Glenn impressing at linebacker
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In the case of Cody Glenn’s decision to move to linebacker: So far, so good.
After Saturday’s spring practice inside Memorial Stadium, Husker football coach Bo Pelini praised the play of the senior from Rusk, Texas, before even being asked about him.
“He’s just very instinctive,” Pelini said. “There’s still some things that he doesn’t know, but his instincts, his athleticism is showing up, he’s tough. He can be a very good player … It’s been a pleasant surprise in how quickly he’s made an adjustment.”
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In only his third practice at the position since switching from running back, Glenn saw action alongside the top-level guys.
“He’s going into a senior year so it’s not something you want to make a long-term project into,” Pelini said. “It’s either (that) he shows it’s a fit or not a fit. So far he’s done a lot of good things. He’s made some plays. But it’s too early on making a rash judgment. I do like some of the things I’ve seen out of him.”
The practice featured scrimmaging and some red zone action that left Pelini in a positive mood.
“We’re making progress, both sides of the football, we’re seeing some good things,” Pelini said. “I liked what I saw out there today. I thought we took a step back (Friday), especially on the defensive side of the ball. But today we came back and we got back on it. It was good to see our guys respond with a sense of urgency today.”
A couple of tight ends, Mike McNeill and Dreu Young, sat out the practice, but Pelini said it was nothing serious and that both guys would have played if it were gameday. Will Henry (hamstring), Kenny Wilson (leg) and Tyson Hetzer (knee) also continue to sit out.
Discussing the offensive line, Pelini mentioned the progress of sophomore Keith Williams and said: “It’s as good of an offensive line as I’ve been around in a while.”
Asked if the report was true that he was downtown checking on players at the bars earlier this week, Pelini just smiled and said: “I dunno. Maybe.”
WHO’S RETURNING KICKS: The Huskers are still in the elementary stages of figuring out who might return kicks this season.
“We haven’t done anything live yet, but they are catching the ball well and doing all that,” Pelini said. “We know we have athleticism back there.”
Guys who appear to be in the running for kick returning responsibilities are Prince Amukamara, Niles Paul, Larry Asante and Roy Helu.
Marcus Mendoza and Nate Swift could be candidates to handle punt returns.
“We’re working a lot of guys through both in kickoffs and punt returns. Time will tell on that,” Pelini said.
BY THE NUMBERS:
7
The Huskers are now at the halfway point of spring practices, having finished seven of the 14 leading up to the Spring Game on April 19.
Concerns from Pelini?
“No concerns. Every day is a new day,” he said. “Our guys just got to know that there’s so much more out there for them to learn. If we just keep making progress and stay on the track we’re on right now, we’ll be fine. You just can’t take a step back like we did (Friday) on defense. That’s a missed opportunity to get better.”
SCOUTING REPORT
S Matt O’Hanlon
The senior from Bellevue East has been seeing snaps with the top units and is in contention for playing time at the safety spot this fall.
The 5-foot-11, 195-pound O’Hanlon played in 10 games last season, most of his action coming on special teams.
“He’s got some ability,” Pelini said. “He’s a guy that we’re trying to force feed to step up and be a player.”
OPPONENT WATCH
Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech is trying to figure out how to replace four departed receivers who combined for 146 catches, more than 2,000 yards and 15 touchdowns.
What’s a Hokie to do?
According to The Virginian-Pilot, candidates to replace the lost seniors include two guys who were backup quarterbacks, a former walk-on and the team’s star defensive player, cornerback Victor “Macho” Harris.
Tech receivers coach Kevin Sherman said the situation is not as dire as it might seem, especially with a guy like Harris around.
“He’s a natural,” Sherman told The Virginian-Pilot. “Right now, he’s one of our best receivers, if not the best. You don’t realize it so much when he’s on defense, but I’ve found out he has great ball skills. He just plucks it right out of the sky.”
—Brian Christopherson
