Cody Glenn: Will He Provide the Huskers Answers at Linebacker?

One of the biggest offseason stories last spring was senior I-back Cody Glenn's move to linebacker.  In 2007, Glenn was expected to compete for the starting I-back position, following Brandon Jackson's early departure to the NFL. 

In the first five games of the 2007 season, Glenn was hampered by a nagging knee injury and carried the ball just 24 times.  Glenn saw very limited action after Nebraska's fifth game, a victory against Iowa State, in which Glenn had eight carries for 27 yards. 

After Iowa State, Glenn only carried the ball three more times.

Determined to make an impact in his senior campaign, Glenn made the switch to linebacker, arguably Nebraska's thinnest position on the depth chart.  But will the move prove successful for both Glenn and the Huskers?

A video posted for subscription members on Huskers.com shows linebackers coach Mike Ekeler drilling his inexperienced corps on the "stick-and-move" technique, on the third day of preseason camp: http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=1&SPID=22&DB_OEM_ID=100&ATCLID=1550576. 

The drill is designed to work on releasing from an offensive lineman, while in pursuit of a ball carrier.

During the video, Glenn appears tentative and uncomfortable, and is asked to repeat the drill.  Other back-up linebackers, such as Blake Lawrence, Colton Koehler, and Latravis Washinton, power through the drill in a much more confident and explosive manner. 

To Glenn's credit, the video provides little more than a five second view of Glenn and does not show how his skills translate to the field.  Nonetheless, the video may continue to raise questions about Nebraska's depth at linebacker, where Glenn is currently listed as the starter at Will.

Despite the questions raised in the video, Glenn has drawn early praise from both Ekeler and head coach Bo Pelini.  According to the Lincoln Journal Star's Brian Christopherson, the Nebraska coaches realized Glenn's ability after watching Glenn for just one play at linebacker.  http://www.journalstar.com/blog/huskers.php?title=condy_glenn_amped_about_linebacker_chall&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1. 

Glenn's move has also reinvigorated the senior. In the same article, Glenn stated that he was considering leaving the team while at running back under the former coaching regime. 

However, with a new breath of life at linebacker under the new coaching staff, Glenn is energized to take on the new challenges.  Let's just hope he can use this energy to improve his "stick-and-move" and torment opposing running backs this season.