When you’re the Husker quarterback, and you’re good at it, you tend to develop a pretty strong following. Has Zac Taylor achieved rock-star status in Nebraska? Maybe. Maybe not. One thing’s for sure, though. Taylor is about to play quarterback on the big stage, against USC, in L.A., on national television.

Just don’t look for Taylor to get big-headed about the event. The guy is well-grounded, thanks to an Oklahoma-based support team that includes a sister, Katheryn, with Down syndrome.

Taylor spent some time Tuesday with Journal Star sports editor John Mabry.

Is it hard for you to get around town without being recognized these days?

“No. I don’t think it’s as bad as people think it is. Occasionally, people will say something, but for the most part, I don’t think people recognize me.”

Your dad (Sherwood) has been a college player and coach. What’s the best advice he’s given you?

“He’s said a lot of things to me. My parents have always just told me to stay humble, not get too caught up in everything. I think that’s the best piece of advice I’ve gotten from them.”

Who inspires you?

“My family. I think I’ve got a great family and great parents who have always done the right things, and so I’ve just learned from them. I’ve always looked up to them.”

Would you want to be the quarterback on a team with Randy Moss and Terrell Owens as wideouts?

“I think it would be tough, but those guys can make plays, so as long as you get the ball to them and don’t conflict with them too much, I think it would be fine to have them on your team.”

How do you sleep the night before a game?

“Not too well, I think. I kind of wake up a couple of times during the night. I don’t know. You’re more anxious than anything else. I think it’s just tough to sleep.”

So you think this Friday might be a rough night?

“Yeah. I’ll try to get to bed early before that game, but who knows how I’ll sleep before this one.”

What’s your quick evaluation of USC’s defense?

“Discipline. You know, they’re really fast. They’re not the biggest guys in the world, but they’re fast, and they know exactly what they’re doing. They’re not going to give up big plays. That’s the first thing you notice.”

Have any of your tight ends or receivers tried to bribe you for throws?

“No. They’re all pretty good about it, but I think those receivers in that first game were getting a little worried because they hadn’t caught a pass yet. They were really worried that we were just focusing on the tight ends and the running backs.”

Favorite food?

“Pizza.”

TV show?

“‘Lost.’”

Book?

“'Ultramarathon Man.’”

Movie?

“‘Wedding Crashers.’”

After you, who’s the No. 2 leader in the huddle?

“I’d say (center) Kurt Mann or (fullback) Dane Todd. One of those two guys.”

You described one of Matt Herian’s moves as “sick.” What does that mean, and do you have any sick moves of your own?

“No. I don’t have any sick moves of my own. It’s just a good move. He juked a guy out.”

Not to get too deep, but some believe that the Law of Attraction is the secret of success, in which we attract good things in our lives by visualizing them and blocking out the negative. What did you visualize as a youngster in Norman, Okla.?

“I think as a young kid, you always visualize playing in a game like this, playing in a stadium like the Coliseum against one of the top-ranked teams in the country. If you visualize it and you work hard, you will put yourself in position to be on that stage, and I think I have.”

Quick thoughts on —

Bill Callahan:

“Sharp. Really bright, knows exactly what he’s talking about all the time. He could coach any position on the field.”

Matt Herian:

“Great hands. Soft hands. That’s one thing you notice. A lot of tight ends kind of catch the ball with their body. He’s got receiver-like hands. He’s really smooth.”

Husker fans:

“Loyal. They love football, that’s for sure.”

Your pro hopes:

“Realistic. I don’t get too caught up in it. I don’t assume it’s going to happen. I’ll give it a shot. If it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out.”