Nebraska Heisman winner had great advice to TJ Lateef before his 1st start

Nebraska is going to see a new face on the field this weekend against UCLA, and it is on their own sideline. Quarterback TJ Lateef will be making his first career start for the Cornhuskers, stepping in for the injured Dylan Raiola, who is out for the season with a broken fibula.

The news of Raiola's injury certainly hurts, but this is a chance for head coach Matt Rhule and the rest of the coaching staff to see what they have in Lateef. Raiola's injury was announced on Sunday, so Lateef has had all week to work with the starters and prepare for his first game leading the way for the Cornhuskers.

Eric Crouch gives Nebraska football's TJ Lateef advice heading into first start

Rhule said that everyone in the building has been there and supporting Lateef, and even a special former Cornhusker has some words of wisdom for the young quarterback.

He was like 'Let it rip, man!'" Rhule said when talking about former Nebraska Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch.

That is right, Crouch was in the building this week with the Cornhuskers and took the time to talk with Lateef ahead of his first career start.

Crouch won the Heisman Trophy back in 2001, as well as the Davey O'Brien Award and Walter Camp Award in the same year. Crouch was drafted into the NFL by the St. Louis Rams, but as a wide receiver. Due to an unfortunate leg injury, Crouch's career was shorter than many thought it would be.

Now, Crouch still makes time to come back to Lincoln to be with the team and talk to a young quarterback who is getting ready to make his first start with the team is hopefully going to be helpful.

Lateef has all the support he needs behind him, and now it is his shot to go out there and show what he has and why he picked Nebraska.