With the 2008 season ready to kick off in less than four weeks, the Nebraska football team is looking to nail down its starting lineup for their Aug. 30 opener against Western Michigan.
There are several positions that are up for grabs this season, including the I-Back position. You wouldn't think this would be a topic for discussion, with returning I-Back Marlon Lucky the leading returning rusher in the Big 12 Conference. But the emergence of sophomore Roy Helu Jr. has created a nice problem for the Husker coaches to consider -- which one will be the starter?
The duo are listed as Co-No. 1 on the preseason depth chart, and you can expect both backs to see plenty of action during the 2008 season. And that's just fine with both athletes, according to a recent column by Steve Sipple in the Lincoln Journal-Star.
The two are not only teammates on the field, but good firends off the field. And having each other to compete with is making for a spirited discussion as to which one will get the start.
Regardless, the Huskers will need two quality players at this position, especially if coach Bo Pelini wants to get back to the smashmouth football the Huskers were known for before the pass-happy days of the Bill Callahan era. Pelini wants his team to be more physical on offense this year, and that is not only good news for the offense, but good news for a defense that was obliterated in 2007.
The best defense, sometimes, is in keeping the other team's offense off the field, and if the Huskers can get back some of that offensive swagger it had in years past, that might help a defense that has had its nose bloodied quite a bit in recent years get back some of that aggressive Blackshirt mentality.
Comments