Nebraska's practice Thursday will mostly consist of scrimmaging, perhaps as many as 100 plays, much to the delight of the players.
Taylor Martinez hopes he can be part of the fun.
"I haven't scrimmaged at all (this spring)," the senior quarterback said Wednesday after the seventh practice of the spring. "I wish I could. The coaches won't let me."
Martinez is preparing for his fourth season as Nebraska's starter. He's the clear-cut No. 1 on the depth chart. The coaches know what they have in him. So it makes sense to keep him on the sideline when the action is "live."
It especially makes sense in light of running back Ameer Abdullah's knee injury suffered Saturday. Abdullah, a projected starter, probably could return later this month, but Husker coach Bo Pelini has said Abdullah may be held out the rest of the spring.
Martinez noted that Abdullah's injury didn't occur during scrimmage action.
During scrimmaging this spring, Martinez has mostly signaled in plays from the sideline.
"I'd rather be on the field," he said. "I think it's boring sitting on the sidelines not doing anything.
"I can't stand it. Sometimes I try to go out there, and they keep pulling me out," he added with a smile.
Martinez plans to spend some of next week's spring break working with quarterback coach Steve Calhoun back home in Laguna Beach, Calif.
* EMBRACING THE WORK: For many players, spring practice is drudgery. It's all practice, no games.
Martinez, though, enjoys it.
"I love practicing, just coming out and hanging out with the guys," he said. "I think it's fun. It's better than doing nothing at home."
