Big return for Herian

admo

New member
Hope he does well! Like to see the Huskers get him more involved. Still just amazed he's back out there.

Herian's linky

Herian isn't taking things for granted

BY DIRK CHATELAIN

WORLD-HERALD BUREAU

LINCOLN - Of all the offensive playmakers who have emerged for Nebraska in 2006, Matt Herian most enjoys seeing Brandon Jackson.

Jackson, who battled injuries for more than a year, has overcome his health problems and earned a major role in Nebraska's offense. He leads the team in rushing.

"Watching him run puts a smile on my face," Herian said.

Herian's got a similar past, marked by injury and frustration. His old form, however, remains elusive.

The last time Missouri came to Lincoln, Herian broke his left leg. At the time, he was a standout tight end in an offense dedicated to featuring him; he caught 24 passes through eight games. He was a sure-fire NFL prospect with a chance at All-America honors. Two years later, Herian's career is quietly coming to an end devoid of accolades and highlight receptions.

The Pierce, Neb., native says he's the same player as he was before the injury. He says he knew his numbers would drop this season because of NU's bevy of talented wideouts. He says he hasn't thought about this week as an anniversary.

"It's just another game," Herian said.

Herian began the 2006 season the way he played his first two in Lincoln. He caught three balls for 61 yards and a score against Louisiana Tech. He scored again the next week, gaining 38 yards on four catches. His 36-yard catch at USC set up Nebraska's only touchdown.

But Herian has just seven receptions since; in none of those games has he gained more than 16 yards. He didn't catch a pass at Oklahoma State.

His slim contributions to the passing game stand out, because Husker coaches and players in the offseason noted the importance of a potent tight end. Herian could make a huge difference, they said.

Quarterback Zac Taylor said Herian's still capable of catching six or seven balls a game. He'll be a factor again, said fellow tight end J.B. Phillips.

"You think about how many weapons we have now compared to how many weapons we had two years ago," Phillips said. "The ball gets dished out more. A lot of people think it's because he's down. It's not that."

Herian, no matter what his statistics indicate, has gained from his loss, he says.

The injury gave him a fresh perspective on football and life. He looks at things differently. He doesn't take simple pleasures for granted.

"Every time I do something, I realize it might not happen again," Herian said.

 
we dont use him much anymore either though i think he should have about 3 to 4 balls thrown his way a game but that just isnt the case and I dont know why !

 
before Matt got hurt NU didnt have all of the recievers that they have now. I think that it would be safe to say that if NU didnt have Swift, Nunn, Purify, Hardy, and Petersen that his receptions per game and TDs would be alot more than they are this year.

 
I think that his presents on the field is felt the most in the redzone. He may not have that many receptions or touchdowns that some people may want him to have, but the tight end production in the red zone has greatly improved with his blocking and the fact that teams will cover him closer in the red zone than they would Phillips or Mueller.

 
ok well all know that herian is a good football player and we all should know that he wasnt going to be able to run routes like he used to and i dont blame the guy for being cautious after his injury. its him doing the little things that matter now our running game wouldnt be what its if it wasnt for blocking skills. Sure i would like to see him get a 100yards in a game again and get couple of tds and just who knows it could happen this weeked.

 
I would like to see him get some passes thrown his way in the games, but with all the talent around him it's obviously harder to get him the ball.............although Zac is automatically looking for Purify because Mo catches most of the balls that come his way plus the O-line doesn't give him too much time to make his reads......... <_<

 
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