Red report: Freshman Randle making impression
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By The Lincoln Journal Star
Opening statement
“I’m excited about this season because I didn’t think we had a great season last year. I didn’t come here to win nine games. That’s why I’m excited for this season.”
— Bo Pelini
Randle making impression: The topic of which true freshmen are playing and which are redshirting is always a popular one in Nebraska.
Wednesday, three days before Nebraska’s season opener against Florida Atlantic, Husker defensive coordinator Carl Pelini named some true freshmen that could see playing time Saturday.
Pelini said he didn’t want to speak for the offense, but said on defense, fans will probably see a little bit of linebacker Eric Martin, and that cornerback Andrew Green has got a chance of getting some time. Defensive end Jason Ankrah “possibly” could play.
But perhaps the most interesting name mentioned was that of defensive tackle Thaddeus Randle — a 6-foot-1, 260-pound native of Galena Park, Texas. Pelini said Randle has impressed with his pass-rushing ability.
“Those guys all potentially (could play),” Pelini said. “No decision’s been made to play them or not, and probably won’t be made until game time, when we see how the game’s flowing for us.”
As for Randle, Pelini said: “He’s got a knack for it. He’s got fast feet. He’s got great speed off the ball. And those are what you look for. The other things you can teach — the hand fighting, the stuff like that.
“He’s still green, who knows? I see things from Thad in individual drills that haven’t translated to a team setting yet. That’s the next challenge, getting him to see it the same way.”
But Pelini said Randle is “as fast off the ball as I’ve seen in a long time.”
As for redshirt freshmen, Pelini said some snaps could be expected for defensive ends Josh Williams and Cameron Meredith, and defensive tackle Baker Steinkuhler. Safety P.J. Smith also could see some action.
“Cameron’s going to take on the role that Clayton Sievers had last year. He’ll be getting some time at both ends,” Pelini said.
O’Hanlon likely starter: There’s been a good battle at free safety between seniors Matt O’Hanlon and Rickey Thenarse. Who’s leading the race?
“Matt is playing right now with the 1s and so is Larry (Asante),” Pelini said. “But Rickey, he’s in both (safety) spots. He’s playing a little dime. He’s going to be on the field an awful lot on Saturday and we’re very comfortable with Rickey.”
Williams nicked: Starting left guard Keith Williams was held out of Wednesday’s practice. He had practiced Tuesday after sitting out Monday.
“It’s nothing severe. We’re just on a wait-and-see basis,” offensive line coach Barney Cotton said. “The same thing he was kind of nicked up with on Monday, he was nicked up again today.”
Cotton said he assumed Williams would start Saturday. His top backup is senior Andy Christensen.
Ward’s world: Roy Helu and Rex Burkhead are Nebraska’s top two running backs, no debate.
As for No. 3, running backs coach Tim Beck gives redshirt freshman Lester Ward a slight edge over sophomores Austin Jones and Marcus Mendoza.
“I think Lester’s a little ahead,” Beck said. “He’s a little more consistent in his play.”
“A lot of things will depend on the situation,” Beck added. “Lester Ward and (Austin) Jones are probably a little ahead of Marcus right now, just because there’s still a couple things Marcus needs to do to detail up his game a little bit.”
Tight end talk: Florida Atlantic has talented tight ends in Jason Harmon and Jamari Grant. Grant had 45 catches last year and Harmon had 63 in 2007, before sitting out 2008 with a knee injury.
“They’ve got really athletic tight ends and can get down the field in a hurry,” Pelini said. “The good thing for us is so do we. We’ve been facing that all camp. That’s a dilemma that Mike McNeill and Ben Cotton and those guys give us every day. That’s nothing new to us and I think our linebackers are used to facing athletic tight ends right now.”
Checking The Meter
How was Wednesday’s practice?
Carl Pelini said it was a good day on both sides of the ball.
“The communication is getting better,” he said. “I think a little bit of excitement on the field today. I think everybody is getting ready to play a football game now.”
— Brian Christopherson, Brian Rosenthal and Steven M. Sipple
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