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Returning Starters-Offense(Year listed is for Fall, 2003)

#4 Judd DaviesFullback6-0 4 250 4 SeniorThree LettersOmaha, Neb. (Millard North)

■ 2002 Brook Berringer Citizenship Team Member■ Two-Time Verizon/CoSIDA Academic All-District VII (2001, 2002)■ Three-Time First-Team Academic All-Big 12 (2000, 2001, 2002)■ 2001 Honorable-Mention All-Big 12 (Coaches)■ Three-Time Big 12 Commissioner's Spring Academic Honor Roll (2000, 2001, 2002)■ Four-Time Big 12 Commissioner's Fall Academic Honor Roll (1999, 2000, 2001, 2002)

Fullback Judd Davies is one of Nebraska’s most experienced veteransheading into the 2003 season. Entering spring ball, he and junior SteveKriewald are listed as the Huskers’ top two fullbacks for the third straightseason. Davies has started each of the past two seasons, and in additionto his on-field contributions, is one of Nebraska’s top candidates foracademic honors.

Davies’ carries were scaled back in 2002 as the Huskers’ Big 12-leading running game focused on the quarterback and I-back. He finishedthe year with 193 rushing yards on 42 carries, the fourth-best total on theteam. Davies earned academic all-conference honors for the third straightseason and was a Verizon/CoSIDA Academic All-District VII pick forthe second straight year. He finished the 2002 fall semester with a 3.908cumulative grade-point average and earned a 4.0 last fall.

The Millard North graduate played in all 14 games with 12 starts in2002, and scored four touchdowns, with one each in four of the first fivegames. He capped the regular season with a season-high 59 yards on fivecarries against Colorado, including a season-best 23-yard run.

Davies has started 24 games over the past two seasons and has playedin 38 games (including bowls) in a Husker uniform. He enters his seniorseason with 614 career rushing yards and nine touchdowns. The top dayof his career was a 119-yard effort at Baylor in 2001, when he scored onruns of 42 and 22 yards.

Davies’ Career StatisticsRushingYear G/S Att. Gain Loss Net Y/A Y/G Long TDs1999 Redshirted2000 11/0 18 183 0 183 10.2 16.6 57 vs. BU 12001 11/11 40 240 2 238 5.9 22.9 42 vs. BU 42002 14/12 42 198 5 193 4.6 13.8 23 vs. CU 4Totals 36/23 100 621 7 614 6.1 17.1 57 vs. BU 9Tackles: 2 UT, 2 AT, 4 TT total; 1 UT, 1 AT, 2 TT in 2000; 1 UT, 1 AT,2 TT, 2001; Receiving: 5-58-0 total: 3-49-0, 2000; 2-9-0, 20012000 Alamo Bowl vs. Northwestern: Rushing 3-17, punt return 1-172002 Rose Bowl vs. Miami: Rushing, 5-16-1 (16 yard TD)2002 Independence Bowl vs. Ole Miss: Rushing, 5-15-0

#78 Mike EricksonLeft Guard6-4 4 305 4 JuniorTwo LettersOmaha, Neb. (Papillion-LaVista)

■ 2002 Second-Team Academic All-Big 12

Mike Erickson is one of three starters returning on the Husker offensivefront, having started all 14 games at left guard as a sophomore in 2002.

Erickson had the difficult duty of replacing departed All-American ToniuFonoti last fall, but responded well and helped Nebraska to a No. 4 nationalranking in rushing offense at 268.7 yards per game.Erickson was honoredfor his work in the classroom by being named to the second-team academicAll-Big 12 squad.

Erickson was third on the team in pancakes (101) and had six double-figure pancake games, including four of the season’s first six games. Heposted a career-high 16 pancakes at Texas A&M, when the offensive lineposted a school-record 110 pancakes as a unit, leading Nebraska to a 38-31 comeback victory. He had 14 knock-downs against McNeese State,when Nebraska rushed for a season-high 444 yards. Erickson was the onlyfreshman on Nebraska’s top two offensive line units in 2001. He playedin six games and recorded four pancake blocks.

Erickson’s Career NumbersGames Played–20 (6 in 2001; 14 in 2002)Games Started–14 (14 in 2002)Pancakes–105 (4 in 2001; 101 in 2002)Career Pancake Best–16 at Texas A&M, 2002Double Digit Pancake Games–6 (6 in 2002)

#51 Richie IncognitoCenter6-3 4 300 4 SophomoreOne LetterGlendale, Ariz. (Mountain Ridge)

■ First-Team Freshman All-American (FWAA, The Sporting News, Rivals.com)■ 2002 First-Team All-Big 12 (The Sporting News)■ 2002 Second-Team All-Big 12 (Dallas Morning News)■ 2002 Honorable-Mention All-Big 12 (Coaches, Associated Press)

Sophomore Richie Incognito is coming off one of the best seasons everby a Nebraska freshman offensive lineman and is poised for bigger thingsin 2003. He started 13 games at left tackle as a redshirt freshman and postedthe second-highest season pancake total in Husker history. Incognito’splay did not go unnoticed as The Sporting News and the FWAA selectedhim as a first-team freshman All-American. He was a first-team All-Big12 pick by TSN. The Dallas Morning News picked him second-team all-league and the AP and coaches gave him honorable-mention honors.

This spring Incognito will move inside to try his hand at center, wherehe would provide the Huskers with the type of dominant interior blockerthat has been a key to many of Nebraska’s previous great offensive fronts.Seven Husker centers have received All-America honors since 1980, andin that same span Nebraska has led the nation in rushing 13 times.

The 6-3, 305-pound Incognito was the first Husker offensive linemanin school history to start the season opener in his first season in a Huskeruniform. He led the Huskers in pancakes last season with 171 knock-downs in the regular season, the second-highest total at Nebraska since thestatistic has been tracked (1995). Incognito and his offensive line mateshelped the Husker offense lead the Big 12 Conference in rushing at 268.7yards per game.

Incognito had nine double-figure pancake games, including threeconsecutive games with 20 or more pancakes. He posted 28 pancakes atTexas A&M, the second-most ever by a Husker, as the offensive line seta school single-game record with 110 knock-downs. Incognito also topped20 pancakes at Oklahoma State (21) and Texas (22). He recorded double-figure pancake totals in each of Nebraska’s final six games and led theHuskers in pancakes eight times during the season.

Incognito’s Career NumbersGames Played–14 (14 in 2002)Games Started–13 (13 in 2002)Pancakes–171 (171 in 2002)Career Pancake Best–28 at Texas A&M, 2002Double Digit Pancake Games–9 (9 in 2002)

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#5 Jammal LordQuarterback6-2 4 220 4 SeniorThree LettersBayonne, N.J. (Bayonne)

■ 2002 Honorable-Mention All-Big 12 (Coaches)■ NU Single-Game Total-Offense Record Holder (369 yards vs. McNeese State)■ NU Season Record for Rushing Yards by a Quarterback (1,412 yards)■ NU Single-Game Record for Quarterback Rushing Yards (234 yards vs. Texas)

Jammal Lord returns for his senior season after a 2002 campaign inwhich he produced one of the most prolific statistical seasons ever by aHusker signal caller. Lord started all 14 games and set Nebraska single-game and season quarterback records for both rushing and total offense.This spring he will look to continue to develop his leadership abilitiesand improve his accuracy and consistency in the passing game.

Lord accounted for a school-record 2,774 yards of total offense,eclipsing Eric Crouch’s 2,625 yards during his 2001 Heisman season. Healso established NU quarterback records for rushing yardage in a game(234 vs. Texas) and a season (1,412). Lord’s rushing total was the mostby any quarterback nationally last fall and the third most ever by aDivision I-A signal caller. He is also one of only 19 Division I-A playersto both rush and pass for more than 1,000 yards in the same season, andbecame the third Husker quarterback to accomplish the feat, joiningCrouch (2001) and Scott Frost (1997).

His 234 yards rushing against Texas broke his own NU quarterbackrecord of 218 yards set last year versus McNeese State. In the win overthe Cowboys, Lord passed for 151 yards to produce a school-record 369yards of total offense, bettering Crouch’s 360 yards in 2001 at Colorado.

Lord had five games with more than 100 yards rushing, including theonly two 200-yard rushing games by a quarterback in NU history. Heowns three of the seven most prolific rushing outings ever by Huskersignal callers and led Nebraska in rushing eight times in 2002. Lord hadeight 100-yard passing days as a junior and topped 100 yards in bothrushing and passing against McNeese State and Texas A&M.

Lord led the Husker offense to a No. 4 national ranking in rushing(268.7 ypg). Lord led the NU rushing attack, averaging 100.9 yards pergame, fourth among Big 12 runners and 35th nationally. He finishedsecond in the nation among quarterbacks in rushing yards per game. Lordplayed sparingly as Crouch’s backup in the 2000 and 2001 seasons.

