STEVEN M. SIPPLE / Lincoln Journal Star | Posted: Thursday, November 4, 2004 6:00 pm
Close proximity to a home-state university doesn't always guarantee unyielding allegiance to the institution.
Case in point: Kellen Huston.
The Nebraska senior cornerback spent much of his youth in Ankeny, Iowa, about 30 minutes south of the Iowa State campus.
However, "I was never an Iowa State fan," Huston said.
Huston's feelings for Iowa State football would be characterized more by indifference than animosity. He said his family moved frequently while he was growing up, so he never really had a team to call his own.
Iowa State showed slight interest in Huston during the recruiting process even though Huston was a two-time all-conference pick and Ankeny High's team captain in 1999. He understood ISU's lukewarm interest, saying the Cyclones were emphasizing the recruitment of junior college players in hopes of a quick turnaround from a 4-7 finish in 1999.
By walking on at Nebraska, Huston said, he was able to take the time he needed to develop behind proven players. He could get his feet wet on special teams. He wouldn't have to be thrown into the fray immediately.
Huston's grand plan has worked out well. He earned significant playing time last season and has played an even larger role this season.
"I couldn't have asked for a better ending to my career," said the 5-foot-11, 195-pound Huston, who's tied for the team lead in pass breakups with 12 and also has 30 tackles.
Actually, though, things could get even better for Huston and his Nebraska teammates. With a win Saturday at Iowa State, NU would significantly bolster its chances of capturing the Big 12 North Division.
The Huskers, 5-3 overall, lead the North with a 3-2 record, while the Cyclones (4-4) are tied with Missouri for second at 2-3.
Nebraska's seniors, in particular, possess ample motivation, having never captured a conference championship in college.
"We've done some good things," Huston said of the seniors. "We've achieved some successes, but we haven't achieved that one success we've all wanted that Big 12 championship. It's a motivating factor, there's no doubt about it."
Nebraska kept itself in the thick of the Big 12 North title chase with last week's 24-3 home win against Missouri.
The Husker defense rebounded from a shoddy performance the previous week against Kansas State they missed 33 tackles in a 45-21 loss to hold the Tigers to three long field-goal attempts.
Huston said Nebraska missed precious few tackles against Mizzou.
"I think it was just the attitude we took into that game," Huston said in trying to explain Nebraska's improvement on defense.
Huston said he and senior linebacker Chad Sievers gathered the players for an impromptu speech before the game.
"We said, If you're not going to put it all out there on the field, then don't go out there. You have to put forth all of your effort. Whether you're playing or you're on the bench, you have to come with it,' " Huston said.
Huston isn't the type to come up short effort-wise, said Husker secondary coach Phil Elmassian.
"I'll tell you what, he's a fierce competitor," Elmassian said. "And he's a real intelligent guy. Those two things, with enough talent, allows us to put him on the field, and he's done a great job.
"He's a great competitor. A great competitor. Always full-speed."
Nebraska, ranked 41st nationally in total defense, will face a struggling Iowa State offense. The Cyclones, with first-year coordinator Barney Cotton, rank last in the Big 12 and 108th nationally in total offense at 291.3 yards per game.
Considering Nebraska's struggles on offense of late the Huskers are 2-for-25 on third-conversions in the last two games many anticipate a low-scoring contest Saturday.
"We're a very defensive-minded football team right now," Huston said.
Unlike a few Nebraska seniors, Huston has no plans to pursue a professional career on the gridiron. He carries a 3.9 grade-point average (on a 4.0 scale) and plans to attend medical school with hopes of becoming an orthopedic surgeon.
"I'm just enjoying my senior year, enjoying my last go-round with this whole football thing," Huston said. "It's been a dream come true."
Reach Steven M. Sipple at 473-7440 or ssipple@journalstar.com.