Ruud says his switch to strong side is going well

 No comments  
 E-mail Story
 Print Story
  Share

 digg it!
 Facebook
 del.icio.us
Seed Newsvine
Fark It
Reddit

Text Size: 

Tools Sponsor

By the Lincoln Journal Star

Nebraska senior Bo Ruud’s position switch from weakside linebacker to strongside linebacker has transpired with hardly a hitch this spring, he said Friday.

“It’s been a pretty smooth move,” he said. “I’ve picked it up quick. Right now, more than anything, I’m just trying to improve my overall game. That’s the most important thing. It doesn’t have as much to do with the position as getting better as an overall player.”

Ruud, a graduate of Lincoln Southeast, was fourth on the team last season with 65 tackles, including seven behind the line of scrimmage. A first-team All-Big 12 choice by league coaches, Ruud helps lead a veteran group of linebackers.

“He’s playing very well, and he likes the position switch,” Nebraska defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove said. “He feels real comfortable. We’re going to be doing multiple things with him. He’ll be doing a lot of the same things he did last year, but he’ll be (lined up) outside a little more.”

Because of the wealth of experience at linebacker, they’ll be assigned more responsibility in 2007, Cosgrove said. In addition to Ruud, the top linebackers are seniors Corey McKeon, Lance Brandenburgh and Steve Octavien.

“They’re quick thinkers, quick reactors,” Cosgrove said. “And they have to give us a little bit more.”

Nebraska is replacing four starters along the defensive line.

BACKUP PLAN: Cosgrove said Nebraska is working to develop backups behind Ruud. Among the candidates is 6-foot-2, 240-pound sophomore Nick Covey, a native of Glendale, Ariz. “This is the first time Nick’s been healthy,” said Cosgrove, referring to Covey’s shoulder and knee injuries in 2006. Truth be told, Cosgrove said, “I don’t think Nick’s 100 percent right now. But he’s working hard. Everything’s new to him right now. I just throw him in the mix. He’s been working with the (second string) since day one this spring.” Redshirt freshman Kyle Moore, brother of ex-Husker Jay Moore, also is in the picture at strongside linebacker, Cosgrove said.

PRACTICE REPORT: Nebraska worked out wearing helmets, shoulder pads and shorts Friday, the Huskers’ 10th of 15 spring practices. The Huskers geared for a significant amount of scrimmage work today. “The spirit of practice and execution on both sides of the ball is really, really good right now,” Watson said.

INJURY REPORT: I-back Cody Glenn, the top backup behind Marlon Lucky, apparently suffered a minor shoulder injury Friday. “I think he got a little stinger,” Watson said. “I think he’ll be OK.” Freshman I-back Marcus Mendoza (hamstring) will sit out today’s scrimmage. “We’re trying to be smart with him and give him another couple days of rehab,” Watson said. Meanwhile, strong safety Larry Asante (hamstring) practiced Friday but may be held out of the scrimmage, Cosgrove said. “We want to make sure he’s 100 percent.”

— Steven M. Sipple