2007 Nebraska Football | Meet the Huskers Zackary 1 bowmanbowman • Sr. • 6-2 • 200 • Anchorage, Alaska (New Mexico Military) • 1 Letter 1 0 2007 Outlook Sooners, then capped the regular season with two breakups Senior cornerback Zackary Bowman has been the hard- each against Kansas State and Colorado. luck story of the Husker football program for the past year. Bowman punctuated his junior season with a dominant A talented cornerback with NFL ability, Bowman missed the performance against Michigan in the Alamo Bowl. Bowman entire 2006 season with an ACL injury in his left knee. blanketed the talented Wolverine receivers throughout the game, picking off his second career pass in the third quarter, 2 0 Bowman worked diligently throughout the year to rehabilitate his knee and returned to the field in time for spring drills. while setting a Husker bowl record with five pass breakups. Honors However, Bowman was sidelined once again after rupturing He sealed the Alamo Bowl victory on the game’s final play, » 2007 Big 12 Commissioner’s Spring the patellar tendon in his right knee midway through spring assisting on a tackle after a wild sequence of laterals. Academic Honor Roll practice. The initial timeline for Bowman’s recovery was 4 The play of Bowman in the late part of the season helped Game Highs 1/2 to six months, putting him on track to return sometime Nebraska improve to 10th nationally in pass defense.

3 0 » Tackles–5 at Missouri, 2005 between mid-August and the first of October. With Bowman in the starting lineup, NU’s final five opponents » Solo Tackles–5 at Missouri, 2005 Bowman’s return would bolster an already veteran Husker connected on a combined 45.8 percent of their passes. » Interceptions–1 at Baylor, secondary that returns three starters from 2006, including Bowman was also a key performer on Nebraska’s special vs. Michigan, 2005 » Pass Breakups–5, vs. Michigan, 2005 both starting . At 6-2 and 200 pounds, Bowman teams units, serving as a gunner on the punting unit, helping Alamo Bowl (Nebraska bowl record) possesses prototypical size for an NFL cornerback. He also Nebraska to a No. 2 national ranking in net punting. has great leaping ability and posted an NU cornerback record

4 0 2005 Game-by-Game in the 40-yard dash, clocking a 4.36 in January of 2006. Before Nebraska (New Mexico Game UT AT TT PBU INT Bowman made an immediate impact for Nebraska in 2005 Maine 1 0 1 1 0 Military/Bartlett HS) Wake Forest 2 0 2 1 0 after arriving from the junior college ranks. He saw action from Bowman was regarded as one of the nation’s top junior Pittsburgh Injured-Did Not Play the start of the season, then earned a Blackshirt and moved college recruits in 2005 after a standout career at New Iowa State 2 1 3 1 0 into the starting lineup for the final five games. On the year, Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, N.M. Playing for Coach Texas Tech 2 0 2 0 0 he played in 11 games, and finished with 27 total tackles, John O'Mara, Bowman earned junior college All-America 5 0 at Baylor 3 0 3 0 1-0 while leading the team with 14 pass breakups at Missouri 5 0 5 1 0 honors and was the No. 2 junior college recruit in the nation Oklahoma* 4 0 4 1 0 Bowman joined the Nebraska program as one of the nation’s according to Rivals.com. 90 at Kansas* 1 1 2 0 0 top recruits after excelling at New Mexico Military Institute. In two seasons at the school, Bowman intercepted 10 Kansas State* 2 0 2 2 0 Bowman grew up on an Air Force base in Anchorage, Alaska. passes, including six as a sophomore when he scored two at Colorado* 2 0 2 2 0 Despite the injury, Bowman remained on schedule in the touchdowns. Bowman had 18 pass breakups as a freshman, Michigan* 0 1 1 5 1-0 classroom and is on track to earn his degree in December. then had just four breakups as a sophomore when teams

