Nebraska Football: Matt Farniok a gritty piece of the line

Farniok is a huge piece of the Nebraska Football line.

Matt Farniok underwent a bit of a position change over the course of spring practices. Instead of playing at right tackle, he was moved to right guard. Whenever Nebraska football gets to play again, this could be beneficial for all parties.

When you take a look at the Nebraska football offensive line, there is a ton of veteran talent as well as a crop of younger players waiting in the wings. Farniok would fall under the veteran category.  Last season, he started every game as a junior at the right tackle position. He was a team captain and Nebraska’s offensive lineman of the year.

Usually when you are looking at a veteran player, you look at accolades and things that he’s won. However, Farniok look has something that cannot be measured via a trophy or postseason selection. According to offensive line coach Greg Austin, he brings a certain level of grit and toughness. Not only that, it gives Nebraska a capable player on the inside. That could certainly be helpful, especially in the red zone.

"“We need guys inside, different than last year that we feel are going to give us a vocal grit presence inside and he certainly brings that with him,” Austin said. “He’s a gritty guy, a tough kid. You know, in the Big Ten, your guards have to be tough kids. When I say that, I’m not saying guys weren’t tough last year, but it’s a mindset and certainly Matt has it."

That’s exactly what you want from an offensive lineman. You need a player that is not afraid to get in the gray areas, and do whatever it takes to get the better of his man. It sounds like Farniok will be able to provide that. That’s exactly what you expect from an upperclassman and a player that has been a huge part of the line for years.

Let’s face it, with the conference that Nebraska football plays in and the type of opponents they will face whenever football resumes, the line needs to be a lot grittier than it was last year. At times, they were not playing at a high level. A player like Farniok can provide that spark especially as a senior leader.

It will be interesting to see how the line shapes up for when football resumes. Assuming that Farniok will be part of it, he will certainly bring a certain edge to the line.