Wednesday Afternoon Sports – Mike Dawson Sports Nightly Comments, Stepp Leaves Huskers, Big 12 “Open for Business”, Future Husker Named High School All-American, Wednesday Sports Schedule

DAWSON – SPORTS NIGHTLY COMMENTS:

DAWSON – ROBINSON NEEDS TO HAVE BIG YEAR FOR HUSKERS:

Defensive Line coach Mike Dawson spoke on Sports Nightly Tuesday night to break down his defensive lineman, including the leader of his position group Ty Robinson. Dawson made no bones about it, Robinson needs to have a good season for the Huskers… 

Last season, Robinson had 27 total tackles, 4 for loss, and two sacks. 

DAWSON – HUTMACHER’S STRENGTH NEEDS TO CORRELATE TO FIELD:

Defensive Line coach Mike Dawson joined Sports Nightly on Tuesday and broke down his D-Lineman, including rising sophomore Nash Hutmacher. While Hutmacher’s strength in the weight room is well known, Dawson wants to see him apply it to the football field… 

Dawson adds he expects to see Nash in a regular rotation on the defensive line for the Huskers this fall. 

STEPP LEAVES HUSKERS TO HIT PORTAL:

Nebraska running back Markese Stepp has entered the transfer portal as of Tuesday afternoon. 

Stepp, who began his college career at USC, appeared in seven games, making two starts last season for the Huskers. Stepp rushed for 177 yards and two touchdowns on 45 carries, with his best game coming against Fordham, where Stepp carried 18 times for 101 yards in the Husker win. 

Prior to transferring to Nebraska, Stepp spent three seasons at USC where he battled injuries. As a freshman, Stepp played in four games, preserving his redshirt.

Stepp arrived at Nebraska, but was held out of most of the spring in 2021 with a foot injury that required surgery. 

Heading into this season, Stepp was down the depth chart in a crowded running back room. The Huskers added JUCO transfer Anthony Grant in the offseason, as well as talented freshmen Ajay Allen and Emmett Johnson. Returning are veterans Rahmir Johnson, Jaquez Yant and Gabe Ervin, who missed most of last season with an injury.

BIG 12 COMMISSIONER: “OPEN FOR BUSINESS”

New Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark declared the league “open for business,” saying that while nothing is imminent all options will be considered as he takes over with conference realignment again shaking college sports.

Yormark made his introductory remarks Wednesday at the start of the conference’s football media days at AT&T Stadium. He was named Bob Bowlsby’s successor two weeks ago. The next day it was announced Southern California and UCLA would be leaving the Pac-12 to join the Big Ten in 2024, setting off all kinds of speculation about what moves might follow.

The former Roc Nation executive and CEO of the Brooklyn Nets officially begins work Aug. 1, but he has already been plenty busy with Big 12 business; emphasizing revenue streams and more national appeal for the Big 12 brand.

FUTURE HUSKER SOFTBALL SMETTER NAMED HIGH SCHOOL ALL-AMERICAN:

Infielder Ashley Smetter cemented her status as one of the top incoming freshmen in the country when she was named a third-team high school All-American by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA).

Smetter, a four-year letterwinner at Lincoln Southwest, capped her high school career last fall by leading the Silverhawks to its second state title in four years as the starting second baseman. She was named a Super State First Team selection in 2020 and 2021.

n her senior campaign, Smetter led the Silverhawks in nearly every offensive category including batting average (.493), on-base percentage (.590), stolen bases (27), runs (63), hits (66), slugging percentage (.873), doubles (18) and triples (3). She also tallied nine home runs through the 2021 season. At second base, Smetter finished with a .978 fielding percentage.

MORRIS – RECOGNITION GOES TO MANY OTHERS FOR HALL OF FAME:

Former UNK Football Head Coach Darrell Morris will be recognized as a member of the 2022 Nebraska Football Hall of Fame class. He adds that this recognition should go towards his support team… 

Morris led the Lopers to four RMAC Championships and to the NCAA D2 Playoffs four times. 

Local Results & Schedules:

THIS WEEK IN LOCAL SPORTS:

WEDNESDAY:

• KGFW Sports Schedule:
  • Sports Nightly (6 PM – 8 PM)

THURSDAY:

• KGFW Sports Schedule:
  • Sports Nightly (6 PM – 8 PM)

FRIDAY:

• POST 52 Juniors: AREA 7 DISTRICT TOURNAMENT:
  • TBA
• Runza Seniors: AREA 7 DISTRICT TOURNAMENT:
  • Runza Seniors v. Scottsbluff WESTCO Zephyrs @ Hastings Duncan Field – 4:30 PM
• KGFW Sports Schedule:
  • Runza Seniors v. Scottsbluff WESTCO Zephyrs @ Hastings Duncan Field – 4:30 PM
    • KGFW Pregame at 4:15 PM
  • Sports Nightly (7:30 PM – 8 PM)

SATURDAY:

• POST 52 Juniors: AREA 7 DISTRICT TOURNAMENT:
  • TBA
• Runza Seniors: AREA 7 DISTRICT TOURNAMENT:
  • TBA

SUNDAY:

• POST 52 Juniors: AREA 7 DISTRICT TOURNAMENT:
  • TBA
• Runza Seniors: AREA 7 DISTRICT TOURNAMENT:
  • TBA