4 0 Totals 24 3 27 14 2-0 *-games started threw away from his side of the field. He made more than 2006 (Redshirt) 50 tackles as a freshman, including 40 solo stops, and as Bowman suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left a sophomore had two fumble recoveries and two fumbles knee on the third day of fall practice and missed the season. caused. In addition to his defensive accolades, Bowman also He used his redshirt season. saw spot duty on offense as a . Bowman was a standout at Bartlett High School in 3 0 2005 (Junior) Anchorage, Alaska, where he was a three-time first-team Bowman started the final five games of the year and totaled all-state selection and the state’s player of the year as a 27 tackles and a team-high 14 pass breakups. Bowman also senior. Bowman also excelled on the hardwood at Bartlett, ranked second on the team with a pair of interceptions. where his teammates included Kansas hoops standout Mario Bowman opened the season with one breakup in each of Chalmers. He selected Nebraska over offers from Oklahoma,

2 0 the Huskers’ first two games before missing the Pitt matchup Texas Tech and South Carolina among others. with a leg injury. He returned to action with three tackles and a breakup against Iowa State, then two games later registered Personal his first career interception at Baylor, providing one of three Bowman is the son of Zackary and Zelma Bowman, who Nebraska takeaways in the fourth quarter. live at Eielson AFB in Alaska. Zackary was born on Nov. 18, He made a season-high five tackles, with a tackle for 1984. Bowman has volunteered his time as a speaker during

1 0 loss and a breakup at Missouri the following week, earning American Education Week, and on Nebraska’s team hospital Bowman his first career start the next week against Oklahoma. visits. A sociology major, Bowman is on track to pick up his Bowman had four tackles and a pass breakup against the degree this December.

Bowman’s Career Statistics Defense ( ------Tackles------) Fum. QB N Year G/S UT AT TT TFL Sacks C-R BK PBU PI Hry. 2005 11/5 24 3 27 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 14 2 0 2006 Injured-Redshirt Totals 11/5 24 3 27 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 14 2 0

5 National Titles • 803 All-Time Wins • 282 Consecutive Sellouts • 3 Heisman Trophy Winners 106 All-Americans • 90 Academic All-Americans • 44 Bowl Game Appearances • 43 Conference Titles College Football’s Winningest Program Since 1970 Brett 59 byfordbyford

Center • Sr. • 6-3 • 300 • Hartselle, Ala. • 2 Letters 0 1 2007 Outlook 2003 (Redshirt) Senior Brett Byford returns to anchor an experienced Byford redshirted during his first season at Nebraska. Husker offensive in 2007. The 6-3, 300-pound Byford was one of the surprises of Nebraska’s 2006 season, going from Before Nebraska (Hartselle HS) little-used reserve to a top-level Big 12 center by the close Byford was one of the nation’s top offensive line prospects 0 2 of the season. after helping Hartselle High to an 11-3 record and an Byford is expected to again hold down the middle of a appearance in the semifinals of the Alabama Class 5-A Honors talented Nebraska offensive line that returns three starters (second largest) state playoffs in 2002. He finished his senior » 2007 Rimington Trophy Watch List for 2007. An honorable-mention All-Big 12 pick in 2006, season with an average of seven pancakes per game and was » 2006 Honorable-Mention All-Big 12 Byford is expected to be among the league’s top centers this a first-team all-state selection by the Alabama Sportswriters (AP, Coaches) season, and should continue Nebraska’s storied tradition at Association. He was named to the Birmingham News’ Super 0 3 » 2003 Big 12 Commissioner’s the position. He has been named to the preseason watch list All-State first team, and was also a first-team all-region and Fall Academic Honor Roll for the Rimington Award, named in honor of former Husker all-area pick. Byford was also a member of the Alabama- great Dave Rimington. Mississippi All-Star team. A native of Hartselle, Ala., Byford played a key role in the As a junior, Byford helped Hartselle to a 9-2 record and Huskers’ drastic offensive improvement a year ago. Byford a state appearance by averaging more than five pancakes 0 4 had played in just one game in his career entering the season, per game as a tackle. In addition to Nebraska, Byford took but was thrust into action when two-year starter Kurt Mann visits to South Carolina, Georgia Tech and Clemson. Byford was sidelined because of illness in September. Byford went was Nebraska’s first scholarship recruit from the state of on to start the final 13 games and helped pave the way for Alabama since Dwayne Harris (Bessemer, Ala.) signed with a Nebraska offense that finished in the top 25 nationally in the Huskers in the spring of 1991. rushing, passing, scoring and total offense. Byford played center on Hartselle’s basketball team, which 0 5 Byford played in one game as a reserve offensive lineman qualified for the state tournament during his senior season. in 2004, but did not see game action in 2005. He redshirted Off the field, Byford served as the president of Hartselle’s in 2003. A psychology major, Byford will complete his student council and was the senior class secretary and undergraduate work in December. treasurer of the school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes 91 group.