Lord’s Career StatisticsRushingYear G/S Att. Gain Loss Net Y/A Y/G Long TDs1999 Redshirt2000 6/0 28 138 8 130 4.6 21.7 11 twice 42001 6/0 22 112 29 83 3.8 13.8 33 vs. KU 22002 14/14 251 1,708 296 1,412 5.6 100.9 57 vs. MSU 8Totals26/14 301 1,958 333 1,625 5.4 62.5 57 vs. MSU 14Most Rushes–30 vs. Texas A&M, 2002Most Yards Rushing–234 vs. Texas, 2002Long Rush/TD Rush–57 vs. McNeese State, 2002Number of Career Rushes of 25-Plus Yards–14, 1 in 2001; 13 in 2002PassingYear G Att. Cmp. Int. Pct. Yds. Y/A Y/G LPTD Eff.R.1999 Redshirt2000 6/0 16 9 1 56.2 116 7.25 19.3 27 0 104.652001 6/0 8 5 1 62.5 65 8.13 10.8 19 0 105.752002 14/14 204 95 12 46.6 1,362 6.68 97.3 90 12 110.30Totals26/14 228 109 14 47.8 1,543 6.77 59.34 90 12 109.74Most Passes Attempted–25 at Kansas State, 2002Most Passes Completed–12 vs. McNeese State, 2002Most Yards Passing–151 vs. McNeese State, 2002Long Pass–90, vs. Iowa State, 2002Number of Career Passes of 25-Plus Yards–15, 2 in 2000; 13 in 2002Total Offense: 529-3,168-26 total; 44-246-4, 2000; 30-148-2, 2001;455-2,774-20, 20022000 Alamo Bowl vs. Northwestern: Rushing 4-16-0; Passing, none2002 Independence Bowl vs. Ole Miss: Rushing, 17-83-0;Passing, 16-7-2, 93 yards, 1 TD

#68 Dan Vili WaldropRight Tackle6-5 4 350 4 SeniorThree LettersWilmington, Calif. (Banning)

■ 2002 Honorable-Mention All-Big 12 (AP)

Dan Vili Waldrop enters his final season as a Husker, after spendingthe past two seasons as Nebraska’s starting right offensive tackle. He hasbeen fifth on the team in pancakes each of the past two years and is oneof three returning starters from an offensive line that helped Nebraska toa No. 4 national ranking in rushing offense last season. For his efforts,Vili Waldrop earned honorable-mention All-Big 12 honors from theAssociated Press last season.

Vili Waldrop had one of the most productive pancake games in schoolhistory against Texas A&M, when he posted a career-high 24 pancakes.He started all 13 regular-season games and posted 91 pancakes, includingfour games with seven or more knock-downs.

Vili Waldrop started all 12 games and the Rose Bowl at right tackle in2001. He finished fifth on the team in pancakes with 95 and assisted theHuskers to the NCAA rushing title at 314.7 yards per game. Vili Waldrophad three double-figure pancake games with a season-high 17 knock-downs against Rice, when NU had 497 total yards.

Vili Waldrop played in 10 games in 2000, primarily on special teams,but also as a reserve left gurad. He had seven pancakes and also played inthe 2000 Alamo Bowl. Vili Waldrop redshirted in 1999.

Vili Waldrop’s Career NumbersGames Played–36 (10 in 2000; 12 in 2001; 14 in 2002)Games Started–25 (12 in 2001; 13 in 2002)Pancakes–193 (7 in 2000; 95 in 2001; 91 in 2002)Career Pancake Best–24 at Texas A&M, 2002Double Digit Pancake Games–4 (3 in 2001; 1 in 2002)

Returning Starters-Defense

#59 Ryon BinghamNose Tackle6-3 4 290 4 SeniorTwo LettersSandy, Utah (Alta)

■ 2002 Honorable-Mention All-Big 12 (Coaches)■ 2002 Second-Team Academic All-Big 12■ 2001 Big 12 Commissioner's Fall Academic Honor Roll■ Three-time Finalist for Nebraska Lifter-of-the-Year Award (1999, 2000, 2001)

Ryon Bingham returns for his senior year after a pair of seasons as amainstay on the Husker defensive front. Bingham started all 14 games atnose tackle in 2002 and saw significant action at the position as asophomore. Bingham is one of several talented players who will return inthe interior defensive front, giving Nebraska one of its deepest positionson the defense. Along with Bingham, senior Patrick Kabongo has startingexperience, while sophomores Titus Adams and Le Kevin Smith gainedvaluable playing time a year ago.

Bingham finished the 2002 season with 67 tackles, the most amongHusker defensive linemen, and was tied for fifth on the team with ninetackles for loss and had 1.5 sacks for 18 yards. His strong play earned himhonorable-mention all-conference honors from the league’s coaches.Bingham had five games last season with seven or more tackles, with acareer-high 10 stops at Kansas State. He also forced a fumble and had atackle for loss against the Wildcats. Bingham added nine tackles, including

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a tackle for loss in the regular-season finale against Colorado and had eighttackles and a pair of TFL’s at Iowa State. Bingham also had a strong gameagainst No. 7 Texas in Lincoln when he totaled seven tackles, including aseven-yard sack of Longhorn quarterback Chris Simms.

Bingham played in 12 games in 2001 and finished with 18 tackles andfive TFLs. He missed all of his redshirt freshman season in 2000 with abroken foot.

Bingham’s Career StatisticsDefense ( -------Tackles------ ) Fum. QB Int.Year G/S UT AT TT TFL Sacks C-R BK PBU PI Hry.Csd.1999 Redshirt2000 DNP–injured2001 12/0 6 12 18 5-13 0.5-5 0-0 0 0 0 7 02002 14/14 21 46 67 9-18 1.5-9 1-0 0 0 0 4 1Totals26/14 27 58 85 14-31 2.0-14 1-0 0 0 0 11 1

2002 Rose Bowl vs. Miami: Tackles, 0 UT, 2 AT, 2 TT2002 Independence Bowl vs. Ole Miss: Tackles, 1 UT, 1 AT, 2 TT

#21 Philip BlandSafety5-11 4 205 4 JuniorTwo LettersLafayette, Colo. (Fairview)

■ 2002 Honorable-Mention All-Big 12 (Coaches, Associated Press)■ 2002 First-Team Academic All-Big 12■ 2002 Big 12 Commissioner's Spring Academic Honor Roll■ 2002 Big 12 Commissioner's Fall Academic Honor Roll

A versatile performer in the Husker secondary, Philip Bland is expectedto once again play a key role at a safety position for Nebraska this fall.Bland earned starts at both free safety and rover last season, and earnedhonorable-mention all-conference honors.

Bland could be in line for bigger honors this fall, but he will be out ofaction this spring after off-season shoulder surgery that will keep himout of contact work until fall practice. Once healthy, Bland will join fiveother players in the Husker secondary with at least five career starts.

Bland started all 13 regular-season games for Nebraska and finishedthird on the team with 84 total tackles, including 44 solo stops. Theversatile defender opened the season as Nebraska’s starter at free safety,where he started the first seven games. The hard-hitting Bland made theswitch to rover before the Oklahoma State game and started the season’sfinal six games at that position.

Bland closed the regular season with a career-high 13 tackles againstColorado, one of seven games in which he had seven or more stops. Headded five pass breakups and his only career interception sealed Nebraska’s38-31 victory at Texas A&M. Bland missed the Independence Bowlcontest with Ole Miss because of a hamstring injury.

Bland started three games at rover as a true freshman in 2001. Heappeared in 11 games and recorded 24 tackles, including nine solo stops.Bland was also honored for his performance in the classroom last fall, asa first-team academic All-Big 12 pick with a 3.248 grade-point average ingeneral studies.

Bland’s Career StatisticsDefense ( ------Tackles------ ) Fum. QB Int.Year G/S UT AT TT TFL Sacks C-R BKPBU PI Hry.Csd.2001 10/3 9 15 24 1-2 0-0 0-0 0 1 0 1 02002 13/13 44 40 84 6-16 0-0 1-1 0 5 1 3 1Totals23/16 53 55 108 7-18 0-0 1-1 0 6 1 4 1

2002 Rose Bowl vs. Miami: Tackles, UT 1, AT 0, TT 12002 Independence Bowl vs. Ole Miss: injured, did not play

#20 Josh BullocksFree Safety6-1 4 195 4 SophomoreOne LetterChattanooga, Tenn. (Hixson)

Josh Bullocks heads into the 2003 season after a freshman campaignin which he made a steady rise up the depth chart in the secondary andfinished the year as the Huskers’ starting free safety. This spring Bullockswill look to continue his development in a secondary that features sixplayers with extensive starting experience.

