There have been some exciting and fun moments from Nebraska football‘s past Red-White Spring Games.
It is a chance for new players to make their first impact, for veterans to prove that they deserve to keep their top spot or even step into a new role after the departure of a senior.
Recent spring games have not disappointed in providing memorable moments. Let’s have a look at a few of the best in recent Red-White scrimmages.
Jamal Turner’s Flips Into The End Zone
Hype always follows the top recruits to campus. Jamal Turner was no exception. A highly-touted recruit out of high school, fans were excited for the young athlete to show what he could do on the field.
In 2011, the true freshman added more hype on one electric play.
After catching a pass from Brion Carnes, Turner eludes tacklers and flips into the end zone.
Sure, a flag was thrown for the flip, but fans did not care at all. The excitement and speculation for what was to come from the young playmaker had started.
Unfortunately, Turner’s career had some injury problems that held him back.
The wide receiver did make a few plays as a Husker, but never quite lived up to the potential or hype that came from the flip.
Bo Pelini Stars in “The Lion King”
Despite all the sideline temper tantrums, Pelini did have a few good moments during his time as the Nebraska football head coach. One of those came during the 2014 Spring Game Tunnel Walk.
Pelini shows there is more to him than just an angry, red-faced, screaming man.
Fans hoped this was a sign of a lighter, better-mannered and a little less intense Pelini. There was hope that the team would play better with less pressure on them.
The scrimmage also included a goal-post throwing contest and a variety of drills. It seemed a little more laid back. Players’ Twitter handles were even introduced before they performed drills.
New season, new mentality…new Pelini? Not exactly.
The coach was soon back to his old ways. Yelling, screaming, spitting and all.
Unfortunately, most of the other funny Pelini moments came from the still beloved @fauxpelini.
Tommy Armstrong and Jordan Westerkamp Play Hangman
Spring games are all about getting players reps and seeing what they can do. This means the first team guys will have some down time throughout the day.
During last year’s game, Westerkamp was not able to participate due to injury and Armstrong had been relieved of his quarterbacking duties for the day.
What do buddies do when bored on the sideline? Play Hangman, of course.
Sure, this may not be a big play highlight, but it is still a memorable moment. It also shows the lighter side to players and football. A view of something that can only happen in the spring.
It reminds you of when Ameer Abdullah and Kenny Bell sported fun hats and sunglasses one year. The two stars had fun throughout the day joking around.
Starters have some time to relax and let other guys steal the show.
With all of the competition going on this year at key positions like quarterback, players might be a little more focused.
However, there will likely still be guys dancing and joking around.
The Walk-On Wins The Game
One of the best parts about the Red-White Game is that players who are not very well-known can hog the spotlight a bit.
This was the case at the end of last year’s scrimmage.
With eight seconds left in the game, Patrick O’Brien threw an interception to walk-on Kyle Kasun.
Time expired and the interception on the overthrown ball gave the White Team (defense) the win by one point.
Kasun became a hero for the day. Head coach Mike Riley and quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr can both be seen with surprised looks on their faces.
The Papillion, Neb. native made the team from an on-campus tryout. He was the one person the coaches picked and took advantage of his opportunity.
Not only was the interception one of the more exciting moments of the day, but the story behind it makes it even more heart-warming.
The walk-on defensive back stole headlines and created a memory he will never forget.
We will see what other new faces can make a name for themselves this year.
Also, with the defense stealing the game at the last second, the offense will surely be out for revenge.
Jack Hoffman Steals the Hearts of America
This list would not be complete without including the #TeamJack touchdown.
The touching story of Hoffman swept the nation in 2013. His spring game touchdown was just the start.
The play went viral and went on to win “Best Moment” at the ESPY Awards Show.
The video tells the story, but words don’t do the special moment justice. It is something that Husker fans will remember for a very long time.
This year’s Spring Game will surely have special moments of its own. It will be exciting to see which players, new and old, steal the show.
Will a walk-on win the day again? Will a highly touted recruit electrify the crowd?
Next: What the Huskers’ Defensive Young Guns Are Showing
One thing that is sure is that a good game will be played. Maybe even on and off the field.
Make sure to get your tickets so you do not miss the next big spring game moment.