2006 (Junior) 0 4 Byford entered the season as a reserve center behind Personal Mann, but took over the starting spot in game two. Mann Brett was born on Aug. 9, 1984, and is the son of Joe returned early in the Big 12 season, but Byford retained his and Cathy Byford. He was named to the 2003 Big 12 starting job for the remainder of the year. Byford had gained Commissioner's Fall Academic Honor Roll. Byford will be valuable experience during the spring when Mann was among a large group of Huskers scheduled to pick up their

sidelined following off-season surgery. degrees in December. Byford has volunteered his time 0 3 Byford contributed to an offensive line that helped Nebraska as a speaker at the Nebraska State Penitentiary and with produce seven games with more than 400 yards of total offense Nebraska’s team hospital visits. and average nearly 415 yards per game. The Huskers also topped 180 yards on the ground eight times in 2006. Byford also played a key role in in the record-setting season of senior

Zac Taylor, who was chosen as Big 12 Offensive 0 2 Player of the Year.

2005 (Sophomore) Byford served as a reserve on the line, but did not see game action. 0 1 2004 (Redshirt Freshman) Byford was a backup on the line, but played only against Western Illinois.

Byford game by game Games Played – 15 (14 in 2006, 1 in 2004) N Games Started – 13 (13 in 2006)

106 All-Americans • 90 Academic All-Americans • 44 Bowl Game Appearances • 43 Conference Titles 2007 Nebraska Football | Meet the Huskers Tierre 30 greenGreen Safety • Sr. • 6-1 • 200 • Omaha, Neb. (Benson)

1 0 2007 Outlook at the weak corner spot and finished the year with 29 tackles, Senior Tierre (pronounced Tee-AIR) Green is set to including 19 solo stops, and had four breakups. He also complete his career as an extremely versatile performer for averaged 24.8 yards on nine kickoff returns. the Huskers. Green has played a key role at three different Green opened the year with four tackles and a pair of positions over the past three seasons and figures to be a breakups against Maine. He had a season-high six tackles, prominent player for the Blackshirts in 2007. including five solo stops, in a double-overtime victory over

2 0 An unselfish player, Green began his career on offense Iowa State, and made five tackles against both Pitt and at I-back. He switched to defense in 2005 and earned a Missouri. In the return game, he had a 43-yard return in the Game Highs starting nod at cornerback before sliding over to safety for season opener vs. Maine, and added a career-long 45-yard » Tackles–7 vs. Troy, Kansas, 2006 the 2006 campaign. return vs. Iowa State. Six of Green’s nine returns went at » Solo Tackles–5 three times, most Green started all 14 games at strong safety in 2006 and least 22 yards. He also played on NU’s kickoff coverage, recently vs. Missouri, 2006 enters fall camp as a leading contender for a starting role at punt return and punt teams. » Pass Breakups–2, vs. Kansas State, 3 0 at Colorado, 2005 safety. His versatility allows Green to play either safety position, 2004 (Redshirt Freshman) and he is one of three returning starters in the NU secondary, » Rushing Yards–112 vs. Western Illinois, Green played in all 11 games, sharing the No. 2 I-back joining senior corners Cortney Grixby and Andre Jones. 2004 position with freshman Brandon Jackson. Green earned starts Overall, Green has played in each of Nebraska’s 37 games » Touchdowns–2 vs. Western Illinois, 2004 against Pittsburgh, Kansas State and Colorado, when NU » Kickoff Returns–6 vs. Southern Miss, over the past three seasons with 24 career starts. Green opened in multiple-back sets. He finished the year with 44 2004 possesses great speed and has also played a key role as a » carries for 284 yards, an average of 6.5 yards per carry. 4 0 Kickoff Return Yards–148 vs. Southern kickoff return man the past three years. He rushed for 112 yards in the opener against Western Miss, 2004 The 6-1, 200-pound Green tied for fourth on the team with Illinois, the most rushing yards by a Husker in a varsity debut 65 total tackles in 2006, including 37 solo stops. His play since 1973. Green also had 26 kickoff returns for 498 yards, 2006 Game-by-Game helped the Huskers rank in the top 25 nationally in scoring an average of 19.2 yards per return. He totaled a season-high Game UT AT TT PBU INT defense, and Green earned honorable-mention All-Big 12 214 all-purpose yards against Southern Miss. La. Tech* 2 2 4 0 0-0 accolades from the Associated Press for his efforts. Nicholls St.* 5 0 5 0 0-0

