Starting quarterback Eric Crouch will start throwing next week after undergoing shoulder surgery after last season. Crouch took the rehabilitation process much slower than he did last season, when he rushed back from a similar shoulder surgery and suffered lingering pain. Crouch's throwing drills will be monitored closely by the NU medical staff, and Solich expects Crouch to follow a strict regimen to keep him on course for a full recovery by the fall. Jason Lohr is also expected to have back surgery in the next couple of days. Hollowell also is recovering from a shoulder clean-up surgery that took place after the spring.
Question marks heading into the fall still remain at many positions.
The wingback spot currently lists Troy Hassebroek at No. 1, but if the NCAA grants John Gibson a sixth year, Gibson will improve NU's receiving corps immediately. Gibson recorded four catches in 2000, with Wilson Thomas the only other Husker returnee to catch a pass last season. The offensive line also is uncertain at this point with Wes Cody and Dan Waldrop listed at No. 1 at right guard and right tackle, respectively. Solich said the ace in the hole remained Rutherford, who was listed currently as the starting center, but could also play either right guard or right tackle. All three linebacker positions also pose possible question marks with the status of Randy Stella still up in the air.