A week into spring practice with new offensive coordinator, Tim Beck, Nebraska is starting over at the quarterback position. And just because Taylor Martinez was the starter of 12 games for the Huskers last season -- racking up some impressive numbers and brief Heisman consideration along the way -- doesn’t mean he’s necessarily the leading candidate.
Beck told Omaha World-Herald on Saturday that Martinez, along with junior Cody Green, will be battling for the starting job with Kody Spano and Jamal Turner, who are apparently still in the mix. Beck also insisted that he didn’t review any game tape from last year, or tab a spring depth chart for quarterback.
It is, however, likely that the QB competition could come to Martinez and Green, who both started games last year.
“Obviously, with Taylor and Cody being veterans and having played in games and been around a little bit more, they’re further advanced because of that. There’s no question,” Beck said. “And that gives them an edge up. After three days, that’s probably where we’re at.”
Coach Bo Pelini told media members that the Huskers would be tight-lipped about offensive schemes and specifics, so it’s uncertain as to whether Nebraska will continue to implement zone read plays to fit Martinez’s talents, or go in another direction.
At this point, Beck pointed out, it’s just about competing.
“I don’t want any preconceived ideas. I want to make my own evaluations on them based on what I need them to do. So that’s what we’ve been doing.”
Martinez proved to be a touchdown waiting to happen during several games last season. He also battled injury problems, and was rumored to be frustrating off-the-field.
Green started one game last year for the injured Martinez -- a 45-17 victory over Colorado.