5 0 Green started seven games at cornerback in 2005, then was 2003 (Redshirt) USC* 1 4 5 0 0-0 the first off the bench in the final five games. Troy* 2 5 7 0 0-0 Green redshirted and worked on the scout team. He was also one of NU’s top kickoff returners, averaging Kansas* 4 3 7 0 0-0 92 24.8 yards per attempt. Before Nebraska (Omaha Benson HS) Iowa State* 2 2 4 0 0-0 Green earned first-team Class A all-state honors from the Kansas State* 3 1 4 0 0-0 Green began his career as a and kick Texas* 4 3 7 1 0-0 returner. In 2004, he was a reserve I-back and earned three Omaha World-Herald as a senior when he had 63 tackles, Oklahoma St.* 4 1 5 0 1-15 starts. An Omaha native, Green redshirted and made a strong including 50 solos, for Omaha Benson. He was also a second- 4 0 Missouri* 5 1 6 0 0-0 impression on the scout team in 2003. A sociology major, team All-Nebraska pick by the World-Herald. He returned Texas A&M* 2 2 4 1 0-0 Green is scheduled to graduate this December. one interception for a touchdown and also forced a pair of Colorado* 0 3 3 0 0-0 fumbles. The World-Herald also picked him as first-team Oklahoma* 1 0 1 0 0-0 2006 (Junior) All-Metro as a defensive back. Auburn* 2 1 3 0 0-0 Green finished the season with six games of five or more Green also rushed for 627 yards for Coach Lonnie Tapp, Totals 37 28 65 2 1-15 tackles, including a season-high seven tackles three times. He while scoring eight touchdowns. Green’s top game as a senior 3 0 opened the season with 14 tackles in the first three games, then came against Omaha North, when he rushed for 158 yards and posted back-to-back seven-tackle efforts against Kansas and three touchdowns, totaled 130 kickoff return yards, returned Iowa State to open Big 12 play. Against the Jayhawks, Green an interception for a touchdown and made eight tackles. He also recorded a tackle for loss and had a fumble recovery. helped the Bunnies to a pair of playoff appearances as a Green tied his season high with seven tackles against fifth- sophomore and junior. In addition to Nebraska, Green received ranked Texas. A week later he had five tackles and recorded a scholarship offer from Iowa State. Green was also a four-year

2 0 his first career interception against Oklahoma State, returning member of Benson’s track team. the first-quarter pick 15 yards. He added six tackles a week later in Nebraska’s key North Division win over Missouri. Personal The Omaha native also played a role on special teams. Tierre is the son of Lisa Conway and was born on Feb. 4, He returned three kickoffs for 59 yards and was a member 1985. He is the cousin of former Husker and current Houston of Nebraska’s kickoff and punt coverage teams. Texan Ahman Green and NU freshman Niles Paul. Tierre’s

1 0 uncle, Michael, also played for NU, lettering in 1968 and 1969. 2005 (Sophomore) Tierre has volunteered his time as part of Nebraska’s team Green played a key role in a re-tooled secondary that hospital visits in Lincoln and Omaha. He is also a member of featured three new starters. He started the first seven games the Your Degree First program.

