{mosimage}The Huskers have a Prince playing for them in 2007. Prince Amukamara, that is, who appears heading towards the defensive side of the ball for the 2007 season, even though his heart appears to be on the offensive side of the ball, He displayed his offensive prowess last year at Apollo High School in Glendale, Arizona as a running back, Amukamara was named the Arizona Republic's state athlete of the year.

In his final two seasons at Apollo, Amukamara recorded a stunning 50 touchdowns, while averaging 11.9 yards per carry. But due to injuries and lack of depth Amukamara will be given every opportunity to start at cornerback this season. Coach Phil Elmassian said it's too soon to tell if Amukamara will make an instant impact on defense as a rookie. But its possible Amukamara, with his slick moves and speed, can help bolster Nebraska's kick return game, and believe me it does need boosting.

The Huskers ranked No. 112 out of 119 teams in Division I-A in kickoff returns last season. Kickoffs are being pushed back to the 30-yard line this season, allowing more room for lengthy gains. And Amukamara had plenty of lengthy gains last season, averaging 26 yards per punt return and 20.8 yards on kickoff returns. At the tight end position, red shirt freshman Mike McNeill (6 ft. 4 in.) displayed his talent in high school by catching 97 passes for 1,816 yards and 15 touchdowns in his final three seasons in Kirkwood, Missouri. McNeill was red shirted last season because he suffered a turf toe injury in fall practice last August. Then he dislocated his shoulder just before Thanksgiving and required surgery last December. I think, honestly, his potential is through the roof," NU senior tight end J.B. Phillips said. "He's got a long road ahead of him, but when you have that kind of talent, you're going to have a lot of people who push you to make sure you're going to live up to your potential." One of McNeill’s tasks this season is to bring his blocking up to the level of his receiving skills.

Phillips leads the NU tight end corps but is known more for his blocking than receiving. The Huskers also have Josh Mueller and Hunter Teafatiller, who combined for six touchdown catches last season but just 10 receptions total. Finally Maurice Purify who lead the Huskers in receiving last season, but had a very turbulent off-season. The 21-year-old wide receiver, last season with 630 yards and seven touchdown catches, has sworn off alcohol completely, he said. He won't even spend time at the home of a friend when a drink is consumed.

Purify faces a one-game suspension, 12 months of probation and a $1,250 fine after he pleaded no contest to a June 8 charge for driving under the influence. He also pleaded no contest to assault and two other misdemeanor charges from a May 5 incident at a Lincoln bar. He credits teammates for pushing him through a six-week summer suspension. In particular, quarterback Sam Keller insisted Purify attend regular throw-and-catch sessions on summer evenings at the Cook Pavilion. Many other teammates helped in other ways. I-back Cody Glenn delivered to Purify details of the team's running regimens. Offensive linemen Carl Nicks and Lydon Murtha stopped by the Campus Recreation Center to lift weights with him. Purify, in his first interview since his July 20 court appearance and sentencing, said he expected Callahan to deliver a suspension of longer than one game. He will be cleared to return Sept. 8 as Nebraska visits Wake Forest.

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