Bullocks played in 13 games and made five starts for a young defense.He began the season listed third at free safety, but made his first start atOklahoma State and officially took over the starting role at the positionbefore the Texas game. Bullocks finished his rookie campaign with 48tackles and made 34 of his tackles in the season’s final seven games,including a season-high nine stops against Ole Miss in the IndependenceBowl. He added an interception against Texas, which he returned 19 yards.Bullocks showed a nose for the football by also causing a fumble(Oklahoma State) and recovering a fumble (Kansas State) in 2002.

Bullocks and his twin brother, Daniel, both redshirted in their firstseason at Nebraska in 2001.

Bullocks’ Career StatisticsDefense ( -------Tackles------ ) Fum. QB Int.Year G/S UT AT TT TFL Sacks C-R BK PBU PI Hry.Csd.2001 Redshirted2002 13/5 26 22 48 0-0 0-0 1-1 0 3 1 2 0

#88 Trevor JohnsonRush End6-4 4 255 4 SeniorThree LettersLincoln, Neb. (Northeast)

■ 2002 Finalist for Nebraska Lifter-of-the-Year Award■ Three-Time First-Team Academic All-Big 12 (2000, 2001, 2002)■ Two-Time Big 12 Commissioner's Spring Academic Honor Roll (2000, 2001)■ Two-Time Big 12 Commissioner's Fall Academic Honor Roll (2001, 2002)

Rush end Trevor Johnson established himself as a solid defensive endin his junior year in 2002, and this spring he will look to take the nextstep and become a dominant player for the Huskers. Johnson began the2002 season as a reserve at the position, but moved into the startinglineup midway through the season and responded with solid play. Johnsonshowed his versatility when senior Chris Kelsay missed several gameswith a hamstring injury. In Kelsay’s absence, Johnson started two gamesat his normal right rush end position, but moved to the left side to fillKelsay’s void for three contests.

Johnson averaged better than five tackles per game after he moved intoa starting role. The Lincoln native finished the season with 54 totaltackles and his 11 tackles for loss (3.5 sacks) tied for the third most onthe team. He also ranked second on the team in quarterback hurries with15. Johnson had a total of five tackles in the first four games, then postedfour tackles and two TFL at Iowa State to earn a start the next weekagainst McNeese State. He responded with a season-high eight tacklesagainst McNeese State. Johnson had an impressive start to theIndependence Bowl vs. Ole Miss, posting four tackles, including twosacks for 19 yards, before halftime. However, he sat out the second halfwith a concussion and Ole Miss rallied to defeat the Huskers.

Johnson has excelled in the classroom since arriving at Nebraska. Lastfall he was named to the first-team academic All-Big 12 squad for thethird consecutive year. He carries a 3.40 grade-point average in business

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administration. Johnson made nine tackles, including two TFL in 2001,after switching from tight end the previous spring. Johnson saw action asa reserve tight end and on special teams in 2000, after redshirting in hisfirst year at Nebraska.

Johnson’s Career StatisticsDefense ( -------Tackles------ ) Fum. QB Int.Year G/S UT AT TT TFL Sacks C-R BK PBU PI Hry.Csd.1999 Redshirt2000 10/0 Played TE--No receptions2001 12/0 3 6 9 2-5 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 1 12002 14/9 19 35 54 11-40 3.5-25 0-1 0 1 0 15 0Totals 36/9 22 41 63 13-45 3.5-25 0-1 0 1 0 16 1

2000 Alamo Bowl vs. Northwestern: Receiving, none2002 Rose Bowl vs. Miami: Tackles, none2002 Independence Bowl vs. Ole Miss: Tackles, 3 UT, 1 AT, 4 TT; Sacks2-19, 1 QB Hurry

#94 Patrick KabongoDefensive Tackle6-6 4 320 4 SeniorThree LettersMontreal, Quebec, Canada (Vanier Prep)

■ 2001 AFCA Good Works Team■ Two-Time Member of Brook Berringer Citizenship Team (2001, 2002)■ 1999 Big 12 Commissioner's Fall Academic Honor Roll

Senior Patrick Kabongo gained extensive starting experience as a juniorand is part of a deep and talented Nebraska interior defensive front.Kabongo moved into the starting lineup at defensive tackle midwaythrough the season and played in all 14 games with seven starts in 2002.At 6-6 and 320 pounds, Kabongo is one of Nebraska’s biggest players,but he retains good mobility.

Kabongo was one of the Huskers’ top pass rushers and finished sixthon the team in tackles with 62 stops, the second-best total among Huskerdefensive linemen. He posted nine tackles for loss totaling 25 yards andhad a pair of sacks for 17 yards. He added five quarterback hurries,caused a fumble and broke up a pair of passes at the line of scrimmage.

Kabongo earned his starting spot after a 15-tackle performance atIowa State, when he also had three tackles for loss. He had five tackles inhis first career start against McNeese State and added four other gameswith five or more tackles.

Kabongo played sparingly as a reserve defensive tackle in both 2000and 2001, after redshirting his first season at Nebraska in 1999. He is oneof two Canadians on the NU roster, along with junior place-kicker SandroDeAngelis. Kabongo has a strong track record off the field, as a regularvolunteer throughout the community. He was named to the 2001 AFCAGood Works Team. He graduated with a degree in criminal justice in Mayof 2002 and has been enrolled in graduate classes the past two semesters.

Kabongo’s Career StatisticsDefense ( -------Tackles------ ) Fum. QB Int.Year G/S UT AT TT TFL Sacks C-R BK PBU PI Hry.Csd.1999 Redshirt2000 7/0 1 3 4 1-1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 02001 8/0 1 8 9 2-3 0.5-2 0-0 0 0 0 5 02002 14/7 12 50 62 9-25 2-17 1-0 0 2 0 5 1Totals 29/7 14 61 75 12-29 2.5-19 1-0 0 2 0 10 1

2000 Alamo Bowl vs. Northwestern: Tackles, 0 UT, 1 AT, 1 TT2002 Independence Bowl vs. Ole Miss: Tackles, none

#28 Pat RickettsCornerback5-11 4 180 4 SeniorThree LettersOmaha, Neb. (Millard North)

■ Two-Time First-Team Verizon/CoSIDA Academic All-District VII (2001, 2002)■ Two-Time First-Team Academic All-Big 12 (2001, 2002)■ Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week (vs. Arizona State)■ 2002 Brook Berringer Citizenship Team■ 2000 Second-Team Academic All-Big 12■ Three-Time Big 12 Commissioner's Spring Academic Honor Roll (2000, 2001, 2002)■ Three-Time Big 12 Commissioner's Fall Academic Honor Roll (2000, 2001, 2002)

Pat Ricketts has seen extensive action at cornerback each of the pastthree seasons and this spring he will compete for a starting job. Heopened the 2002 season as the starting left corner opposite senior DeJuanGroce, but gave way to true freshman Fabian Washington after fivegames. Ricketts kept his Blackshirt and was an important part of thedefense for the remainder of the season, as he was utilized as a thirdcornerback in passing situations. Ricketts played in all 14 games lastseason and finished the year with 56 tackles in eight starts to rank ninthon the team. He was also a member of Nebraska’s kickoff coverage unit.

Ricketts had 10 pass breakups to rank second on the team. He openedthe year with three tackles and three pass breakups against ArizonaState, and earned Big 12 Defensive Player-of-the-Week honors. Rickettsrecovered a fumble against Troy State and had his first interception ofthe season against Utah State. He added his second interception of theseason at Texas A&M and recorded three double-figure tackle games in2002, including a career-high 12 stops at Iowa State.

Ricketts played in every game in 2001 with two starts and had 29tackles. He added an interception against Kansas State and had five passbreakups. He played in 11 games in 2000 and made 18 tackles. Rickettswalked on at Nebraska and redshirted in 1999.

In addition to his on-field contributions, Ricketts continues to excel inthe classroom. The Omaha native has better than a 3.4 cumulative grade-point average in business administration and has been a first-teamAcademic All-Big 12 pick the past two seasons. He was one of fourHuskers to earn Verizon/CoSIDA Academic All-District VII honors andrecorded a perfect 4.0 grade-point average last fall.