Green’s Career Statistics Defense ( ------Tackles------) Fum. QB N Year G/S UT AT TT TFL Sacks C-R BK PBU PI Hry. 2003 Redshirted 2004* 11/3 0 1 1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 2005 12/7 19 10 29 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 4 0 0 2006 14/14 37 28 65 1-1 0-0 0-1 0 2 1 0 Totals 37/24 56 39 95 1-1 0-0 0-1 0 6 1 0 Kickoff Returns: 35-721-0 total; 26-498-0 in 2004; 9-223-0 in 2005; 3-59-0 in 2006; long-45 vs. ISU, 2005 Rushing* : 45-292-2 total; 44-284-2 in 2004; 1-8-0 in 2005; 1-7-0 in 2006 *-Played I-back in 2004 5 National Titles • 803 All-Time Wins • 282 Consecutive Sellouts • 3 Heisman Trophy Winners 106 All-Americans • 90 Academic All-Americans • 44 Bowl Game Appearances • 43 Conference Titles College Football’s Winningest Program Since 1970 Cortney 2 grixbyGrixby

Cornerback • Sr. • 5-9 • 170 • Omaha, Neb. (Central) • 3 Letters 0 1 2007 Outlook on 32 punt returns, with five returns of 20 yards or more, helping Cornerback Cortney Grixby enters his senior season as Nebraska rank 17th nationally in that category. Grixby had five one of the most experienced Nebraska defenders, having games with four or more tackles, led by a career-high nine, all started each of the past two seasons. Grixby is one of three solo, against Oklahoma. He capped the season with six solo returning starters in the Nebraska secondary and one of three stops in the Huskers’ Alamo Bowl victory over Michigan. Husker corners with extensive starting experience. Grixby had a big game at Baylor, with a season-high three 0 2 The 5-9, 170-pound Grixby had a solid spring camp and is breakups. He also recovered a fumble and returned it 33 yards the leading candidate to hold down the weak corner spot again in the fourth quarter to preserve NU’s lead. Grixby also had four Honors this fall. Grixby makes up for his lack of size with outstanding punt returns for 60 yards, with a 48-yard return in the second » 2006 Honorable-Mention All-Big 12 athleticism, allowing him to work against taller receivers. quarter that set up a touchdown. Grixby later tied his season- (Associated Press, Coaches) Grixby started all 14 games in 2006 and helped the high with three pass breakups against Kansas State. » 2006 Brook Berringer Citizenship Team Blackshirts rank in the top 25 nationally in scoring defense. 0 3 » 2005 First-Team Academic All-Big 12 His play earned Grixby honorable-mention All-Big 12 honors 2004 (Freshman) » 2005 Honorable-Mention All-Big 12 from both the league’s coaches and the Associated Press. The Grixby immediately ended any talk of a redshirt, playing in (Coaches) Omaha native led Nebraska in pass breakups with 11 and is all 11 games. He earned significant playing time throughout » 2005 Big 12 Commissioner's sixth on the NU career chart with 25 pass breakups. the year and drew starts against Pittsburgh and Kansas with Spring Academic Honor Roll starter Lornell McPherson sidelined with an injury. » 2004 Big 12 Commissioner's Grixby has also played a leading role in Nebraska’s punt

