Fisher, Compton figure in linebacker mix
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By BRENT C. WAGNER / Lincoln Journal Star
Time to see what those freshmen can do.
Husker head coach Bo Pelini released a depth chart Tuesday that was few on surprises but did include the names of three true freshmen.
Probably most noteworthy was linebackers Sean Fisher and Will Compton being listed at No. 2s. The Millard North product Fisher is listed as the backup BUCK linebacker behind Tyler Wortman. Compton is at the WILL spot behind Phillip Dillard.
Related Media
Vidcast: Depth chart breakdown
Steven M. Sipple and Brian Christopherson break down the depth chart. (Anthony Roberts / JournalStar.com)...
Audio: Bo Pelini press conference
Full audio of the Bo Pelini press conference on August 26th. (Anthony Roberts / JournalStar.com)...
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With a new coaching staff and optimism floating about, Husker senior quarterback Joe Ganz said he views Saturday night’s season opener against Western Michigan as a “big statement game” for the team. “You only have one chance to make a first impression, and that’s what we’re doing. We’re making a first impression with our new team, new coaches, and we’re making a first impression to the world. …” Ganz said. “It’s a big deal to us. We’re not taking Western Michigan lightly. This game is the Super Bowl to us really, and we’ve got to approach it like that.”
While Fisher and Compton have impressed, Pelini said both have a long way to go.
“Those guys have probably come along a little bit quicker just because they’ve gotten more reps,” he said. “Are they ready for the bright lights? I’m not quite sure yet."
Ben Cotton is the other freshman whose name showed up on the depth chart, as the fourth-string tight end. Pelini mentioned cornerback Alfonzo Dennard as another freshman who might play.
In other depth chart news:
* Sophomore Mike Smith, for now, has the starting job at left tackle, with Jaivorio Burkes backing him up. Burkes missed the first two weeks of camp due to high blood pressure. More than likely, Pelini said, Burkes will play Saturday. Lydon Murtha is the No. 1 right tackle.
After going against Smith in practice, defensive end Zach Potter seemed impressed, noting that Smith “has given us fits at times.”
* Add another “or” at I-back. Now the depth chart reads: Marlon Lucky or Roy Helu Jr. or Quentin Castille. However, offensive coordinator Shawn Watson has said on repeated occasions that Lucky will be the starter.
“I’m not taking away from Marlon Lucky …” Pelini said, “but that’s a good problem to have.”
* Offensive lineman Ricky Henry received a lot of chatter during camp, but the junior newcomer was not on the two-deep and could be looking at a redshirt.
“Ricky really had a good camp and he’s going to be a good football player for us,” Pelini said. “He’s kind of a wait-and-see guy. We’d like to redshirt him, but he’s ready to go. We’re repping him right now, but the longer the season goes, the less likely you’ll be to see Ricky”.
* Redshirt freshman Jared Crick of Cozad is listed as backing up Ty Steinkuhler at defensive tackle.
* Sophomore Anthony West has won the top right corner spot, with Prince Amukamara backing him up.
This and that: The Huskers worked out in full pads on Tuesday, an “enthusiastic” and “much better” practice than Monday, according to defensive coordinator Carl Pelini. "I really think that our defense is chomping at the bit," he said. "I would say they're probably a little bit nervous at this point, but those nerves are going away as they become more comfortable with the game plan." … Bo Pelini said Niles Paul and Larry Asante will be deep on kick returns Saturday. On punt returns, Nate Swift will be No. 1, but Pelini added, “you’ll see some of Niles Paul.” … Senior Hunter Teafatiller was not one of the tight ends on the depth chart. Pelini said Teafatiller would not play Saturday, but should be available after that. He’s suspended for alcohol-related issues.
Scouting report: DE Barry Turner Barry Turner offered his thoughts to the media on Tuesday for the first time since fall camp started.
"The reason I didn't speak during camp is I just wanted to focus on camp," the senior defensive end said. "That's my primary focus, just to get better as a team every day."
After a rough year in which the D-line took plenty of criticism, Turner is anxious for Saturday to arrive. He has lost 10 pounds since last season and said he feels that will only help him.
"It's an excitement for all of us just to prove we are a talented group of players," Turner said. "We're going out there this year to show our chemistry and communication skills on the field."
Chemistry, Turner said, is what is different from this team right now compared with last year's.
"We're like a brotherhood, and we all love each other, and that's a big difference," Turner said.
Turner is often soft-spoken with the media, but said his voice needs to be heard by teammates this year.
"I have to. I want to. I'm probably the most experienced on the defense,” Turner said. “I take that role just to be able to communicate and let the team know we're all on the same page."
It’s amazing to him to think that he’s already a senior.
"Every game, every day I think this is my last year. It goes by really fast. A lot of guys get very emotional,” he said. “For those upcoming guys, they don't understand how quickly it goes by. Just the other day I was a freshman. I'm going to cherish each day."
Opponent watch: Virginia Tech
Big quarterback news for Nebraska’s marque nonconference foe Virginia Tech. The Hokies are giving the starting gig to Sean Glennon and trying to redshirt Tyrod Taylor.
The two quarterbacks divided snaps last season. Glennon completed 143 of 235 passes (60.9 percent) for 1,796 yards and 12 touchdowns.
"I think in the long term, thinking about our football program, if we could get this done, this is what we need to do,” Tech coach Frank Beamer said at his weekly teleconference. “If we can stay away from injuries and play well as an offense and get this thing done, this is good for Tyrod, having a year and continuing to learn and develop. He's only going to get better and better.”
The Hokies visit Lincoln on Sept. 27.
Just asking: What’s Nebraska’s captain situation?
The Huskers will pick captains on a game-by-game basis. Husker head coach Bo Pelini said this week’s captains will be announced Wednesday.
In the past, the Huskers picked captains to serve for the entire season. Quarterback Joe Ganz said he thinks picking captains on a weekly basis is a cool idea.
“I didn’t really care if we had three or four for the whole year, but I think it’s a little more special that the team votes week-by-week, just because it’s based on your practice and your performance and things like that,” Ganz said.
— Brian Christopherson and Brent C. Wagner