Ricketts’ Career StatisticsDefense ( -------Tackles------ ) Fum. QB Int.Year G/S UT AT TT TFL Sacks C-R BK PBU PI Hry.Csd.1999 Redshirt2000 10/0 8 10 18 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 1 0 0 02001 12/2 19 10 29 0-0 0-0 0-1 0 5 1 1 02002 14/8 32 24 56 1-4 0-0 0-1 0 10 2 0 0Totals36/10 59 44 103 1-4 0-0 0-2 0 16 3 1 0

2000 Alamo Bowl vs. Northwestern: 2 UT, 0 AT, 2 TT2002 Rose Bowl vs. Miami: 1 UT, 0 AT, 1 TT2002 Independence Bowl vs. Ole Miss: Tackles, 1 UT, 1 AT, 2 TT, 1 PBU

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#38 Barrett RuudMike Linebacker6-2 4 240 4 JuniorTwo LettersLincoln, Neb. (Southeast)

■ 2002 First-Team Academic All-Big 12■ 2002 Honorable-Mention All-Big 12 (Coaches)■ 2001 Second-Team Freshman All-American (The Sporting News)■ 2002 Big 12 Commissioner's Spring Academic Honor Roll■ 2002 Big 12 Commissioner's Fall Academic Honor Roll

Barrett Ruud (pronounced RUDE) had a strong sophomore seasonin 2002, despite battling injuries throughout much of the year. He returnsto bolster a strong linebacking corps that returns five of six players fromlast season’s two-deep depth chart.

Ruud started all 14 games at Mike linebacker and finished the year asNU’s second-leading tackler with 91 stops. He was also second on theteam in tackles for loss with 12 for 36 yards. Ruud added two sacks andfour PBU on the year, and his 13 quarterback hurries ranked third on theteam. For his efforts, Ruud was an honorable-mention All-Big 12 pick bythe league coaches and also earned first-team academic All-Big 12 honors.

Ruud had six games in 2002 with eight or more tackles, beginning withan eight-tackle outing against Arizona State, when he added a pair ofTFL. Ruud broke his left hand early against Troy State, but returned toaction in the contest. He played the next several games with a cast on hishand, but still compiled impressive statistics, before battling a leg injurylate in the season. Ruud’s best play was in the final five games. Heposted a career-high 12 tackles, including three TFL and a sack againstTexas, then finished the season with nine stops and two TFL at KansasState, followed by a 10-tackle effort against Colorado, when he forced afumble. He had nine tackles in the Independence Bowl against Ole Miss.

Ruud played in every game as a true freshman in 2001 and totaled 49tackles, including 17 solos.

Ruud’s Career StatisticsDefense ( -------Tackles------ ) Fum. QB Int.Year G/S UT AT TT TFL Sacks C-R BK PBU PI Hry.Csd.2001 12/0 17 32 49 6-15 0.5-3 0-0 0 0 0 1 02002 14/14 36 55 91 12-36 2-17 2-0 0 4 0 13 1Totals26/14 53 87 140 18-51 2.5-20 2-0 0 4 0 14 1

2002 Rose Bowl vs. Miami: Tackles, none2002 Independence Bowl vs. Ole Miss: Tackles, 1 UT, 8 AT, 9 TT

#3 Fabian WashingtonLeft Cornerback5-11 4 175 4 SophomoreOne LetterBradenton, Fla. (Bayshore)

■ Second-Team Freshman All-American (The Sporting News)■ 2002 Honorable-Mention All-Big 12 (Coaches)■ Nebraska Freshman Record for PBU (13) and Interceptions in a Season (Four)

Fabian Washington emerged as a future star at cornerback as a truefreshman in 2002, and will be counted on to play a key role again this fall.Washington began the 2002 season as a reserve cornerback, but the coachingstaff quickly recognized his play-making ability and Washington crackedthe starting lineup at left cornerback midway through the season. Afterstarting opposite All-America corner DeJuan Groce last season,Washington will be counted on for leadership as NU breaks in a newstarter at right cornerback.

Washington led the team in pass breakups and set Nebraska freshman

records for both PBU (13) and interceptions (4). He was one of thenation’s top freshman defensive backs, and was named a second-teamfrosh All-American by The Sporting News. He earned honorable-mentionAll-Big 12 honors from the conference coaches.

Washington made 11 starts in 13 games played last season and finishedthe year with 49 tackles, including 34 solo stops.Washington returnedhis four interceptions for 35 yards, including a 29-yard touchdown againstArizona State on the first time he touched the ball as a Husker. He hadfour tackles and forced a fumble at Iowa State, and also picked off twoSeneca Wallace passes in the game. Washington finished the season withsix games with five or more tackles, capped by a season-high eight stopsagainst Ole Miss in the Independence Bowl.

Washington’s Career StatisticsDefense ( -------Tackles------ ) Fum. QB Int.Year G/S UT AT TT TFL Sacks C-R BK PBU PI Hry.Csd.2002 13/11 34 15 49 1-2 0-0 2-1 0 13 4 0 0

Interception Returns: 4-35-1, 29-yard TD vs. Arizona State, 20022002 Independence Bowl vs. Ole Miss: Tackles, 6 UT, 2 AT, 8 TT, 2PBU, fumble caused

#7 Demorrio WilliamsWill Linebacker6-1 4 210 4 SeniorOne LetterBeckville, Texas (Beckville/Kilgore JC)

■ 2002 Big 12 Commissioner's Spring Academic Honor Roll

Demorrio Williams made the difficult transition from junior collegeto the Big 12 Conference last fall and finished his junior season asNebraska’s leading tackler with 92 stops. Williams impressed Huskercoaches with outstanding progress last spring and made 11 starts atweakside linebacker, while splitting time at the position with fellownative Texan T.J. Hollowell. Williams and Hollowell are two of fivelinebackers who return from last season’s two-deep depth chart.

Williams’ 92 tackles (38 solo) were one more than fellow linebackerBarrett Ruud. Williams added six tackles for loss and a sack, and also tiedfor the team lead with a pair of fumbles caused and a fumble recovery.

Williams made a strong impression in his debut as a Husker with ablocked punt against Arizona State that was returned for a score by ScottShanle. Williams also returned a blocked punt later in the game. Williamshad four games with eight or more tackles. He had eight tackles eachagainst Troy State and at Oklahoma State. Against Texas A&M, Williamshad nine tackles and a 15-yard sack. He closed the year with a season-high 13 tackles against Colorado. He also had two tackles for loss againstthe Buffs and also caused and recovered a fumble in the game. He cappedhis first season as a Husker with a team-high nine tackles in the 2002Independence Bowl.

Williams was a standout linebacker at Kilgore JC (Texas), beforearriving in Lincoln.

Williams’ Career StatisticsDefense ( -------Tackles------ ) Fum. QB Int.Year G/S UT AT TT TFL Sacks C-R BK PBU PI Hry.Csd.2002 14/11 38 54 92 6-24 1-15 2-1 1 3 0 5 0

Blocked Punt: 1 vs. Arizona State, 20022002 Independence Bowl vs. Ole Miss: Tackles, 2 UT, 7 AT, 9TT

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Returning Starters-Kickers

#19 Kyle LarsonPunter6-0 4 205 4 SeniorTwo LettersFunk, Neb. (Kearney)

■ 2002 Ray Guy Award Semifinalist (1 of 10)■ 2002 Second-Team All-Big 12 (Coaches)■ 2002 Honorable-Mention All-Big 12 (Associated Press)■ Second-Team Academic All-Big 12 (2001, 2002)■ 2001 Third-Team All-Big 12 (Coaches)■ 2001 Honorable-Mention All-Big 12 (AP)■ 2001 Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week vs. TCU and OU■ Two-Time Big 12 Commissioner's Fall Academic Honor Roll (1999, 2001)■ Three-Time Big 12 Commissioner's Spring Academic Honor Roll (2000, 2001, 2002)

Kyle Larson has been one of the nation’s top punters each of the pasttwo seasons and is expected to lead a strong Husker special teams unit thisfall. Like last season, Larson is expected to be a strong contender forconference and national honors in 2003. Larson emerged as one of the Big12’s top punters in 2001, and that carried over to an even more impressive2002 season. Last season, Larson averaged 43.2 yards per punt to rank11th nationally in punting average.

Larson was one of 10 semifinalists for the Ray Guy Award, given tothe nation’s top punter. He was also a second-team All-Big 12 pick by theleague’s coaches, high praise in a conference that featured five of thenation’s top 25 punters. Larson keyed the Husker punt unit to a 38.2-yardnet average to rank fifth in the nation. The 6-0, 205-pound Larson averaged45 yards or better in seven games in 2002.

In addition to his lofty punting average, Larson buried opponents insidethe 20-yard line 23 times in 2002, helping NU to a plus six-yard advantagein field position on the year. Larson uncorked four punts for a 57.3-yardaverage against Utah State, just off the Husker single-game record. He hadat least one punt of 45 yards or more in every game except McNeese State,when he punted just twice.

Larson is the latest in a streak of talented walk-on punters to start atNebraska, joining Jesse Kosch (1995-96-97); Bill Lafleur (1998) and DanHadenfeldt (1999-2000). A native of Funk, Neb., Larson has a careerpunting average of 42.92 yards.

