Under the Microscope, 11/01

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BY BRIAN ROSENTHAL / Lincoln Journal Star

* Junior college transfer Maurice Purify is growing in popularity. Saturday against Oklahoma State, Purify caught a career-high six passes for 65 yards and two touchdowns.

“He’s getting better,” Nebraska coach Bill Callahan said. “As you watch Maurice play, you recognize his ability to get matched up on the single receiver side or on the two-by-two side or potentially on the three-by-one side.”

That match-up ability, Callahan said, stems from Purify’s ability to elevate. Purify also played basketball in junior college and high school. “He can elevate and use his body to fend off defenders and get in position to make the play,” Callahan said. “He’s got great length. That’s what really impresses you.”

Purify has five touchdowns, including four in the past four games.

* He hasn’t yet played, but the fact Callahan mentioned Keith Williams must be a sign coaches are impressed with the true freshman offensive lineman. The 6-foot-5, 310-pound Williams has been practicing at guard and could be an option, Callahan said, as the Huskers play without injured senior Greg Austin.

* Junior college transfer Brandon Johnson has been playing on special teams. The 6-3, 315-pound Johnson, though, hasn’t yet played at defensive tackle.

* Carl Nicks again saw time at offensive tackle against Oklahoma State. The junior college transfer played early in the season but hadn’t seen much action in recent games. Also, freshman Jacob Hickman has been playing guard.

* Only one carry last week for junior college running back Kenny Wilson. That was a reverse that gained 3 yards. Wilson, who carried 19 times against USC and 19 times against Troy, has a combined seven carries in five conference games.