The Nebraska football team returned to the practice field on Thursday in Orlando. The meida got some time with assistant coaches. In this opportunity to talk to the media, the assistants got the chance to talk about new rolls, recruits, and of course the bowl game itself.
Reports Not Accurate…Yet
Rumors have been flying about who the new recruiting coordinator may be. Headcoach Bo Pelini announced that linebackers coach Ross Els was named as the new special teams coordinator this week, but did not name the recruiting coordinator.
The main story going around was that receivers coach Rich Fisher would be the front runner for the job.
That’s all premature,” Fisher said. “Somebody sent me some text messages, and I was like ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about.’ I guess I’ve got to call you guys to find out what my job titles are. I think that’s all premature stuff.”
Even though Fisher said the reports were premature, he did say he is interested in the open position.
“I think any coach wants to advance his career,” Fisher said. “When you get an opportunity to take on more responsibility, I think it’s good for you. If Bo thinks that highly of me that I’m that guy, then I’ll cherish the opportunity and look forward to it.”
Raymond Thanks Seisay Is the Next Great One
Defensive backs coach Corey Raymond has not been at Nebraska that long. In the time he has been in Lincoln, he has developed a great relationship with a few players that he has to say good bye to after Monday’s match up against South Carolina.
Seniors, Austin Cassidy, Alfonzo Dennard, Marcus Mendoza, and Lance Thorell will all suit up as a defensive back for the last time as a Husker on Monday.
As sad as Raymond is to see them go, he is equally as excited about the future, and one player in particular.
One of the top junior college players in the country committed to Nebraska, and signed his National Letter of Intent to enroll early at Nebraska back on Dec. 20 in Mohammed Seisay.
“I was just honest with him, and we had a good understanding with each other,” Raymond said of Seisay. “Like I told him, don’t put distance or the weather in when you are trying to make your decision.”
When asked about why he thought Seisay would fit so well at Nebraska, Raymond had nothing but good things to say.
“He does a lot of stuff well,” Raymond said. “He’s big and long, he can play bump and run, off man, I mean he can do a lot of stuff. We just have to get him to learn the defense.”
The 6-foot-2, 200 lb corner will arrive in Lincoln when the Huskers return from Orlando, and Raymond is excited to great him.
“He’s already registered for school and he’ll be here in the spring,” Raymond said. “Hopefully he’ll come in and we’ll see how he competes.”
Dennard Gets New, But Familiar Duty
Senior cornerback Alfonzo Dennard was not sure of what his role in Nebraska’s game plan against South Carolina was going to be. Would he cover several receivers, or would he be solely responsible for shutting down 6-foot-4, 230 lb star wide out Alshon Jeffery.
Due to Dennard doing such a great job against star wide out Marvin McNutt, Dennard has been assigned to cover Jeffery all day.
“It’s very fun,” Dennard said. “I’m a competitive guy, so I like stuff like that. If he wins, it’s all on him. I’m not going to hold my head down, because he’s a very good player. If I lose against him, I want it to be against a very good player.”
When asked about how excited he would be about South Carolina having to throw to Dennard’ side of the field to get the ball to their number one target, Dennard was more than excited.
“I had to learn that during the season,” Dennard said. “Before the games, if I’m just laid back and chill, I won’t be as hype when I get out there on the field. But when I’m hyped up at the start of the game, it’s going to be a very good game.”
With the Capital One Bowl being his last chance to play as a Husker, Dennard said the sky is the limit to what might happen if he gets an interception.
“If I get a pick, there ain’t no telling what I’ll do, man,” Dennard said. “I might do a flip or something.”
By Jimmie Allen
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