Larson earned third-team All-Big 12 honors from the league’s coachesin 2001 after averaging 42.5 yards per punt. Larson did not see game actionin 2000, after redshirting as a walk-on in 1999.

Kyle Larson’s Career Punting StatisticsPunting Net InsideYear G/GS No. Yards Avg. Avg. Opp.20Long 50+ Blk1999 Redshirted2000 Did not play2001 12/12 56 2,381 42.52 38.34 21 68 16 22002 14/14 73 3,156 43.23 39.25 23 71 20 2Total 26/26 129 5,537 42.92 44 71 36 4

2002 Rose Bowl vs. Miami: Punting, 5-203 (40.6 avg., Long 55)2002 Independence Bowl vs. Ole Miss: Punting, 6-263 (43.8 avg., Long 58)

Other Offensive Players to Watch

#1 Josh DavisI-Back/Kickoff Returns5-11 4 205 4 SeniorTwo LettersLoveland, Colo. (Loveland)

■ Nebraska Career Kickoff Return Yardage Record Holder (1,669 yards)■ Nebraska Season Kickoff Return Yardage Record Holder (994 yards, 2002)■ NU Single-Game Kickoff Return Yardage Record Holder (186 at Kansas State , 2002)

Josh Davis has established himself as one of the top kickoff returnmen in the nation and will look to continue to give the Huskers anexplosive weapon in 2003. Davis rewrote the Nebraska kickoff returnrecords the past two years. The second-generation Husker set NUrecords for single-game (186), season (994) and career (1,669) kickoffreturn yardage. His 42 kickoff returns in 2002 also set a school recordand his 23.7 return average ranked 33rd in the nation.

Davis has also served as a backup I-back the past two years. He ranfor 162 yards and caught 10 passes out of Nebraska’s backfield. Withthe departure of two-year starter Dahrran Diedrick at I-back, Davis willbe a candidate for increased playing time out of the backfield.

Davis had five games last season with more than 100 yards in kickoffreturns, including a school-record 186 yards on seven returns at KansasState, highlighted by a season-long 53-yard return. In addition to breakingNebraska’s single-game return yards record in that contest, Davis alsoset Husker season and career records for return yards against the Widcats.His season total broke his own record of 675 yards set a year earlier, andhe broke Tyrone Hughes’ previous career record of 1,493 yards. Davisfinished the season with 13 returns of 25 yards or more and had at leastone return of that distance in 11 of the 13 games he played.

Davis had 25 returns for 675 yards in 2001 and his 27.0 averageranked 14th nationally. He rushed for 61 yards as a sophomore. Davisplayed in the first two games as a redshirt freshman in 2000, but tore hisleft ACL in practice and missed the remainder of the season.

Davis’ Career StatisticsRushingYear G/S Att. Net Long TDs1999 Redshirted2000 2/0 1 3 3 02001 12/0 8 61 13 12002 13/1 25 162 28 1Totals 27/1 34 226 28 2

2002 Rose Bowl vs. Miami: KOR, 5-1382002 Independence Bowl vs. Ole Miss: KOR, 5-105; Rushing 2-11;Receiving 1-(-4)

#11 Matt HerianTight End6-5 4 240 4 SophomoreOne LetterPierce, Neb. (Pierce)

Tight end Matt Herian emerged as a big-play receiving threat as a truefreshman in 2002. The Huskers lost four senior tight ends to graduation,moving Herian to the forefront. In addition, the Huskers plan to strive formore balance in their offensive attack in 2003, and Herian’s receiving skillscould be a major part of that attack. Herian is the only tight end returningfrom the top four on last season’s depth chart, and his focus in the off-season has been on improving his strength to become a more effectiveblocker.

Kickoff ReturnsNo. Yds Avg. Long TDs

2 0 0.0 0 025 675 27.0 74 042 994 23.7 53 069 1,669 24.2 74 0

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Herian caught just seven passes in his rookie campaign, but four of thosereceptions went for touchdowns. He averaged a remarkable 43.0 yards percatch and five of his receptions covered 28 yards or more. Herian wasselected by The Sporting News to its first-team All-Big 12 freshman team.

Herian’s seven catches covered 301 yards, tied with fellow freshmanRoss Pilkington for the second-most receiving yards on the team and wasa Nebraska freshman receiving yards record. Herian made his first careerreception a memorable one, hauling in a 33-yard touchdown pass fromJammal Lord against Utah State. Against Texas, he had a 60-yardtouchdown early in the fourth quarter to pull NU to within 20-17. Heclosed the regular season with two catches for 95 yards against Colorado,including an 80-yard touchdown catch. The 80-yard grab tied the second-longest ever by a Husker tight end. He capped his freshman season witha 41-yard touchdown catch against Ole Miss in the Independence Bowl.

Herian was one of five true freshmen to see action for the Huskers in2002, including four offensive skill-position players.

Herian’s Career StatisticsReceivingYear G/S No. Yds. Y/R Y/G Long TDs2002 12/0 7 301 43.0 25.1 80 vs. Colorado 4

2002 Independence Bowl vs. Ole Miss: Receiving, 1-41, 41-yard TD

#9 David HorneI-Back6-0 4 190 4 SophomoreOne LetterOmaha, Neb. (Central)

■ Fourth-Team Freshman All-American (The Sporting News)■ 2002 Honorable-Mention All-Big 12 (Coaches)

David Horne burst onto the scene midway through the 2002 season andgave Nebraska’s ground game a needed spark. With the departure of fifth-year senior Dahrran Diedrick, Horne is the leading candidate to take overthe starting I-back position and carry the rushing load as a sophomore.Horne has spent the winter in the weight room, adding strength to becomea more effective runner between the tackles.

The Omaha Central graduate did not play in the first five games in 2002,but ended his redshirt season against McNeese State. He quickly movedto second on the depth chart and split time at I-back the rest of the year.Horne finished his rookie year with 651 yards rushing and scored seventouchdowns, while topping 100 yards three times. Horne’s rushing totalwas the fourth best ever by a Husker freshman.

Horne rushed for 81 yards in his debut against McNeese State, then had88 yards on 20 carries the following week against Missouri. He recordedhis first career 100-yard game a week later in a 24-21 loss at OklahomaState. He rushed for 125 yards on 24 carries and scored a two-yard TDagainst the Cowboys, becoming the first true freshman I-back to rush formore than 100 yards since 1996. A week later at Texas A&M, Horneresponded with a season-high 128 yards on 24 carries. He scored fourtouchdowns in the game, including three in the second half, as Nebraskarallied from a 17-point deficit for a 38-31 win. His four touchdowns werethe most by a Husker frosh since Calvin Jones rushed for a school-recordsix TDs at Kansas in 1991.

Horne produced his third 100-yard outing of the season with 122 yardson just nine carries against Kansas.He capped his freshman season with15 carries for 65 yards in the Independence Bowl.

Horne’s Career StatisticsRushingYear G/S Att. Gain Loss Net Y/A Y/G Long TDs2002 9/0 127 688 37 651 5.1 72.3 30, three times 7

2002 Independence Bowl vs. Ole Miss: Rushing, 15-65

#45 Steve KriewaldFullback5-10 4 250 4 JuniorTwo LettersScotia, Neb. (North Loup-Scotia)

■ 2002 Brook Berringer Citizenship Team■ Two-Time Second-Team Academic All-Big 12 (2001, 2002)■ Two-Time Big 12 Commissioner's Fall Academic Honor Roll (2000, 2001)■ Two-Time Big 12 Commissioner's Spring Academic Honor Roll (2001, 2002)

Steve Kriewald (pronounced KREE-wald) returns for his junior seasonand for the third straight year he and senior Judd Davies are expected tohandle the fullback duties. Kriewald has backed Davies each of the pasttwo seasons and contributed primarily as a lead blocker in NU’s rushingattack. Kriewald will miss spring ball after off-season ankle surgery.

Kriewald played in all 14 games with a start against Iowa State andfinished the season with six carries for 19 yards. He also saw extensiveaction on special teams as a member of NU’s kickoff return, and puntcoverage teams and served as a blocker on extra points and field goals.Kriewald was Davies’ backup at fullback in 2001, and earned two starts(Oklahoma, Kansas) when Davies went down with an ankle injury in 2001.Kriewald played in 11 games and had 18 carries for 96 yards and scoreda 24-yard touchdown at Colorado. He had a career-best 28 yards atMissouri. Kriewald redshirted in 2000. He has received second-teamAcademic All-Big 12 honors for each of the past two years.

