Pelini works young players at end of practice

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By the Lincoln Journal Star

For the second straight Monday, Nebraska coach Bo Pelini reserved the last portion of practice for a scrimmage between the redshirts and other younger players.

Better get used to it, youngsters. With a bowl game comes another month of practice, and Pelini plans to give the freshmen a good deal of work.

“It will be like another spring ball for them,” Pelini said. “That will be huge. That’s an important time for them, and really an important time for all of us to continue to develop.”

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Nebraska's Niles Paul (24), returns a kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown against San Jose St. Freshman Alfonzo Dennard provided the lead block on the return. Dennard is one of the young players making an impact for the Huskers this season. (LJS File)

Nebraska's Niles Paul (24), returns a kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown against San Jose St. Freshman Alfonzo Dennard provided the lead block on the return. Dennard is one of the young players making an impact for the Huskers this season. (LJS File)

Pelini has officially redshirted all but four players from the 2008 recruiting class. Sean Fisher, Cameron Meredith, Mason Wald and Alfonzo Dennard have played in games.

“It will make us stronger in the future,” Pelini said. “We like the group. It’s a good group of guys. There’s some talent in that group. Having them play against our older guys day-in and day-out makes them battle-tested. It develops them. That’s what we want to do with our program.”

From the Monday scrimmage, Pelini noted wide receivers Steven Osborne and Khiry Cooper, quarterback Cody Spano, offensive lineman Ricky Henry and defensive lineman Baker Steinkuhler, as well as the linebackers, as players who stood out.

“You have to build a foundation, and that class is really a foundation for the future,” he said.

INJURY UPDATE: Linebacker Phillip Dillard (ankle) and offensive tackle Lydon Murtha (foot) missed Monday’s practice. Pelini said both players are “getting a little bit better” after missing the Kansas game. Dillard has missed the last two games. Offensive guard Keith Williams (ankle) and running back Marlon Lucky (turf toe) also missed Monday’s practice but will return today, Pelini said. As for quarterback Joe Ganz, who was hobbling on the field Saturday? “Joe was fine (Monday). No issues.”

Scouting report: CB, Eric Hagg was able to laugh Monday about his hard hit — but non-tackle — on Kansas quarterback Todd Reesing.

Hagg delivered a blow to Reesing in the backfield, but Reesing kept his balance and threw to an open Kerry Meier for KU’s first touchdown Saturday.

“Geesh, I just didn’t wrap up,” said Hagg, a sophomore. “I just came to try to bring some fire, but I guess I don’t have it.”

Of course, it was a popular play in the film room. Hagg said he watched it at least 20 times, sometimes in slow motion.

“Coaches kept on re-winding it,” Hagg said. “I just kept on watching it and watching it.”

Lesson learned?

“Oh, definitely. I usually wrap up, but this time I just tried to come. Didn’t work out.”

And while we’re picking on Hagg, what about those two near-interceptions Saturday?

“I need to work on my hands,” he said. “Maybe get some stick ’em or something.

“Or talk to (Ndamukong) Suh or (Zach) Potter.”

Just asking: Is 2008 recruit Antonio Bell, who attended Saturday’s game, on track to join the program?

“We hope so,” Pelini said. “He’s waiting for his test score to come back. He chose to just keep working. He was like a point away. We hope that he’ll be back here and he’ll start with us here in January.”

— Brian Rosenthal