The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current, October 28, 1978, FIRST DOWN, Page page 5, Image 5
Kicker Billy Todd leads the Huskers in scoring this year with 42 points through the first seven games. Who is the former Nebraska back who holds a 28-year record for most points scored in a season in the Big Eight? 4. a Starting is 'dream come true' for walk-on Nelson By Buck Mahoney The walk-ons at the University of Ne braska have gained a lot of attention recently. The likes of I.M. Hipp, Clete Pillen and Larry Valasek are among those who have gained starting positions after they did not receive scholarships. This year, Derrie Nelson adds his name to the list of those who have walked on to become starters. Nelson, a 6-2, 212 pound sophomore from Fairmont, is sharing a starting defensive end spot with L.C. Cole. Nelson said that becoming a starter is a "dream come true" for him. "It's something you always think about," he said. "It's like a dream, but in reality it's a long way away for a walk-on." Nelson said the most important thing for a walk-on to have is desire. He said desire can cover up a player's weaknesses in size and speed by bettering his technique. "If you don't have desire, you won't get past high school," he said. In his senior year of high school. Nelson played middle linebacker, a position where he had to play the run as well as drop back for pass coverage. He said his duties as a linebacker were much the same as his duties as a defensive end are at Nebraska, but he said he likes playing defensive end Better. Sacks and interceptions "You don't have all those big guys com ing at you," he said. "As a linebacker, you get centers and guards blocking on you, but as an end you get backs and wide re ceivers." Nelson said he likes the combination of pass coverage and pass rush that are the re sponsibilities of defensive ends, because both provide a chance to make a big play. Rushing the quarterback provides the opportunity to sack him because offenses often forget to block the end according to Nelson, and covering passes provides a chance for an interception. Nelson, Cole and the other starting end, George Andrews have all intercepted passes this year. "For awhile we were ahead of the secondary in interceptions, but in the last game I think the secondary took com mand," Nelson said. Maul the guy Nelson has earned a reputation for being a reckless player, and he says he likes to have that reputation on the field. "I try to go in and maul a guy right off because if you really maul him, you gain his respect," Nelson said. He also said it is important to be aggres sive early in the game because it gives the opponents something to think about during the contest. Although he is a reckless player on the field, he added that he is not that way when he leaves the stadium. "Off the field I'm fine and tame," he said. Today, the Huskers will have their attention focused on the Oklahoma State Cowboys, a team that lost their first five games before winning their last two. Won't lay down and die "They always play us tough," Nelson said. 'They're not a team that'll lay down and die like Colorado did." One key to beating the Cowboys will be the Husker defense's ability to stop the running game. 'They like to run off tackle a lot to both sides and the coaches say they will throw the ball if they have to," he said. "At wide receiver they have some fast people and they have a good quarterback, too." Although the past few games have been easy wins for the Huskers, Nelson said he didn't think the team would relax. "Everybody is trying to perform better and execute better," he said. FOOD SIMiftjj CCS Brand New & Close To Campus Serving Soup & Sandwiches Till Midnight Cocktails & Beer Till 1 a.m. ? ? T T T T OPEN 10 a.m. Game Days 11th & P Y T T T T t T I r i I PTaspnifc pssgswwiii pmws.'wwv,. r f -4 1 ! t ! Assam JLjf us i.J, Look At Our Benefits Before Flying Off At Any State Supported Secondary School For Those Who- Choose a Vacant Position O FREE GOLLelSe GIHkeUs 1 Alt NEBRASKA AIR GUARD CALL COLLECT 432-4670 1 55th TACTICAL RECONNAISSANCE Saturday, October 28, 1978 first down page 5