Kriewald’s Career StatisticsRushingYear G/S Att. Gain Loss Net Y/A Y/G Long TDs2000 Redshirt2001 11/2 18 96 1 95 5.3 8.7 24 vs. CU 12002 14/1 6 19 0 19 3.2 1.4 6 vs. Utah St. 0Totals 25/3 24 115 1 114 4.8 4.8 24 vs. CU 1

Receiving: 1-3 vs. Kansas, 2001Tackles: 2001, 1 UT, 0 AT, 1 TT; 2002, 0 UT, 4 AT, 4 TT

#10 Mark LeFloreWide Receiver5-11 4 185 4 SophomoreOne LetterOmaha, Neb. (Central)

Mark LeFlore was one of five true freshmen to hit the field forNebraska in 2002, and this fall he figures to play a more prominent rolein a young Husker receiving corps. LeFlore, an Omaha Central graduate,played in 13 games last season and produced big plays for the Huskeroffense both as a receiving and running threat.

LeFlore played in every game except the season opener. He finishedthe season with six receptions for 24 yards and rushed four times for 80yards. He scored a touchdown the first time he touched the ball as aHusker, racing 64 yards for a score on a reverse against McNeese State.LeFlore earned his first start at Oklahoma State, when the Huskersutilized his running skills on a 29-yard reverse on NU’s first snap.

LeFlore’s Career StatisticsReceivingYear G/S No. Yds. Y/R Y/G Long TDs2002 13/1 6 24 4.0 1.8 9 at Kansas State 0

Rushing: 4-80-1 TD, 64 yards vs. McNeese State, 20022002 Independence Bowl vs. Ole Miss: Receiving, 1-(-2)

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#2 Ross PilkingtonWide Receiver6-0 4 190 4 SophomoreOne LetterFort Collins, Colo. (Loveland)

■ Nebraska Freshman Season Receptions Record (14)■ 2002 Honorable-Mention All-Big 12 (Coaches)■ 2002 Big 12 Commissioner's Spring Academic Honor Roll■ 2002 Big 12 Commissioner's Fall Academic Honor Roll

Ross Pilkington quickly emerged as one of Nebraska’s top receiversin his first season in a Husker uniform in 2002. The Colorado nativebroke NU’s freshman receptions record with 14 catches. He and freshmantight end Matt Herian also set a new frosh record for season receivingyards (301). Pilkington’s performance earned him first-team freshmanAll-Big 12 recognition from The Sporting News. Pilkington providesNebraska with an athletic receiver who possesses good size and speed.His talents will be even more crucial this season, as Nebraska will counton a young, but talented receiving corps.

Pilkington caught two passes each against Utah State and Penn State,and made a big impression at Iowa State when he caught a 90-yardtouchdown pass from Jammal Lord. The 90-yard catch was the third-longest in school history, and Nebraska’s longest pass play since 1965.

Pilkington had a season-high three catches for 54 yards againstMcNeese State. He had a streak of eight consecutive games with at leastone catch end against Kansas. Pilkington originally signed with Nebraskain 2000, but delayed his enrollment while he played minor league baseballin the Colorado Rockies organization.

Pilkington’s Career StatisticsReceivingYear G/S No. Yds. Y/R Y/G Long TDs2002 14/0 14 301 21.5 21.5 90 at Iowa State 1Rushing: 4-7-0, long 11 at Penn State2002 Independence Bowl vs. Ole Miss: Receiving, 1-24

#69 Nick PovendoOffensive Tackle6-3 4 300 4 JuniorOne LetterKeller, Texas (Keller)

Nick Povendo played a key role on the Husker offensive line last fall,when he served as the backup at both offensive tackle spots. He startedtwo games as a sophomore and alternated into the lineup behind regularstarters Richie Incognito and Dan Vili Waldrop. Incognito is slated to moveto center this spring, providing Povendo with the opportunity to earn astarting job. In addition to his reserve offensive line work, Povendo wasalso a member of NU’s extra-point and field goal teams.

Povendo helped pave the way for a Nebraska running game that led theBig 12 in rushing offense at 268.7 yards per game. He played in all 14 gameswith starts at Iowa State and vs. Ole Miss and finished with 14 pancakes,including five against Utah State.

Povendo played in just one game as a redshirt freshman in 2001 andmissed several games after being bit by a spider. He redshirted his firstyear at Nebraska.

Povendo’s Career NumbersGames Played–15 (1 in 2001; 14 in 2002)Games Started–2 (2 in 2002)Pancakes–14 (14 in 2002)Career Pancake Best–5 vs. Utah State, 2002

#55 Junior Tagoa’iOffensive Guard6-2 4 300 4 SeniorTwo LettersHauula, Hawaii (St. Louis School)

■ 2000 Second-Team Academic All-Big 12■ 2000 Big 12 Commissioner’s Spring Academic Honor Roll■ 1999 Big 12 Commissioner’s Fall Academic Honor Roll

Junior Tagoa’i (pronounced TAH-go-eye) was a key member of theHusker offensive line last fall, backing up both of Nebraska’s startingoffensive guards. Tagoa’i played in all 14 games and started the 2002Independence Bowl when Wes Cody was out with an injury. Tagoa’i isexpected to compete for a starting job this fall. Last season he finished ina tie for fifth on the team in pancakes in the regular season with 91.

Tagoa’i helped Nebraska’s offense lead the Big 12 in rushing at 268.7yards per game. He had five double-figure pancake efforts, highlightedby 18 knock-downs at Texas A&M. In that game, the NU offensive lineset a school record with 110 pancakes, as the Huskers rushed for 381yards. Tagoa’i also reached double figures in pancakes against ArizonaState, Utah State, Kansas and Colorado.

Tagoa’i played in three games in 2001 after moving from defense andhad six pancakes. Tagoa'i played in five games at nose tackle in 2000.

Tagoa’i’s Career NumbersGames Played–22 (5 in 2000; 3 in 2001; 14 in 2002)Games Started–1 (1 in 2002)Pancakes–97 (6 in 2001; 91 in 2002)Career Pancake Best–18 at Texas A&M, 2002Double-Digit Pancake Games: 4 (4 in 2002)

Other Defensive Players to Watch

#96 Titus AdamsNose Tackle6-3 4 290 4 SophomoreOne LetterOmaha, Neb. (Creighton Prep)

■ 2002 Big 12 Commissioner’s Fall Academic Honor Roll

Titus Adams was one of five players to see extensive action in a deepand talented Husker interior defensive front last fall. Four of those playersreturn for the 2003 campaign, and Adams will be counted on to again playa significant role in his sophomore season. Adams played in 13 games lastseason and recorded 21 total tackles, with a season-high five stops againstUtah State. He added four tackles each against Kansas and McNeese State.

Adams had three tackles for 18 yards in losses, including a pair of sacksfor 17 yards. He had an eight-yard sack against Utah State and had aninterception caused in the game. He had a sack vs. Kansas and had aquarterback hurry that caused an interception against the Jayhawks.Adams is extremely agile for his size, and filled in at rush end against Kansaswhen the Huskers were limited at that position because of injury.

Adams redshirted in his first season at Nebraska.

Adams’ Career StatisticsDefense ( -------Tackles------ ) Fum. QB Int.Year G/S UT AT TT TFL Sacks C-R BK PBU PI Hry.Csd.2001 Redshirted2002 13/0 6 15 21 3-18 2-17 0-0 0 0 0 6 2

2002 Independence Bowl vs. Ole Miss: Tackles, none

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#11 Ira CooperBuck Linebacker6-2 4 230 4 JuniorTwo LettersOmaha, Neb. (Westside)

Ira Cooper has served a reserve role at Sam linebacker each of the pasttwo seasons and enters spring practice looking for an increased role in 2003.Cooper is part of a linebacking corps that returns five of its top six playersfrom last season. The Omaha native has also been a mainstay on the Huskerspecial teams during his first two years in a Nebraska uniform.

Cooper gained the most extensive playing experience of his career inthe Independence Bowl when he started in place of senior Scott Shanle whohad the flu. Cooper responded with five tackles and a quarterback hurryin the game. He finished his sophomore season with 12 total tackles,including four solo stops. The Ole Miss contest was Cooper’s best tackleouting of his career. Cooper had three stops in the season opener againstArizona State. Cooper served as a backup linebacker and totaled six tacklesin 11 games in 2001. He redshirted in 2000.

Cooper’s Career StatisticsDefense ( -------Tackles------ ) Fum. QB Int.Year G/S UT AT TT TFL Sacks C-R BK PBU PI Hry.Csd.2000 Redshirted2001 11/0 1 5 6 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 2 02002 14/1 4 8 12 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 1 0Totals 25/1 5 13 18 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 3 0

2002 Independence Bowl vs. Ole Miss: Tackles, 1 UT, 4 AT, 5 TT, 1 QB Hurry

#2 T.J. HollowellWill Linebacker6-0 4 230 4 SeniorThree LettersCopperas Cove, Texas (Copperas Cove)

T.J. Hollowell returns for his senior season after splitting time withfellow Texan Demorrio Williams at Will linebacker in 2003. Hollowellearned two starts last season and finished eighth on the team in tackles.He and Williams combined for more than 150 tackles from the position.Hollowell returns to a deep and experienced Husker linebacking corps,and he is a versatile performer who has experience at all three positionsduring his Nebraska career.

