The Magic Man and his Band of Followers

Nebraska fans often have the same question. "Who is going to be the quarterback?"

Well I think that fans of the Huskers have a very good idea of who the starting quarterback is going to be for the Big Red in 2011. Without an injury or suspension, it appears that Taylor Martinez (6-feet-1, 200 pounds, Sophomore) is going to be behind center when Nebraska takes the first offensive snap against Tennessee Chattanooga. Martinez has the quickness to score from anywhere on the field. His burst is like few athletes I have ever seen. Often last season T-Magic was at full speed in only two steps and pulling away from defenders for huge runs. Martinez also showed the ability to throw the ball down the field with big plays in early season wins over Washington and Oklahoma State. The downside was that Martinez did not adjust well after defenses made changes in their attacks to account for his big-play ability. Also his leadership of an otherwise veteran team as a freshman may have damaged the team chemistry in 2010. Combine this with injury woes and it led to a disappointing end to the 2010 season for the Nebraska football team.

The backup quarterbacks for the Big Red have almost no game experience. Freshman Brion Carnes (6-1, 200) redshirted last season. There are a lot of good reports about his play a year ago with the scout team. Jamal Turner (6-1, 180, Fr.) will likely see the field as a receiver or return man rather than at quarterback. Ron Kellogg III (6-1, 215, So.) has shown a good arm in practice, but he is not likely to see much action in games.

Many Nebraska fans wanted to see what Bubba Starling could do as an athlete at quarterback for the Huskers. Now that he has signed with the Kansas City Royals baseball team we will likely never know. The key to good quarterback play for the Big Red this season is to keep Martinez healthy, increase his confidence and provide Carnes and Turner with some game action so they can be ready if called upon.  I believe Martinez will become a leader on the team in 2011 and the quarterbacks as a group will help Nebraska to a solid season.

Thanks for reading Going Deep with Doze. Email me any questions or thoughts you have at jimdolezal@mail.com.