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Thursday, April 15, 2010

Nicks: Bo has 'done magic'





April 14, 2010

By Rich Kaipust

8:52 p.m.: Carl Nicks saw the Nebraska defense at its worst, when it was giving up yards and points in alarming amounts during the 2007 season. So count the former Husker offensive lineman among those impressed with the rebuilding job done by NU head coach Bo Pelini, defensive coordinator Carl Pelini and the defensive staff.

"I'm going to be 100 percent honest, Bo Pelini's done magic," Nicks said. "Because what I've seen on TV the last couple years from when I was playing .... it's a complete 180. He's got everybody buying in, they believe in a system, and rightfully so because he's producing wins. But he's a great coach and I tip my hat to him."


Nicks not only offered praise for Pelini but apologies after visiting practice Wednesday. Two years ago, after Nicks had completed his eligibility, Pelini barred Nicks from taking part in the Huskers' pro day workouts.

"I figured it was about time to put some water on some of those bridges I burned," Nicks said.

Nicks stopped going to class immediately after the 2007 season ended and Bill Callahan was fired, which he counts among the "immature stuff I did."

"For about a good three or four months I had blamed Bo for it and I was blaming other people, and at the end of the day you've got to look in the mirror," Nicks said. "Once I got a little older, played a little professional ball, I realized how good I had it and just how bad I treated everybody."

New Orleans made Nicks a fifth-round pick in the 2008 NFL draft and Nicks recently finished his second season with a Super Bowl championship after the Saints beat Indianapolis 31-17.

"It was literally a dream come true," he said. "I just remember when the clock ended and the confetti came, I almost started crying."

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