Hollowell played in all 14 games last season, with starts againstKansas and Kansas State. He finished his junior season with 60 totaltackles, including 20 solo stops. Hollowell had a pair of tackles forlosses, including a five-yard sack against Utah State, and ranked fifth onthe team with nine quarterback hurries. His top tackle game was againstIowa State, when he recorded a career-high 10 stops, and he added sixtackles each against Penn State and Kansas State. He also recovered afumble against the Wildcats.

Hollowell played in 12 games and had 26 tackles as a reserve Willlinebacker in 2001. Hollowell saw action in all 11 games as a freshman,primarily on special teams, and had seven tackles.

Hollowell’s Career StatisticsDefense ( -------Tackles------ ) Fum. QB Int.Year G/S UT AT TT TFL Sacks C-R BK PBU PI Hry.Csd.2000 11/0 5 2 7 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 02001 11/0 10 16 26 2-13 1-12 0-0 0 0 0 5 02002 14/2 20 40 60 2-6 1-5 0-1 0 1 0 9 1Totals 36/2 35 58 93 4-19 2-17 0-1 0 1 0 14 1

2000 Alamo Bowl vs. Northwestern: Tackles, none2002 Rose Bowl vs. Miami: Tackles, 0 UT, 1 AT, 1 TT2002 Independence Bowl vs. Ole Miss: Tackles, 2 UT, 1 AT, 3 TT

#27 Willie AmosCornerback6-0 4 185 4 JuniorTwo LettersSweetwater, Texas

Willie Amos hopes to make his return to the Husker defense this fall,after a season on the sideline rehabilitating a knee injury. Amos may seelimited work this spring, but should be 100 percent by the start of fallcamp. A starter at free safety as a sophomore in 2001, Amos missed allof last season after he tore his left ACL and LCL midway through springball a year ago. Amos utilized his redshirt year in 2002 and has twoseasons of eligibility remaining. Before his knee injury, Amos had madea smooth position switch to cornerback, where he is expected to line upthis fall. Amos is one of six players in the NU secondary who enter the2003 campaign with at least five career starts.

The Sweetwater, Texas, native made seven starts at free safety in2001 and had four interceptions, including a 20-yard TD against KansasState. Amos, who missed three games with a hamstring injury, was aforce after returning to the lineup, making 17 tackles in the final threegames, including a career-high eight stops at Colorado. He added a team-high eight tackles, including five solos, in the Rose Bowl against Miami.

Amos, who has also been a member of the Husker track team, isamong NU’s fastest players with a 4.45 electronic 40-yard dash timebefore his injury and also boasts a 36.5-inch vertical leap. He played inall 11 games as a true freshman in 2000 and made nine tackles.

Amos’ Career StatisticsDefense ( -------Tackles------ ) Fum. QB Int.Year G/S UT AT TT TFL Sacks C-R BK PBU PI Hry.Csd.2000 11/0 4 5 9 0-0 0-0 0-1 0 3 1 0 02001 9/6 11 17 28 1-1 0-0 0-0 0 0 4* 0 0Totals 20/6 15 22 37 1-1 0-0 0-1 0 3 5* 0 0*-20-yard TD against Kansas State, 20012000 Alamo Bowl vs. Northwestern: Tackles, none2002 Rose Bowl vs. Miami: Tackles, 5 UT, 3 AT, 8 TT, 1-1 TFL

#14 Daniel BullocksStrong Safety6-1 4 200 4 SophomoreOne LetterChattanooga, Tenn. (Hixson)

Daniel Bullocks gained valuable experience in the Husker secondary asa redshirt freshman in 2002 and will be counted on as a key contributorthis fall. Bullocks began the season as a lower-unit player, but ascendedto the top of the depth chart at rover at midseason and earned his first careerstart against McNeese State. He moved back to a reserve role after PhilipBland shifted to rover midway through the season.

He finished the year with 12 games played and recorded a total of 16tackles. After Bullocks’ start against McNeese State, he was forced to missthe following week’s contest with Missouri because of a left ankle injury,and the Huskers shuffled their secondary with Bland moving to rover andBullocks’ twin brother, Josh, gaining the starting nod at free safety. DanielBullocks had a season-high three tackles at Texas A&M and had two stopsin five other games. He also forced a fumble at Oklahoma State. Bullocksredshirted in his first season at Nebraska.

Bullocks’ Career StatisticsDefense ( -------Tackles------ ) Fum. QB Int.Year G/S UT AT TT TFL Sacks C-R BK PBU PI Hry.Csd.2001 Redshirted2002 12/1 5 11 16 0-0 0-0 1-0 0 0 0 1 0

2002 Independence Bowl vs. Ole Miss: Tackles, 1 AT, 1 QB Hurry

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#40 Lannie HopkinsWill Linebacker6-2 4 220 4 JuniorOne LetterRowlett, Texas (Rowlett)

■ Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week vs. Kansas (2002)

Lannie Hopkins (pronounced LAY-knee) has been a special teamsstandout and a playmaker in limited defensive action in his first twoseasons as a Husker. Hopkins will look to build his role on the NU defensethis spring when he joins a talented NU linebacking corps after playing inthe NU secondary last season.

Hopkins played a key role on the defense last season, despite beinglisted as the No. 4 rover for much of the season. He played in 13 gamesand was utilized as a pass rushing specialist on throwing downs. Thecoaching staff rewarded Hopkins’ contributions to the defense by givinghim a Blackshirt midway through the season. Hopkins also played on themajority of Nebraska’s special teams and was especially effective as a puntblock threat. He blocked three punts in 2002, including two against Kansas.

Hopkins made his only start of the season in the Independence Bowlwhen Philip Bland was sidelined with a hamstring injury, and respondedwith a career-high nine tackles. Hopkins finished the year with 24 totaltackles, and added 2.5 sacks for 19 yards and five tackles for loss. Hopkinsforced a fumble against Colorado and had six quarterback hurries. His twoblocked punts against Kansas earned him Big 12 Special Teams Player-of-the-Week honors. Hopkins also blocked a punt in Nebraska’s seasonopener against Arizona State. Hopkins played in three games and had twotackles for loss in 2001, before injuries sidelined him. He redshirted in 2000.

Hopkins’ Career StatisticsDefense ( -------Tackles------ ) Fum. QB Int.Year G/S UT AT TT TFL Sacks C-R BK PBU PI Hry.Csd.2000 Redshirted2001 3/0 2 1 3 2-23 1-12 1-0 0 0 0 0 02002 13/1 7 17 24 5-21 2.5-19 1-0 3 2 0 6 0Totals 16/1 9 18 27 7-44 3.5-31 2-0 3 2 0 6 0

2002 Independence Bowl vs. Ole Miss: Tackles, 1 UT, 8 AT, 9 TT, TFL,1-1; 1 PBU

#1 Lornell McPhersonRight Cornerback5-9 4 175 4 JuniorTwo LettersOmaha, Neb. (Central)

■ 2001 Fourth-Team Freshman All-American (The Sporting News)■ 2001 Big 12 Commissioner’s Fall Academic Honor Roll

Lornell McPherson returns to a Husker secondary that has severalplayers with extensive playing experience. McPherson enters his juniorseason after two years with a key role in NU’s nickel and dime packages.McPherson has played in all but one regular season game in the past twoseasons with seven starts. He is one of six players in the NU secondarywith at least five career starts, and this spring he will battle for thestarting cornerback job vacated by 2002 All-Big 12 pick DeJuan Groce.

McPherson was limited throughout 2002 by a right shoulder injuryhe suffered early in the fall. He finished the year with 17 tackles, includingtwo tackles for loss and capped his season with four tackles in theIndependence Bowl. He also made four stops against Arizona State andMcNeese State. He also played on several special teams units.

McPherson played in all 13 games in 2001 and started three timeswhen NU opened in a nickel package. He recorded 29 tackles, including20 solo stops and had six pass breakups. He redshirted in 2000.

