing time with true freshman Beau Davis.
Nebraska offensive coordinator Jay Norvell said both quarterbacks will continue to see ample snaps in practice, and that both will be prepared to play.
"And they may both play,"Norvell said.
If Goodman does - particularly if he sees meaningful snaps - it'll be considered one of the most fascinating stories of the fall.
He came to Lincoln as one of the nation's premier high school wrestlers - he won his last 72 matches in a row - with plans to redshirt this season on Mark Manning's Nebraska wrestling team.
A native of Egg Harbor City, N.J., Goodman also played quarterback for Absegami High School - coached last season by former Husker player Doug Colman.
Football here, though, was supposed to be something on the side.
Or at least that's what Callahan thought.
"I'm just in awe of the guy," Callahan said. "I was honest with everyone when I said I didn't expect him to play football because he was such a high-profile wrestler.
"I really felt that his focus was going to be toward wrestling. Little did I know how bad he really wanted to play football."
And little did Goodman know how quickly he'd figure into the mix.
"I mean, there's eight quarterbacks," Goodman said. "I figured there was a couple ahead of me."
There were, but junior college transfer Jordan Adams was sidelined indefinitely with surgery to remove his spleen. Then Goodman beat out fellow freshmen Davis and JoeGanz, along with junior scholarship player Mike Stuntz, for the lead backup spot.
"It's a lot to take in," Goodman said. "It's what I expected, though. I didn't want to come in here thinking I'm not going to make it."
Goodman admits he's nervous but said he'd count on his high-pressure experiences in wrestling to help prepare himself.
"I've never been in front of 80,000 people though," Goodman said. "I'm sure it will be a little different."
Reach Brian Rosenthal at 473-7436 or brosenthal@journalstar.com.
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