Football notes

Linebacker moves to QB

The quarterback race is adding a dark horse candidate.

Junior Latravis Washington is moving over from linebacker and will enter the mix when spring practices start today.

Washington, who primarily saw time on special teams in his first two years in the program, played quarterback at Bayshore High School in Bradenton, Fla., and participated in NU's Elite QB Camp in 2006.

"He's got a big arm and we needed another arm," Pelini said. "We're just going to see what he looks like."

Green sidelined with hip injury

Pelini confirmed rumors that freshman quarterback Cody Green is injured, saying Green's injury is "not very serious" and should hold him out for no more than a week.

Pelini said Green aggravated tissue in his hip while lifting recently and that doctors have assured him Green will be fine.

"It's just something that needs a little bit of time to make sure it heals properly," Pelini said. "It was just kind of a freak accident when he was lifting. He'll be out there pretty quick, we anticipate, we just don't want to rush him. It doesn't affect us that much."

Pelini would consider transfer quarterback

Though he wouldn't admit that NU is interested in adding former Miami quarterback Robert Marve, Pelini did acknowledge that adding a transfer quarterback to the roster is a possibility.

"With Patrick (Witt) leaving, it kind of leaves a hole in the class," Pelini said. "So if it was the right guy, and the right situation, the right kid, it'd be something we'd be interested in possibly. Specifically him, I don't know. But we'll see how it plays out."

Marve, a redshirt freshman in 2008, recently announced that NU was one of the six schools he is considering transferring to. He is reportedly interesting in visiting Lincoln for next month's spring game.

Helu Jr. shows off new bulk

Though running back Roy Helu Jr. quipped that he looked bigger because he was wearing a XXXL-sized t-shirt to the press conference, it's no joke that Helu Jr. is bulkier and appears more prepared for a full workload in the backfield.

Helu said he weighed in at 222 pounds on Monday, a big upgrade on his 2008 playing weight. He played at 198 pounds at the beginning of the season and was up to 207 pounds by the end of the season.

Helu said the weight gain was a goal going into winter conditioning so that he would be able to get more carries and take more hits.

"I feel faster and more explosive," Helu said. "It's a lot more muscle than fat.

"It's kind of a blessing and a curse. Every time I walk by a mirror, I always look at myself now," he said with a smile.

Changes on O-line

In addition to confirming that senior offensive lineman Andy Christensen has received a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA, Pelini confirmed that linebacker Austin Stafford and defensive backs John Leverson and Justin Rogers are no longer with the team.

He also said that junior offensive lineman Jaivorio Burkes will not be ready for the start of spring practices.

Pelini did not specify what medical situation is preventing Burkes from playing, but noted that the issue was unrelated to problems Burkes had last fall with controlling his blood pressure.

NU toying with no-huddle

A number of players acknowledged that there has been discussion about using a no-huddle offense more this season, but that nothing has been formally presented.

The offensive style has grown more popular in the Big 12 conference, particularly at Oklahoma and Kansas. NU dabbled in the no-huddle toward the end of the season, primarily during its 45-35 win over KU.

Center Jacob Hickman said he isn't a fan of the offense and that he prefers "the way football is supposed to be" – the classic style of huddling and lining up together.

Left tackle Mike Smith said he'd like to see more of it, but that there hasn't been much time to practice it yet.

"It's definitely a different pace for the defense, but it all depends on what the coaches decide," Smith said. "I think it could be a help to our offense."

Crick a front-runner for starting defensive tackle spot

Though the defensive line returns much experience and should be a strength for the defense, there is the matter of finding someone to replace graduated defensive tackle Ty Steinkuhler and line up next to star nose tackle Ndamukong Suh.

On Tuesday, Suh gave a strong endorsement for sophomore tackle Jared Crick.

"I've watched him throughout winter conditioning, and he's really stepped up in his work ethic," Suh said. "He's moved himself from the middle of the pack and is really taking control in drills; it's something I respect. Guys are starting to look up to him because he's going to be put in a position where he has a chance to start."

-Compiled by Max Olson