Huskers' Sievers a rare two-way player
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BY STEVEN M. SIPPLE / Lincoln Journal Star
Some football players struggle to learn assignments at one position.
Then there’s Clayton Sievers.
The Nebraska sophomore appeared in last week’s victory against Louisiana Tech as a defensive end in the Huskers’ nickel package and tight end in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
This week, the 6-foot-4, 240-pound Sievers is practicing mostly at strongside linebacker behind senior starter Stewart Bradley, as middle linebacker Phillip Dillard’s season-ending knee injury suffered last week has led to some personnel shuffling.
Even with his latest move, Sievers said, he still will contribute as both a defensive end and tight end.
“They wanted to try me out at backer because they like my size, and Stew’s going to be gone next year, so they wanted some more depth to get ready for next year,” Sievers said Wednesday as Nebraska continued preparation for Saturday’s 12:30 p.m. home game against Division I-AA Nicholls State.
Although it occurs somewhat rarely at the highest levels of football, Sievers takes in stride his status as a two-way player. To stay in tune with the offense, he meets once or twice a week with Nebraska tight ends coach Shawn Watson. Sievers said he will practice with the offense on Wednesdays because that’s typically when the Huskers work on their short-yardage package.
It should be noted that Sievers appeared in 12 games last season as a tight end, starting three games and finishing with six receptions for 39 yards. All told, Husker tight ends had just 22 catches in 2005.
While Sievers misses catching passes, he also likes playing defense.
“So it evens out,” he said.
Sievers actually started practicing at strongside linebacker last month during preseason drills and picked it up quickly. However, with Bradley and junior Lance Brandenburgh holding down the position, Sievers was free to contribute elsewhere. After Dillard went down last weekend, Brandenburgh slid into Dillard’s spot as No. 2 middle linebacker, and Sievers stepped in behind Bradley.
“It wasn’t really a tough transition,” Sievers said. “It’s just more reps for me now at strongside linebacker and less work with the defensive ends.”
Is there a position he prefers?
“I like rushing the quarterback,” he said.
A native of Elkhorn, Sievers excelled in high school at outside linebacker, defensive end, tight end and fullback.
Sievers’ toughness and intelligence impress Nebraska coach Bill Callahan.
“He’s physical — a tough guy,” the coach said. “That’s what we like about him. You love the way he blocks. You like the way he goes down and covers after protecting on punts. You like the way he rushes the passer and just the way he takes on the edge when he plays outside backer.
“He’s just a rough, tough guy that you have to love.”
Reach Steven M. Sipple at 473-7440 or ssipple@journalstar.com.
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