A series of articles by Brandon "Blankman" Cavanaugh.

Spring Football Wrap-up Weeks #2 & #3

Hey there Husker Faithful, Blankman here. As we continue to trudge through the annual ritual that is spring ball, we’ve got the usual bunch of conversation topics. Just who are Seth Rexillius and Garth Glissman? What does it mean when the offense can move the ball at will against the defense and vice versa, when the defense stuffs the offense? Who will be the starting center, Josh Sewell or Richie Incognito? Fun time, no? Here we’ll take a look at what’s been happening the past two weeks.

- Solich Generally Pleased With First Scrimmage

At least, coming from the side of the house in which we pertain to being pleased, that is. The first scrimmage of the Spring season saw a few familiar faces and a few that, well, left us scratching our collective heads. Seth Rexillius turned in the performance of the afternoon with 3 snags of the pigskin for 72 yards total and 2 TDs. Former NU basketballer Garth Glissman looked solid against the lower units throwing 5-7 for 95 yards and a TD. The leading rusher was former Lincoln Northeast star Nanfwang Mutfwang with 6 rushes for 37 yards. Overall, it was about what was expected from the first scrimmage of the season and while the coaches weren’t thrilled, there was noted improvement, reportedly.

- Jason Lohr Returns

After the Lohr brothers, both wearing #70, were lost last season due to similar injured, Jason will be putting on the old scarlet and cream for one more year. Lohr was granted another year of eligibility after garnering a medical hardship for last year. I really like Jason’s ability in the middle and feel that he could truly be a force in the middle in Bo Pelini’s new scheme. The main question that I have and probably most of the Husker Nation is: Can he still function at the level he did before the injuries? Here’s hoping that he has a stellar season year.

- Trevor Johnson Named Lifter of the Year

Another former Lincoln Northeaster has garnered some attention this spring. Rush end Trevor Johnson, who sporadically annoyed the QB in 2002 while sharing time at the spot with Chris Kelsay, was awarded the 2003 Lifter of the Year Award. The award is voted on by the football team and is given to the player who has improved most in the area of strength and conditioning. Johnson gained 11 pounds during winter conditioning and improved his body composition from 11 percent to 8 percent. Trevoris actually the fifth rush end to win the award in six seasons and from what I’ve heard of the lad outside of the football field, he’s a fine individual as well. I can’t wait to see how he’ll function in Defensive Coordinator Pelini’s new formations.

- Starting at Center: Richie Incog…Josh Sew…um…

Earlier this season, Richie Incoginito was moved to center in an attempt to utilize his size even more than at the previous tackle position, but Richie’s reign at center may be short-lived. Senior Josh Sewell has reportedly impressed Coach Solich so much that Sewell could be the man in front of the QB come OSU-time and Richie could be the opposite tackle from (assumingly) The Big Smooth. Sewell has certainly used his practice time well while Incognito sits for a violation of team policy. Coach Solich has stated that Richie should be ready for the Spring Game.

- Pelini’s New Defense Has Blackshirts Jawin’

Under new NU Defensive Coordinator Bo Pelini’s reign, he has asked for men who are willing to not only fly to the football, but hit the stuffing out of the ball carrier as well. Care for a ‘tude with that, Coach? Many kids have stepped up with some things to say such as Demorrio Williams and Bernard Thomas and while some may say the Blackshirts have no reason to be talking after the 2002 season, I say: look at this as a good thing. The Blackshirts lost a bit of something last season, okay a whole lot of something. Part of that was the swagger, the reason to talk smack in the first place. The fact that they’re ready to start jawing to their own proves they’re gathering confidence and that does not bode well for the opposing offenses in 2003. It’s time to pin the ears back and shatter some dreams boys. Here comes the pain.

The Huskers will be suiting up for another scrimmage that will be focusing primarily on the I-backs this Saturday and then spring practice will culminate with the playing of the annual Red-White Spring Game on Saturday, April 19th. I’m still issuing the call to all of you to be there and I can’t wait to see the turnout. Be sure to show up ready to practice your new chants and yells for 2003, as well. You never can start too early. Take care folks and I’ll see you next time with a full analysis of the Spring Game itself.

Questions, comments and questions regarding Oklahoma’s throwback uniforms can be sent to [email protected]

===Brandon a.k.a. Blankman #71===

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