Husker Football Notes, 10/14: Octavien practices but might not play
Nebraska defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove said junior weakside linebacker Steve Octavien practiced “full-go” Thursday. However, the coach was unsure whether Octavien would play tonight after missing the past three games with a hamstring injury.
“I just want to be smart with him,” Cosgrove said.
While Octavien practiced only one day this week, sophomore strongside linebacker Clayton Sievers practiced all week and is expected to play tonight after also missing the last three games with a hamstring injury.
Starting left guard Greg Austin remains questionable with a sore knee.
SHANLE SHINES: Cosgrove lauded the play of several defenders, but his strongest praise was reserved for senior free safety Andrew Shanle, who has 20 tackles this season and a team-leading three interceptions. What’s more, he proved to be an effective blitzer last week against Iowa State. “When you look at guys who have stepped up this season, he’s stood out,” Cosgrove said.
PERSONNEL RUNDOWN: A sampling of Cosgrove’s other comments regarding players:
On transfer quarterback Sam Keller: “I get excited just watching him practice.”
On true freshman tight end Mike McNeill: “Had he not got banged up early (in the season), he’d be playing now.”
Juco transfer defensive tackle Brandon Johnson isn’t playing much because he was slowed by some minor injuries and coaches are pleased with the four-man rotation of interior linemen.
Although true freshman Corey Young is playing backup at cornerback, he eventually may be better suited for one of the safety spots.
Among the walk-ons, freshman linebacker Kyle Moore (Jay’s brother) and fullback Justin Makovicka have made big early impressions, Cosgrove said.
QUOTABLE: “It’s hard. You try to stay away from the newspapers and the media. But it’s hard to stay away from a kick in the butt” — Cosgrove, on criticism he’s endured at Nebraska, particularly in 2004.
“I just want to be smart with him,” Cosgrove said.
While Octavien practiced only one day this week, sophomore strongside linebacker Clayton Sievers practiced all week and is expected to play tonight after also missing the last three games with a hamstring injury.
Starting left guard Greg Austin remains questionable with a sore knee.
SHANLE SHINES: Cosgrove lauded the play of several defenders, but his strongest praise was reserved for senior free safety Andrew Shanle, who has 20 tackles this season and a team-leading three interceptions. What’s more, he proved to be an effective blitzer last week against Iowa State. “When you look at guys who have stepped up this season, he’s stood out,” Cosgrove said.
PERSONNEL RUNDOWN: A sampling of Cosgrove’s other comments regarding players:
On transfer quarterback Sam Keller: “I get excited just watching him practice.”
On true freshman tight end Mike McNeill: “Had he not got banged up early (in the season), he’d be playing now.”
Juco transfer defensive tackle Brandon Johnson isn’t playing much because he was slowed by some minor injuries and coaches are pleased with the four-man rotation of interior linemen.
Although true freshman Corey Young is playing backup at cornerback, he eventually may be better suited for one of the safety spots.
Among the walk-ons, freshman linebacker Kyle Moore (Jay’s brother) and fullback Justin Makovicka have made big early impressions, Cosgrove said.
QUOTABLE: “It’s hard. You try to stay away from the newspapers and the media. But it’s hard to stay away from a kick in the butt” — Cosgrove, on criticism he’s endured at Nebraska, particularly in 2004.
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