Nebraska offensive line coach Greg Austin was a guest on the Sports Nightly program which airs 6-8 pm M-F on KCNI 1280 AM / 96.3 FM. The assistant, going into this third year on the job, is excited about the potential of his group. There will be experience and talent returning on the offensive line this season. Brendan Jaimes, a senior left tackle who spurned the NFL draft after last season, is expected to be the leader of the group. Coach Austin said he expects Jaimes to be one of the best in the Big Ten as well as the nation. Matt Farniok is a proven three year starter and is likely to swing between right tackle and right guard this season. Cam Jurgens, the team’s center from Beatrice, has turned into a player “with an aura about him” and “command presence” as he enters his sophomore season. Austin said that he is more confident in himself and he’s earned the trust of the veterans around him.
“We kind of know what some of the guys can do – some of the guys who are seasoned, some of the guys who have a lot of experience – but some of those guys who are competing, it’s a play-by-play basis. If you screw up on a snap count, if you screw up on an assignment, certainly those things are going to be looked at with a little more emphasis now.”
Overall, the line has filled out considerably since Austin’s arrival. There’s an older wave of nine players entering at least their third season, with a younger wave of eight guys who are either redshirt or true freshmen.