McPherson’s Career StatisticsDefense ( -------Tackles------ ) Fum. QB Int.Year G/S UT AT TT TFL Sacks C-R BK PBU PI Hry.Csd.2000 Redshirt2001 12/3 20 9 29 3-11 1.0-8 0-0 0 6 2 1 02002 13/4 10 7 17 2-4 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0Totals 25/7 30 16 46 5-15 1.0-8 0-0 0 6 2 1 0

Interceptions: 2--6-0 total; 2--6 in 20012002 Rose Bowl vs. Miami: Tackles, none2002 Independence Bowl vs. Ole Miss: Tackles, 3 UT, 1 AT, 4 TT, TFL, 1-1

#31 Jerrell PippensFree Safety6-2 4 195 4 SeniorThree LettersPhiladelphia, Pa. (West Catholic)

Junior Jerrell Pippens has played a key role as a reserve in the Huskersecondary the past two years and has also been a standout on specialteams. Pippens played in every game last fall as a reserve free safety andfinished the year with 33 tackles, including 16 solo stops. He is one ofthe most experienced players in the NU secondary and this spring willcompete for a starting position at safety. Pippens is one of only threesenior returning lettermen among the Husker defensive backs.

Pippens had an outstanding game in a return to his home state ofPennsylvania, making a career-high eight tackles at Penn State. He addedfour tackles each against Utah State and McNeese State. Along withDeJuan Groce, Pippens served as a gunner on NU’s punt coverage andwas a key reason why Nebraska allowed just 9.4 yards per punt return.

Pippens played in 11 games in 2001 as a backup free safety andfinished with 14 tackles. He saw action in five games at free safety in2000. A former walk-on, Pippens redshirted in 1999.

Pippens’ Career StatisticsDefense ( -------Tackles------ ) Fum. QB Int.Year G/S UT AT TT TFL Sacks C-R BK PBU PI Hry.Csd.1999 Redshirt2000 5/0 0 1 1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 02001 11/0 8 6 14 1-1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 02002 14/0 16 17 33 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0Totals 30/0 24 24 48 1-1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0

2000 Alamo Bowl vs. Northwestern: Tackles, 3 UT, 0 AT, 3 TT2002 Rose Bowl vs. Miami: Tackles, 2 UT, 0 AT, 2 TT2002 Independence Bowl vs. Ole Miss: Tackles, None

#54 Chad SieversMike Linebacker6-3 4 230 4 JuniorOne LetterValley, Neb. (Valley/New Mexico State)

■ 2002 First-Team Academic All-Big 12■ Two-Time Big 12 Commissioner's Fall Academic Honor Roll (2001, 2002)■ 2002 Big 12 Commissioner's Spring Academic Honor Roll

Chad Sievers made strong contributions in his first year with theHuskers, but injuries cut short his 2002 season. Sievers served as BarrettRuud’s backup at Mike linebacker throughout the year, but was slowedearly in the season by injury, then suffered a season-ending knee injuryagainst Kansas in early November. He is hopeful of participating inspring ball, but should be back at 100 percent by fall.

Sievers finished the year with 37 tackles and two tackles for loss innine games. He missed the season opener with Arizona State, then madesix tackles, including a tackle for loss in his Husker debut against Troy

2 0 0 3 N e b r a s k a S p r i n g F o o t b a l l P r o s p e c t u s

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Thomas’ Career StatsDefense ( -------Tackles------ ) Fum. QB Int.Year G/S UT AT TT TFL Sacks C-R BK PBU PI Hry.Csd.2000 6/0 1 1 2 1-5 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 1 02001 10/0 3 4 7 5-29 1-24 0-0 0 0 0 1 12002 RedshirtedTotals 16/0 4 5 9 6-34 1-24 0-0 0 0 0 2 1

2000 Alamo Bowl vs. Northwestern: Tackles, none2002 Rose Bowl vs. Miami: Tackles, none

Other Kickers to Watch

#22 Sandro DeAngelisPlace-Kicker5-8 4 190 4 JuniorOne LetterNiagara Falls, Ontario, Canada(St. Joseph’s Collegiate, N.Y.)

■ 2002 Brook Berringer Citizenship Team■ 2001 First-Team Academic All-Big 12■ 2001 Big 12 Commissioner’s Spring Academic Honor Roll■ Three-Time Big 12 Commissioner’s Fall Academic Honor Roll (2000, 2001, 2002)

Sandro DeAngelis sat out all of last season with a stress fracture in hisleft foot and watched as senior Josh Brown had an outstanding final seasonwith the Huskers. DeAngelis shared time with Brown in 2001, and entersspring ball as the frontrunner to take over the Huskers’ place-kickingchores. DeAngelis is one of two Canadians on the Husker roster along withdefensive lineman Patrick Kabongo.

DeAngelis started four of the first five games of the 2001 season. Hehit 2-of-3 field goals on the year, with a long of 21 yards, and connectedon 15-of-16 PATs. DeAngelis’ most extensive action was against NotreDame, when he kicked off five times, made three PATs and connected onfield goals of 19 and 21 yards.

DeAngelis is also a standout in the classroom. He was a first-teamAcademic All-Big 12 selection in 2001 and has made the Big 12Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll five times, including the 2002 fallsemester when he had a perfect 4.0 grade-point average.

DeAngelis' Career StatisticsScoring Field Goal RangeYear G/S PAT FG TP PPG 1-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50+ Lg2000 Redshirted2001 8/4 15-16 2-3 21 2.6 1-1 1-1 0-1 0-0 0-0 212002 Injured--Did Not PlayTotals 8/4 15-16 2-3 21 2.6 1-1 1-1 0-1 0-0 0-0 21

Field Goal Sequence: Notre Dame (19, 21); Missouri (32 miss), 2001PAT Sequence: TCU 1-1; Troy State 2-2; Notre Dame 3-3; Rice 5-5;Missouri 1-2; Iowa State 1-1; Baylor 1-1; Kansas 1-1, 2001Two-Point Conversion Attempts: 1 run vs. Baylor, 2002 (failed)Points Scored: 21 in 2001; Tackles: 0 UT, 1 AT, 1 TT, 2001

State. He missed the Utah State game, but had five or more tackles in thenext three games, including a season-high nine stops at Iowa State. Sieverssuffered his knee injury early in the Kansas game, but continued in thecontest and made six tackles and recovered a fumble.

Sievers maintains a perfect 4.0 grade-point average in businessadministration and was a first-team Academic All-Big 12 selection in2002. He sat out 2001 after transferring from New Mexico State.

Sievers’ Career StatisticsDefense ( ------Tackles------ ) Fum. QB Int.Year G/S UT AT TT TFL Sacks C-R BKPBU PI Hry. Csd.2001 Redshirted after transfer from New Mexico State2002 9/0 15 22 37 2-4 0-0 0-1 0 1 0 2 0

#66 Le Kevin SmithDefensive Tackle6-2 4 305 4 SophomoreOne LetterMacon, Ga. (Stratford Academy)

Le Kevin Smith returned to full health last fall and showed his abilityin his first season of action in the Husker interior defensive line. Smithwas one of five players to see extensive action at the two tackle positionslast season. This spring he will make a push for even more playing timeas a sophomore. Smith played in all 14 games and finished the year with42 tackles, including 16 solo stops, to earn first-team frosh All-Big 12honors from The Sporting News.

In addition to his tackle total, Smith had six tackles for loss on theseason. He had five games with four or more tackles, including fourtackles, two TFL and his only sack against Utah State. He had a season-high five tackles and a tackle for loss against Kansas and capped hisfreshman year with five tackles, a tackle for loss and two quarterbackhurries in the Independence Bowl.

Smith suffered an ACL injury during fall camp as a true freshman,then tore the ACL in his other knee in spring of 2002.

Smith’s Career StatisticsDefense ( -------Tackles------ ) Fum. QB Int.Year G/S UT AT TT TFL Sacks C-R BK PBU PI Hry.Csd.2001 Redshirt2002 14/0 16 26 42 6-11 1-6 0 0 0 0 5 0

2002 Independence Bowl vs. Ole Miss: Tackles, 1 UT, 4 AT, 5 TT;1-1 TFL, 2 QB Hurries

#5 Benard ThomasRush End6-4 4 265 4 JuniorTwo LettersEast Palo Alto, Calif. (St. Francis)

Benard Thomas enters spring practice with a goal of earning aBlackshirt after sitting out the 2002 season as a redshirt. Thomas servedas a backup rush end in his first two seasons in Lincoln, but chose toredshirt last season as the Huskers had three senior rush ends. Withthose players departed, Thomas has the inside track on a starting positionopposite senior Trevor Johnson this fall. Thomas has the frame of aprototype defensive end, standing 6-4 and weighing 265 pounds.

Thomas played in 10 games in 2001, and registered seven tackles withfive tackles for 29 yards lost, including one sack for 24 yards againstIowa State. He had a career-high three tackles against Baylor, includingtwo tackles for four yards lost. He added one quarterback hurry. Thomasalso helped cause an interception with fellow rush end Trevor Johnson.

Thomas did not play in the first two games in 2000, but decided notto redshirt, and played in six of the last nine contests at rush end.