Notes: Husker freshmen cited for MIP

Two NU freshmen cited for MIPs

Husker freshmen Andrew Rodriguez and Tobi Okuyemi were cited for minor in possession by consumption early Sunday morning in the Knoll Residential Center.

Rodriguez and Okuyemi, both 19, were among four UNL freshmen cited in the new residence hall just before 2 a.m. Sunday.

Carl Oestmann, director of patrol operations for University of Nebraska-Lincoln Police, said a person reported hearing shouting and loud talk about consuming vodka coming from a third-floor room.

A UNL police officer was called to the room, where the officer smelled alcohol.

"Some of the individuals did admit to drinking alcoholic beverages at an off-campus location in Lincoln," Oestmann said.

NU coach Bo Pelini confirmed Monday he was aware of the incident, but he declined to discuss if the players would face discipline.

"It's already been handled," Pelini said. "I already handled it."

Pelini said both players participated in Monday's two-hour practice.

Rodriguez, a 6-foot-6, 325-pound lineman from Aurora, impressed in fall camp and is considered one of Nebraska's top backups at guard.

Okuyemi, a native of Maple Grove, Minn., is likely a redshirt candidate at defensive end.

Walk-on Cassidy earns scholarship

On Friday, Pelini rounded up his Huskers for a team meeting to wrap up fall camp.

At that meeting, he surprised NU junior defensive back Austin Cassidy with a scholarship.

"I had no idea," Cassidy said.

"We were just sitting in the meeting, and Bo talked about how much he appreciated all the things walk-ons do, that there are a lot of guys that are worthy, and it's tough only giving one out. And then he announced it was me."

Cassidy, a 6-foot-1 walk-on from Lincoln Southwest, played in all 14 games last season and collected nine tackles.

He's practiced at safety and peso this fall and will remain a key member of NU's kick coverage teams.

"Austin's done a great job," Pelini said.

"He's come a long way and he helps our football team in a lot of different ways. It just goes to show hard work pays off."

Washington trying special teams

Latravis Washington has no interest in spending his final season on the sidelines.

So rather than spend his year sitting behind at least three quarterbacks, the senior has begun practicing with NU's special teams units as a blocker on punt and kickoff returns.

"I think it's a place where he can help the football team," Pelini said.

The 6-foot-3, 230-pounder moved to quarterback to shore up depth last fall after spending two seasons as a reserve linebacker. He saw mop-up duty at quarterback in four games last season.

Pelini commended Washington for his selflessness in trying to help however he can.

"Latravis is as good a guy in the locker room as you're ever going to have," NU's coach said.

"We love having him around. He has a great attitude, and he's a winner.

"I can't say enough good things about L.T."