Reports are favorable after the first week of fall football camp at UNO.

“We're doing a pretty good job,” University of Nebraska at Omaha coach Pat Behrns said. “We've had some good practices, and a couple where we were a little sluggish, but even after some of those I saw some good things on film.

“There's no area that I'm disappointed in, but that doesn't mean we don't have a lot of work to do.”

In preparing for the Sept. 4 opener with the 13th-ranked University of Nebraska at Kearney at Caniglia Field, injuries have been at a minimum for the 15th-ranked Mavs, though a couple have come in key areas.

Tailback Levi Terrell, the returning Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association freshman of the year, missed a couple of practices with a hamstring injury. Terrell, who rushed for 1,182 yards in eight games last year, is able to do most of his individual work.

“It's probably more precautionary than anything,” Behrns said of keeping Terrell out of team work.

When Terrell is out, seniors Bryce Hawthorne and Duane Bowen are the top tailbacks. True freshmen James Franklin and Camren Torneden have gotten work with the second unit.

“They did make some mistakes, but they both really run the ball well,” Behrns said.

Quarterback Jon Daniels, competing for the starting job with John Teigland, had X-rays on his back that came back negative.

“He hasn't missed anything, but you could see that he didn't have that zing in his passes earlier this week,” Behrns said. “He's starting to look a little better. It's just sore right now.”

Starting defensive end Casey Beck has battled a calcium deposit on a foot. Cornerback hopeful Stephon Washington suffered a broken hand and is out indefinitely.

Meanwhile, Behrns said he is intrigued by the competition at the fullback, or H-back, position.

That's kind of an interesting position for us right now,” Behrns said. “I'm not ready to put a stamp (of approval) on it yet, but I like what I see.”

Redshirt freshman Ryan Maloley is listed No. 1, with converted linebacker Josh Tietsort and converted wide receiver Aaron Konicek in the mix.

The fullback's primary responsibility is to provide a physical presence blocking in the running game, but Behrns envisions utilizing the players' pass-catching skills as well.

Konicek started several times at wideout last season and caught 10 passes.

“We'll use all three of them more coming out of the backfield,” Behrns said.

Contact the writer:

444-1027, rob.white@owh.com

« Sports - Mavs Today

Share