One of Nebraska's Scout Team Offensive Players of the Year last season was taking snaps with the No. 1 unit in Saturday's football scrimmage at Memorial Stadium, and believe it or not, he's a senior.
For those who don't know him, it's time to meet Derek Meyer, one of the most unusual walk-on stories on this year's Huskers. A year ago, he was so anonymous that one of his teammates thought he was one of the coaches, not a player.
Meyer admits he looks the part. He is, after all, called "Grandpa" by most of his teammates because he's been losing his hair since his high school playing days at Silver Lake near hometown Campbell, Neb.
This past week, Nebraska Offensive Line Coach Barney Cotton moved Meyer into the top unit at offensive guard as a replacement for the injured Ricky Henry.
Fully aware there are no guarantees, Meyer said he intends to optimize every opportunity he gets that will bring him one step closer to realizing his lifelong dream - to be able to say "I played for Nebraska"
Today, Meyer faces the Huskers.com camera with a smile and a noticeable confidence for our video Quick Hits series.
For Meyer, a 6-5, 315-pound transfer from Kansas State, the journey has been long, but well worth the potential reward.
Patience has been his biggest virtue, but don't underestimate his drive and determination.
Whether Meyer earns a starting job or not isn't the issue. "The important thing is, he's going to play," Cotton said. "He's earned everything he's been given."
