Thu Sep 12 17:16:00 UTC 2024: ## Nebraska Huskers Open Long Snapper Competition After Shaky Performance

**Lincoln, NE** – Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule announced Thursday that the Huskers will hold an open competition for the long snapper position, following a less-than-stellar performance against Colorado. Camden Witucki, who struggled in the game, will now battle newcomer Aidan Flege for the role.

Rhule acknowledged the importance of the long snapper position, stating that a good snap can significantly impact the outcome of a kick. “It’s like trying to hit a golf ball with a bad lie,” he explained. “The anticipation of a good snap changes things, and I think that’s as much as anything. After Tristan missed his kick, I said, ‘You’re letting the snaps affect you too much.'”

Flege, a Lincoln Southeast graduate, joined the Huskers this summer after transferring from Iowa Western. He reached out to special teams coordinator Ed Foley and analyst Josh Martin, eventually earning a spot on the team.

Rhule, known for his high standards, expressed his dissatisfaction with the overall special teams performance against Colorado, calling it “the worst I’ve had in some time.” However, he tempered those criticisms on Thursday, highlighting positive aspects like punter Brian Buschini’s solid game and cornerback Ceyair Wright’s key tackle on punt coverage.

“Some guys are just not making the plays, and what we’re doing is just trying to coach off the game tape,” Rhule stated. “Whereas last year I was like, ‘Hey, it’s OK guys. Come on,’ this year I’m letting them have it because I’m trying to move us to championship football.”

The open competition for long snapper will be a key storyline to watch as the Huskers prepare for their next game against Northern Iowa.

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