Husker fans remember the Mackovicka name with tremendous fondness.
During the 1990's the name helped symbolize the explosive toughness of the Nebraska football team and was part of a storied lineage of great Husker fullbacks that included names like Rathman and Schleisinger. Brothers Joel and Jeff Mackovicka represented East Butler High School quite well and helped lead the Huskers to national titles in 1995 and 1997, respectively.
Now comes the third brother in the family, sophomore Justin Mackovicka, who is listed as a backup to Thomas Lawson on the Nebraska depth chart heading into the 2008 season. Mackovicka is a 6-foot-1, 240-pounder who is expected to help contribute in a Husker offense that should be quite proficient this year.
The fullback position was not used much during the past four seasons, but should see its number called a little more often with Bo Pelini as head coach. Look for Mackovicka to see his name called and he will no doubt get a little extra cheer from fans who recognize the name.
And don't think for one minute that the name is going away anytime soon. Justin has a younger brother, Jordan, who is walking on as a freshman at Nebraska this season. Who knows? Maybe sometime in the next couple of years, we'll see a Mackovicka opening up a hole for another Mackovicka to burst through for big yards.
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