HUSKER PRACTICE STARTS: Billy C Being Billy C

Sometimes I wonder if Callahan is an alien, programmed to talk to the media in programmed tones with the same words. Wouldn't it be fun to see him go "Fucking Hillbillies" during one of his monotonous press conferences?

The first spring practice officially starts at 3:15pm this afternoon, but, according to their fearless leader, the meetings have already started. According to the species known as Billy C, "We've had the opportunity to meet with (the players) the past two days at 6:30 in the morning -- a little bright and early -- but they've responded extremely well and they're very excited about hitting the field (today) and it should be a lot of fun."

Oh, and for the record, he's in no time to name Sam Keller the starting quarterback. Billy C insists that Joe Ganz, Beau Davis, junior college transfer Zac Lee and incoming freshman Patrick Witt will all get a shot at the title.

In proper salesman media mode: "There are really not enough practices in a spring to really come out and say, 'Bang, this is the guy,' at that position," Billy C says of the quarterback race. "I hope it is, but certainly, we're not going to put a timeline on it or anything of that nature or a deadline as to when we're going to name a starter."

Christ, couldn't he just be upfront and say, "You know, when we learned that Keller was transferring, we brought him up here, he dazzled the shit out of us, and we immediately offered him a scholarship, saying the job is his to lose for 2007." This kid had Heisman talk around him when he last played quarterback. I just can't wait to learn that in practices, Billy C is babying this kid.