Each week, HuskerExtra.com looks at a former Nebraska player in the NFL. This week it's Cory Ross ('05), a running back and kick returner for the Baltimore Ravens.

At Nebraska: Husker offensive player of the year as a junior and senior and ninth on NU’s all-time rushing list. Only Husker to be among the top 10 all-time in rushing and receiving. Won Tom Novak Award in 2005, ran for 162 yards in Alamo Bowl win against Michigan. 

In the pros: Signed as a free agent in 2006, remained on roster all last year and recorded 13 punt returns. He was released this year, then re-signed with Baltimore two weeks ago.

Waiting it out: Cory Ross knows all about waiting. He sat out a redshirt season in 2002 with the Huskers and played rarely in 2003 before he burst onto the scene and became one of the best running backs in NU history.

“I know from all those days running with the scout team and being on the sidelines when the other guys (Josh Davis) were starting for us,” Ross said. “You want to play, but you have to be patient, be ready, but be patient mostly.”

That’s what Ross is going through now with the Ravens.

He played as a kick returner last year, but was released from the team, then re-signed this year. He is behind Willis McGahee, Musa Smith and Mike Anderson on the Ravens’ depth chart at running back. He’s listed behind Yamon Figurs as the kick and punt returner. He roams the sideline at Ravens’ games in a shirt, visor and shorts.

“It’s so hard to work and not get in,” Ross said. “I get to run the scout- team offense here, like I ran the scout team when I redshirted at Nebraska. It’s just like when coach (Bill) Callahan took over at Nebraska. The first-team guys get the reps in practice. When I get a chance, it’s with the scout team. I get to run against the best defense in the NFL — Ray Lewis, Jarret Johnson, Bart Scott.

“I try to make the most of it. I burned Ray Lewis one play today and had the coaches telling me ‘nice job,’ and Ray Lewis yelling at me.”

So Ross keeps working. He keeps running. He keeps in shape.

Someday he’ll play : “You’ve got to be ready because if you get a chance and you’re not ready, well, you’ve missed the chance,” he said.

He takes notes on the sideline during games. He studies films. He is in peak physical condition.

And he sits.

“I’m used to playing and playing a lot,” said Ross, who once carried 37 times in a victory against Colorado. “It’s not OK to be sitting when other guys are playing. But I’m a member of a real exclusive club by being in the NFL and being on a great team. They wouldn’t have me around if I wasn’t of some help to the team.

“The thing is, I’ve gotten better, smarter and I understand the game better than ever. I just need a chance and that will come.”

Staying in touch: Ross keeps in constant contact with Callahan. He tracks his former teammates. He even bought a house in Lincoln.

“Nebraska was so good to me and I want Nebraska to always be a part of me,” he said. “I love it when I run into a guy I played with at Nebraska. I saw Correll Buckhalter of the Eagles and Demorrio Williams of the Falcons and I locker right next to Sam Koch, our punter here in Baltimore.”

Ross said he appreciates what the Huskers are going through this season.

“There is a lot of talk about my Blackshirts, but that’s the way it goes sometimes,” he said. “You can’t believe all the hype. You have to look at did you win or did you lose. Marlon Lucky looks good and Sam Keller looks good. The team will come together.”

— Ken Hambleton