Nebraska backfield dealt blow
A Nebraska Cornhuskers offense that will have to score just to keep up with the dynamic offenses of the Big 12 this season will find now that task a little more difficult.
The team dismissed starting running back Quentin Castille, after the junior violated unspecified team rules. Bo Pelini, Nebraska’s no-nonsense head coach entering his second season at the helm, said he expects freshman Rex Burkhead to fill as the No. 2 back behind Roy Helu Jr., who was expected to split carries with Castille.
With Castille’s departure and a freshman backup, the burden of carrying the load now falls squarely on the shoulders of the junior Helu. He did lead the team in rushing in 2008, rushing for 803 yards on the strength of better than six yards per carry. He’s capable of doing the job, but the combination of him and Castille was going to cause headaches for the rest of the Big 12 this season. The Cornhuskers’ depth in the backfield just because frighteningly fragile.
