Better late than never for Criss

It's not a road many anticipate traveling, but sometimes it can be just as rewarding. Just ask Derek Meyer, a former Kansas State offensive lineman who gave up his scholarship to have one last crack at playing for his home-state Huskers. Scott Criss is now doing the same thing, as this former Creighton Prep standout is now wearing Husker red.

Former Omaha Creighton Prep standout Scott Criss may be at Nebraska a little later than he thought, but he's glad that it's late instead of never. Following one year at Wyoming as a scholarship offensive lineman, Criss made the move back to Nebraska to walk on. "It just felt right. I just felt it was something I needed to do," Criss said.

While the 6-4, 265 lbs. Criss started on defense for two years in high school, he knew he would be going to the offensive side when he got to college. And oddly enough, it's something he found out he liked, especially down over the ball. "Yeah, I knew everyone who was looking at me was looking at me for the offensive side. But it was kind of funny when I got to Wyoming, I found out I actually liked playing center," he said.

Criss redshirted at Wyoming and due to NCAA rules, he'll have to sit out this year before having three years to play starting next year. Criss doesn't mind the wait. Point of fact, the first time he got into the Husker weight room, which he's seen quite a bit this year as he's been in Summer classes, that felt exactly like he hoped it would feel. "It felt normal. That's about all I can say. It felt like this is where I needed to be."

On his wall at home he has an article on Derek Meyer, the former Husker offensive lineman who transferred from Kansas State so that he could have one last shot at playing for his home-state dream school. Criss is hoping for the same thing. "That's what I am going to try and do. I have some time to wait, but I'm working hard so I can try for a shot to play," he said.

Nebraska loses its three-year starter at center, but will have junior Mike Caputo as the incumbent, backed up by amongst others, redshirt freshman Cole Pensick, who spent his high school days at Lincoln Northeast.

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