Kicking Competition Continues at Nebraska Football Preseason Camp

Tristan Alvano is about 90% recovered from his groin injury, Husker special teams coordinator Ed Foley said after Tuesday's practice.

Joe Hudson | Aug 21, 2024

HuskerMax Practice Report, Aug. 20, 2024 /

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There was encouraging news on the injury front Tuesday from Ed Foley, Nebraska football's special teams coordinator.

Speaking after the Huskers' 18th practice of preseason camp, Foley said sophomore placekicker Tristan Alvano appears to be on track to play in the Aug. 31 season opener against UTEP. Alvano, the returning starter, has been battling a groin injury and missed part of camp, but Foley said he now appears to be about 90% back in terms of "letting it rip."

Foley said he would see how things play out in the next few days between Alvano and walk-on John Hohl, a transfer from Iowa Western. "It's really close, and they're making most of their kicks, which is good," he said.

Even if Alvano handles the field goals and extra points in the opener, Foley indicated kickoff duties would likely go to Hohl or punter Brian Buschini.

Other news from Foley:

Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda is the front-runner at punt returner, with Emmett Johnson and Jacory Barney Jr. also seeing work. "All three of those guys I think can go into a game and return punts for us."
For kickoff returns, it's been Rahmir Johnson, Emmett Johnson and Barney.
True freshman receiver Carter Nelson is doing impressive work on special teams. "You'll see him out there for us."

Scroll down for more from Tuesday's post-practice presser, which also included insights from players Micah Mazzccua, Turner Corcoran and Mikai Gbayor. Asterisk indicates item may require a subscription. Refresh this page to see the latest content. | HuskerMax discussion

Coverage

Husker247 | Kicking battle ongoing as Alvano works back to 100 percent
Husker247 | O-lineman Micah Mazzccua: 'We ain't flinching'
Husker247 | Mikai Gbayor has dominant hopes for Husker defense in 2024
Nebraska Athletics | Fall camp report: Aug. 20
Omaha World-Herald* | Punter Brian Buschini spent the offseason focusing on the mental side of the game
Omaha World-Herald* | Kicker competition to continue while other special teams roles solidify
Omaha World-Herald* | Why linebacker Mikai Gbayor's best hits are ahead as larger role awaits
Omaha World-Herald* | Turner Corcoran talks 'long journey' after injury, Teddy Prochazka being out for season and more
Lincoln Journal Star* | ‘Scared of nobody:’ Micah Mazzccua ready to provide an instant impact

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Published Aug 20, 2024|Modified Aug 21, 2024

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.