Travel
Nebraska travel roster: Micah Mazzccua out, Javin Wright and Tommi Hill make the trip to Purdue
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – As Nebraska arrived at Ross-Ade Stadium for its first road game of the season on Saturday, it was without a notable piece of its offensive line.
Micah Mazzccua, who started the first two weeks at right guard, did not travel with the Huskers to West Lafayette.
The senior transfer from Florida and Baylor played on special teams last week vs. Illinois. However, he has not taken an offensive snap the past two weeks, per head coach Matt Rhule’s decision.
On Monday, Rhule had left the door open for Mazzccua to possibly rejoin the lineup this week.
“I don’t know yet,” Rhule said. “We will see how practice goes. Like I said, Micah has been working through some things. I think he’s made some progress. If he’s available, we will play him.”
Junior Henry Lutovsky will start at right guard for the third straight game. Nebraska traveled 11 offensive linemen to Purdue, including fellow guards Tyler Knaak and Jason Maciejczak.
No true freshmen offensive linemen made the trip.
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Linebacker Javin Wright travels to Purdue
Nebraska’s travel roster included another noteworthy player on the defensive side of the ball.
Linebacker Javin Wright, who has been sidelined due to an unspecified medical condition, traveled with the Huskers to West Lafayette.
It’s unclear whether the fifth-year senior will play vs. the Boilermakers, but his addition to NU’s 74-man travel roster indicates he’d at least be available if needed.
Health and injury issues have plagued Wright’s football career. Two blood clot diagnoses nearly ended his playing days three years ago and forced him to take blood thinners for almost an entire year.
That came after he battled back from three consecutive season-ending injuries, including two MCL tears.
“I’ve weathered the storm,” Wright said at the start of fall camp. “I’ve already been through hell and back several times. Now that I’m in this position today, I’m mentally strong. People can never take that away from me. I’m already mentally tough.”
Cornerback Tommi Hill travels, will be a game-time decision
After leaving the Illinois game in the first half due to plantar fasciitis, cornerback Tommi Hill made the trip to Purdue.
Rhule said this week that the senior starting cornerback was questionable to play on Saturday.
It will likely be a game-time decision whether he sees the field vs. the Boilermakers. Rhule said his injury was more of a pain-tolerance issue than anything.
USC transfer Ceyair Wright filled in well for Hill last week. He would likely make his first start as a Husker should Hill be unable to play.
Other Nebraska travel roster nuggets
***With Tristan Alvano still battling an injury, Nebraska only brought one kicker to Purdue.
John Hohl will be the Huskers’ lone placekicker on Saturday. The Huskers did bring two punters – starter Brian Buschini and true freshman Kamdyn Koch.
***NU also traveled two long snappers in Aidan Flege and Camden Witucki.
***Sophomore defensive lineman Riley Van Poppel did not travel to Purdue. That indicates that Nebraska still plans to redshirt him this season.
***These are the true freshmen who made Nebraska’s 74-man travel roster: QB Dylan Raiola, QB Daniel Kaelin, WR Jacory Barney, TE Carter Nelson, LB Willis McGahee IV, LB Vincent Shavers, DB Donovan Jones, DB Mario Buford, DL Keona Davis, and DB Amare Sanders.
***Cornerback Blye Hill, who was ruled out last week vs. Illinois, traveled to Purdue.