Grixby finished the season with 21 total tackles, including 0 4 Fall Academic Honor Roll return game the past two seasons. His speed and elusiveness has allowed him to average nearly 10 yards per return over 14 solo stops, and added four pass breakups, including two in Game Highs the past two seasons. his first career start at Pittsburgh. Grixby made a season-high » Tackles–9 vs. Oklahoma, 2005 He broke into the starting lineup and finished second on four tackles against Kansas, and had three tackles each against » Solo Tackles–9 vs. Oklahoma, 2005 the team with 10 pass breakups in 2005, while snaring his Southern Miss, Pittsburgh and Kansas State. » Pass Breakups–3 at Baylor, 2005, first career interception at Missouri. Grixby saw significant vs. Kansas State, 2005 action as a true freshman in 2004, serving as the Huskers' Before Nebraska (Omaha Central HS) » Punt Returns–5 vs. Maine, 2005, 0 5 top reserve corner and earning two starts. Grixby was a two-way star for Omaha Central, playing vs. Colorado, 2005 quarterback and cornerback. During an injury-plagued senior » Punt Return Yards–61 vs. Maine, 2005 Grixby has also been honored for his work in the classroom, season, Grixby passed for 474 yards and ran for 344 yards » Long Punt Return–48 at Baylor, 2005 being named first-team academic All-Big 12 in 2005. He is on track to earn his degree in marketing in four years. Grixby is also and two touchdowns. On defense, he had an interception and 93 2006 Game-by-Game an active member of Nebraska’s community outreach efforts and 11 pass breakups and his performance earned him second- Game UT AT TT PBU PR was named to the 2006 Brook Berringer Citizenship Team. team All-Nebraska honors from the Omaha World-Herald as La. Tech* 5 1 6 1 0-0 a defensive back and second-team Super-State honors from 0 4 Nicholls St.* 1 0 1 0 0-0 2006 (Junior) the Lincoln Journal Star. USC* 4 3 7 1 0-0 Grixby finished with 53 total tackles, and his 42 solo As a junior, Grixby rushed for 700 yards and 12 touchdowns Troy* 3 0 3 0 0-0 stops were second among Husker defenders. He also led and passed for 1,200 yards, while recording two interceptions the Blackshirt defense in breakups and nabbed his second Kansas* 4 0 4 1 1-9 and 15 breakups on defense. He earned second-team All- career interception at Iowa State. Iowa State* 1 0 1 0 0-0 Nebraska honors from the World-Herald and first-team Super- Grixby had six games with five or more tackles, beginning Kansas State* 2 0 2 2 0-0 0 3 State honors from the Lincoln Journal Star as a cornerback in Texas* 0 1 1 1 0-0 with a six-tackle effort against Louisiana Tech, when he also Oklahoma St.* 5 0 5 0 2-27 forced and recovered a fumble. He tied his season high with 2002. Grixby also lettered as both a freshman and sophomore Missouri* 3 2 5 2 3-24 seven tackles at USC. A week after his interception at ISU, for Central. Grixby was also a basketball standout, helping Texas A&M* 3 3 6 1 2-6 Grixby had two breakups in a 21-3 win at Kansas State. the Eagles to the Class A state tournament his last three Colorado* 1 1 2 1 1-0 He had five-tackle efforts in back-to-back games against seasons, averaging nearly 10 points and four assists per Oklahoma* 7 0 7 0 3-3 Oklahoma State and Missouri, with two breakups against the game. He was also a member of Central's 4x100-meter Auburn* 3 0 3 1 1-23 Tigers. He added six tackles and a pair of tackles for loss at Texas relay team that finished second at state in 2003. Grixby chose 0 2 Totals 42 11 53 11 13-92 A&M, then closed the year with seven unassisted tackles against Nebraska over Notre Dame. *-games started Oklahoma before making three stops in the Cotton Bowl. Personal 2005 (Sophomore) Grixby was born in Omaha on Feb. 14, 1986, and is the Grixby was one of three new starters in the secondary and son of Evelyn and Ronald Grixby. He is the younger brother of former Husker DeAntae Grixby, who completed his eligibility in

had 46 tackles, including 38 solo stops, 10 pass breakups and 0 1 an interception. He also caused a fumble and had a fumble 2003. Grixby is a two-time Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll recovery. His play helped NU rank No. 10 nationally in pass pick and will complete his degree in marketing in May of 2008. efficiency defense and he was recognized as an honorable- He is extremely active in the community, serving as a speaker mention all-league pick by the Big 12 coaches. for School is Cool Week and American Education Week, while In addition to his defensive effort, Grixby averaged 10.4 yards also participating in the Huskers’ hospital visits. Grixby’s Career Statistics Defense ( ------Tackles------) Fum. QB Year G/S UT AT TT TFL Sacks C-R BK PBU PI Hry. N 2004 11/2 14 7 21 1-0 0-0 0-0 0 4 0 0 2005 12/12 38 8 46 0-0 0-0 1-1 0 10 1 1 2006 14/14 42 11 53 2-3 0-0 1-1 0 11 1 0 Totals 37/28 94 26 120 3-3 0-0 2-2 0 25 2 1 Punt Returns: 45-425-0; 32-333-0 in 2005, 13-92-0 in 2006

106 All-Americans • 90 Academic All-Americans • 44 Bowl Game Appearances • 43 Conference Titles