While the Nebraska football team opts for redshirt freshman John Hohl at the kicker position, the Huskers have someone on the team who understands the demands of the position like no other.
Nebraska coach Matt Rhule confirmed Monday that Brett Maher, a 10-year NFL veteran who played for Nebraska from 2008-12, has joined the Huskers’ coaching staff. Maher, who has been with the program since the start of the season, is participating in practices and special teams meetings and is expected to travel with the team to Purdue.
“Brett had been advising Ed (Foley) for a while, and Ed kind of used him as a sounding board and showed him some videos,” Rhule said. “… Because of the new rule (limiting NCAA coaching staffs), we went to (NU athletic director) Troy (Dannen) and all the others and asked if we could put him on the staff.”
Maher’s experience will be crucial as Nebraska navigates this uncertain terrain. Sophomore Tristan Alvano, who returns to the starting lineup at that position, is still dealing with the effects of a groin injury and did not play Friday.
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After Alvano was held out of action during the week in hopes that he would recover during the season, Rhule said the Huskers would wait “as many weeks as necessary” until Alvano was fully healthy.
Hohl made all three extra points on Friday, but missed a crucial field goal. Rhule said “the game shouldn’t have hinged on that play,” adding that Hohl will be an “excellent kicker.”
Sooner or later, Nebraska will have to rely on Hohl’s outstanding performances as the Lincoln native fills in for the absent Alvano.
“To go from not having to kick at all to kicking the winning goal in Memorial Stadium with the whole world watching is a lot,” Rhule said of Hohl. “… But when you’re a Nebraska Cornhusker, you have to make those plays.”
