Hickman switches to guard on O-line
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BY BRIAN ROSENTHAL / Lincoln Journal Star
Nebraska’s search for a right guard is now centering on Jacob Hickman.
The Huskers’ starting center last season, Hickman has slid over one spot for the last three spring practices. Meanwhile, sophomore walk-on Mike Caputo is working at center.
While those moves aren’t yet permanent, offensive line coach Barney Cotton was optimistic Wednesday.
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“It seems like that’s the right move for now, anyway,” Cotton said. “(Hickman) is listed one for a reason. We’re playing two centers, and that’s what we’re doing because we think they’re (part of) the best five.”
Offensive coordinator Shawn Watson said last week that of the five offensive line positions, right guard concerned him most. Nebraska must replace starter Matt Slauson.
Juniors D.J. Jones and Ricky Henry had been battling for the position. Henry, who redshirted last season as a transfer, quickly earned a label as a fiery, aggressive player.
“He was having a little trouble getting the mental aspect down,” Hickman said, “but he’s been getting it, and he’s feeling more comfortable and getting more aggressive, which is what he needs to do.”
Cotton said Hickman’s move wasn’t an indictment of the progress of Jones or Henry, who continue to work at right guard.
“As you evaluate guys, you really try to put the best 11 guys on the field,” Cotton said. “And hopefully, we’re going to be playing more than five offensive linemen.”
Hickman, who has 23 career starts, is Nebraska’s most experienced offensive lineman. He played right guard as a freshman and left guard as a sophomore, so this move, he said, is like riding a bike.
“You kind of want to play the (position) you’ve been playing lately,” the 6-foot-4, 295-pound Hickman said. “It’s always kind of hard to change it up. But as for overall … it’s just a matter of getting used to something.”
Hickman said Cotton wanted to see what the chemistry would be like with Hickman and Caputo in the lineup at the same time.
“He told me beforehand, ‘Hey, we’re just going to check this out for a couple of days, see how it goes. If it’s good, we’ll stick with it, if not, then we’ll go back, ” Hickman said.
“That’s the advantage of spring. You can throw some things in there, playswise and peoplewise.”
Caputo, a Millard North graduate, played in seven games last season as a backup to Hickman. He redshirted in 2007.
At 6-1, 275, Caputo is a bit undersized, Cotton admits, but makes up for it with his technique.
“He’s earned that spot,” Cotton said. “Caputo’s a great technician. He’s got a great motor. He’s a self-starter. He’s a great finisher.”
Caputo, recruited mostly by Division II schools out of high school, said he was “pretty happy” when told of the move.
“I think it’s working well,” Caputo said. “It can obviously be a lot better, but nothing’s permanent, so I’m going to just try to keep doing my best.”
Reach Brian Rosenthal at 473-7436 or brosenthal@journalstar.com.
