NU Huskers ready to unleash young talent against FAU

Good things come to those who wait. At least, Nebraska's football coaches hope that's the case Saturday night against Florida Atlantic University.

Last year's plan to stockpile young talent could pay big dividends for this year's Huskers. NU redshirted 23 scholarship freshmen last fall, and 11 of them appear on the season's first depth chart.

Running backs coach Tim Beck said redshirting a player in his first year in the program can actually be more advantageous for the player than throwing him into games right away.

"Redshirt freshmen come in, they gain 15 pounds, and they get big," Beck said. "And then boom, all the sudden, they're playing in their redshirt sophomore year."

Defensive linemen Jared Crick and Josh Williams are two strong examples of the benefits of sitting out a year and getting into the weight training system.

Williams joined the program last summer as a 225-pound defensive end. He sat out the 2008 season and put on 20 pounds, and now he's the top backup behind Pierre Allen at right defensive end.

Crick also gained 20 pounds in his year off, moved from end to tackle and played in nine games last fall as a redshirt freshman. After entering the program at 260 pounds, Crick is up to 285 and will start this season.

"If they play as a freshman, they don't get that same weight training because you can't," Beck said. "You can't work them that hard because they have to play, and you have to be careful with how much you do with those guys.

"Sometimes, the new kids want to play right away," he said. "But when it's their time, they'll be ready."

Linebackers Sean Fisher and Will Compton will have to be ready Saturday, as the redshirt freshman duo will make their first career starts against FAU.

"They're going to have to be able to react the right way and play well," coach Bo Pelini said. "I have confidence in them, or I wouldn't be putting them out there. It's time to stand on your own two feet, be a man, and show up."

The duo of tight ends Kyler Reed and Ben Cotton will also get a chance to earn playing time in the season opener.

Reed and Cotton combined for 119 receiving yards and two scores in the Red-White Spring Game, and Cotton was a favorite target of starting quarterback Zac Lee in the game with four catches.

"I think the game will be huge for them," starting tight end Mike McNeill said. "Obviously, it'll be their first playing experience, and they'll get to get their feet wet before the Big 12 (Conference) play starts. They've picked up the offense quickly, they execute well, and they're both playmakers."

In addition to the 14 redshirt freshmen who made the depth chart, at least seven members of NU's 2009 recruiting class could earn playing time Saturday.

I-back Rex Burkhead established himself as an instant impact freshman this fall, and the dismissal of Quentin Castille pushed the Plano, Texas, native up to the No. 2 spot behind Roy Helu Jr.

Burkhead joined the program as one of its most highly-touted newcomers. He rushed for 1,762 yards and 28 touchdowns as a senior at Plano. Beck said his play during fall camp backed up the hype.

"He's a competitor, he's physical, he's smart, he's fast, he has great change of direction, and he's a leader," Beck said. "He has a quiet confidence about himself, and he's gained a lot of respect."

If NU jumps out to a big lead on FAU Saturday night, Husker fans could witness the program's backfield of the future in the fourth quarter with Burkhead and true freshman quarterback Cody Green.

After enrolling early and passing for 81 yards in the Red-White Spring Game, Green passed junior Latravis Washington for the backup quarterback spot this fall.

Defensive coordinator Carl Pelini said defensive end Jason Ankrah, linebacker Eric Martin and cornerback Andrew Green are three more freshmen who could see playing time Saturday. Cornerback Dejon Gomes and receiver Brandon Kinnie, both junior college transfers, also made the depth chart.

"Our intention is to play a number of guys, especially in the areas where we don't have a lot of experience," Bo Pelini said. "We'll find out who guys are and who's going to step up. It'll be fun to watch on Saturday."

maxolson@dailynebraskan.com