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Huskers Discuss Progress in Fixing Special-Teams Woes

New coordinator Mike Ekeler and Aussie punter Archie Wilson were among those meeting with the media after Nebraska's 14th practice of preseason camp.
Joe Hudson|
Mike Ekeler takes reporters' questions Tuesday.
Mike Ekeler takes reporters' questions Tuesday. | Nebraska Athletics

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New Nebraska special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler and one of his prize pupils were front and center after Tuesday's Nebraska football practice.

Punter Archie Wilson from Australia has been one of the talks of fall camp. Head coach Matt Rhule has called him "the most interesting man in the world to me. ... There’s not a guy on the team that doesn’t love him. ... He’s one of the coolest dudes around. He’s got so much juice.”

Juice is good, but Wilson also can punt, and he does it rugby-style with either leg. Rhule and Ekeler see field-flipping potential from the true freshman even though he has yet to play in an actual game of American football.

On Tuesday, the media got their first chance to hear from Wilson. He was asked whether it's difficult to be so far from home, and his response says it all:

But Wilson's time in front of the cameras and mics was mostly upbeat. Asked about singing "Piano Man" in front of the team, he grinned and said, "I went up and smashed it; I'm not gonna lie."

Ekeler called Wilson a "damn weapon" and revealed that the Aussie had been on track to join him at Tennessee. That was before Matt Rhule hired Ekeler away from the Vols to fix the Huskers' special teams. After Ekeler's plans changed, so did Wilson's.

“Man, that guy is special. I mean, he truly is,” Ekeler said. "What coach (Rhule) said about him is accurate. That kid knows every one of his teammates, and his teammates love him because of the energy he brings in the building, not just because of what he can do with the football.”

Regarding the competition at placekicker, Ekeler said a starter should be named by the end of the week. "We've got a close battle right now," he said. "They've all done some nice things." Tristan Alvano and Sam Hohl have the most experience as Huskers, but also making a strong push for the job is Kyle Cunanan, a transfer from Charlotte.

Bad snaps on placekicks were a vexing issue last season. Ekeler said the Huskers are improving in that regard but are "not exactly where we need to be right now."

Also speaking Tuesday were Cunanan, long snapper Kevin Gallic, linebacker Vincent Shavers, wide receiver Dane Key and associate head coach Phil Snow. Scroll down for coverage and video. Asterisk indicates item may require a subscription.

Coverage

  • Nebraska Athletics | Ekeler discusses special teams, Archie Wilson
  • Omaha World-Herald* | Why Mike Ekeler thinks Nebraska is the 'most disciplined team in America'
  • Omaha World-Herald* |

    • 'A damn weapon': Through punts and personality, Archie Wilson making impact

  • Omaha World-Herald* | Shatel: Mike Ekeler can handle the heat
  • Omaha World-Herald* |

    • A meeting 30 years ago shaped Phil Snow's coaching approach. Now he's mentoring Nebraska assistants

  • Omaha World-Herald* | New long snapper Kevin Gallic a 'calming force'
  • KOLN/KGIN | Huskers talk special teams
  • Husker247 | Tuesday Takeouts from Husker special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler: WTH does not apply
  • Husker247 | Transfer kicker Kyle Cunanan thrilled to have landed at Nebraska
  • CBS Sports | Nebraska punter Archie Wilson breaks down in tears reflecting on leaving Australia, family for football career


Video

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Joe Hudson
JOE HUDSON

Joe Hudson has operated a Husker-related website since 1995 and joined forces with David Max to form HuskerPedia (later renamed HuskerMax) in 1999. It began as a hobby during his 35 years as a newspaper editor and reporter, a career that included stints at the Lincoln Star, Omaha World-Herald, Philadelphia Inquirer and Denver Post. In Denver, Joe was chief of the copy desk during his final 16 years at the Post. He is proud to have been involved in Pulitzer Prize-winning projects in both Philadelphia and Denver. Joe has been a Nebraska football fan since the mid-1960s during his childhood in Omaha. He earned his bachelor of arts degree in journalism and economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1976. He resides a few freeway exits north of Colorado Springs and enjoys bicycling and walking his dogs in his spare time. You can reach him at joeroyhud@outlook.com.

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