I'm excited for Friday. I'm excited to play. I'm excited to get in there, get on the field with the rest of the guys. It's going to be a relief, to get out of here for a change and to actually get on the field. We've been going at it in camp these last couple weeks, but it's really exciting to see that light at the end of the tunnel. Yeah, it's a preseason game, but it's still a game. I'm still going to go hard, I'm still going to play. And I still want to win. Those things don't change. I need to get prepared for the season to start. I like playing in real games, but everybody has their opinion in regards to preseason. I think that preseason is a necessary part of the game, with a lot of young guys trying to get their shots. So it's important for them.

As for playing time, I don't really know what to expect. I'm going to be in there as long as they ask me to be in there. I'm always going to do what's asked of me, whether it's taking more reps or even getting in there on special teams, where I've been doing some work. Whatever it may be. Being a "new starter," I don't know if I should expect more reps than the rest of the first team guys or not.

Friday will also be my first game while wearing the new defensive headset. I'm pretty comfortable with it already, actually. It's self-explanatory. It's exactly what you'd imagine, really nothing more. It makes communication a lot easier. Signaling is a facet of defense that requires a lot of time. When I'm in there and the headset is working, it can take the signaling out and it just saves a lot of time and headaches. Having that kind of connection with the coaches and the players on the field can eliminate a lot of problems. So, I'm looking forward to that.

I'm also looking forward to watching a lot of the younger guys. I'm excited to see all the LBs play. We've got a lot of young guys at my position, guys trying to make the team. And, hey, I've got to support my boy from Nebraska, Frantz Hardy. I've got to support my school, my teammate. Other than that, I really want to see how the offense comes together, how they're gelling. It helps us a lot when the offense can move the ball consistently.

As for Nebraska, I've got high expectations this year. Bo Pelini's a great coach. He was there when I was a freshman, and he's the type of guy that can bring a program together. I'm excited.