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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 23, 1990)
Preseason hype inspires secondary j By Todd Cooper Staff Reporter Nebraska secondary coach George Darling ton said the preseason hype his defensive back field is receiving only can help the Corn huskers down the road. “As a player, when you’re expected to be a part of an excellent group you tend to perform belter,” Darlington said. “It’s a sort of positive motivational pressure.” Four returning starters will share that pres sure. Senior Reggie Cooper, a second-team All-American strong safety last year, will lead the secondary, along with All-Big Eight senior left corncrback Bruce Pickens. Last year’s Big Eight Freshman of the Year, Tyrone Byrd, returns at free safety, along with senior corncrback Tahaun Lewis, an All-Big Eight honorable mention selection. Junior Tyrone Legettc also returns, after sharing starting time with Lewis. In addition, Cooper is backed up by the Huskers’ weightlifterof the year, junior Curtis Cotton, and sophomore Brian Pollard. Pickens is backed by senior lctlcrmcn Jon Crippcn and Robert Hicks. Lewis and Lcgetlc have junior lctterman Eric Anderson as a backup, and Byrd is backed by sophomore Sieve Carmcr and junior letter man Will Thomas. That sort of depth has resulted in both unity and competitiveness, Darlington said. “The camaraderie of the group is really important... the respect of each other leads to a cohesiveness,” he said. “A lot of competi tion also is healthy. Many of the guys arc locked in a heated battle to find out who will play.” With almost every position up for grabs, Darlington said he’ll have to make some tough decisions. “It a good problem to have,” he said. “We’ll have to make some decisions. Obviously, not every body is going to be excited about them.’ But Darlington said last year’s platooning system among Lewis and Legettc worked well and that there’s a good possibility more alter nating will be seen in 1990. “(That) plus the fact that we won’t get through the season without some injuries... so they know they’re going to play,” Darlington said. The competition for the starling positions also makes his job easier, Darlington said. “When there’s that much competition, the guys arc more open to the coaching,” he said. “Many times when a guy is not battling for his spot, he’s a little less receptive to the little things. “And then when they remember the Florida State game, they don’t want that to happen again, so they’re a little more open.” The Nebraska secondary gave up 422 yards passing to Florida State in this year’s Fiesta Bowl, a game that Darlington said overshad owed much of the secondary’s success last season. “Most of the year, our opponents didn’t throw very well against us and then we had that one bad day,” he said. “Nolmuch wasmadeof the Colorado game. Colorado had about a 75 percent completion percentage most of the season, and then we held them to 2 for 11 (passing). In a way, that game was the other side of the coin of the Florida State game.” Despite the prescason praise the defensive secondary has received, Darlington said foot balls still will be Hying against the Huskcrs. “Teams that arc geared to throw the foot ball are going to throw it,” he said. “Every coverage has weaknesses, and good passing teams try to exploit those weaknesses. “If we can force them lobe unbalanced and go to their second option (running or passing), then we’ll be successful.” ■» mm _< Michelle Paulman/Daily Nebraskan Jon Crippen practices with a tackling dummy during the first day of football practice with pads. WELCOME BACK UNL LOOK WHAT'S IN STORE FOR YOU! "BEN SIMON S "DIRECTIVES BEAUTY SALON "DULING OPTICAL "GLEMBY’S SALON "ICECREAM CORNER "LINCOLN CHILDREN'S MUSEUM "LINCOLN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND GIFT SHOP "MARV FREY’S BALDWIN PIANO "PERFECT CUP "R.C.BURGESS "READER’S CHOICE AT THE ATRIUM MALL - DOWNTOWN LINCOLN 1200 N STREET 1 H III h it FOR LOW PRICES ON ALL YOUR GROCERY NEEDS . . . SHOP econofoods! At econofoods, it has always been our commitment to do everything we can to help you save money. At the same time we bring you the best possible quality, variety, and fresh ness. So shop econofoods where you get warehouse prices and a full service store r-— Regular or Diet Coke Cherry Coke, Sprite, | COKE | i\ ■ $>| 96 | E S 12 Packs I 1 12 oz. cans I LIMIT 1 WITH COUPON AND MINIMUM $5 PURCHASE | COUPON GOOD THROUGH 9/4/90 I k..._—----J econofcfoods v* L. “The Big Name For Value” Centro Plaza Shopping Center I Aug 23-31 On Our Entire Collection Of HERFF JONES College Ring Styles M Our entire collection of Herff Jones College Ring styles are now on sale! Stop by the Herff Jones display and our sales represen tative will be happy to assist you with your selection Visit Our Sales HERFF JONES Representative College Rings August 23-24 9:30 - 5:00