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Published Wednesday February 22, 2006 NU Notes: Huskers, others speed up pursuit of Gunn BY RICH KAIPUST
WORLD-HERALD BUREAU

LINCOLN - Miami's offer to Omaha Central offensive lineman Harlan Gunn apparently pushed Nebraska - and others - into action Tuesday.

The Huskers offered Gunn a scholarship after NU recruit and Central teammate D.J. Jones told him to call assistant coach Dennis Wagner. Gunn talked with Wagner for a few minutes before Nebraska head coach Bill Callahan got on the phone.

"I had a feeling it might happen," Gunn said Tuesday.

The 6-foot-3, 295-pounder said Monday that he felt good about Miami's offer and he's headed to the Hurricanes' junior day on March 4. But the senior-to-be at Central told Callahan that NU is definitely an option.

"I've been to Nebraska a few times, but I haven't been to Miami yet. So it's hard to make any comparisons right now," Gunn said.

Also on Tuesday, Kansas State contacted former Central coach Joe McMenamin and McMenamin told Gunn "there might be an offer there." NCAA Division I-AA Grambling State called McMenamin and did make an offer to Gunn.

Ross in good shape heading to combine

Former Nebraska I-back Cory Ross heads to the NFL Scouting Combine feeling as if he's made the most of the eight weeks since the Alamo Bowl. He reports Thursday and will be in Indianapolis through Sunday.

"I'm just trying to keep my head clear and just focus on the opportunity that I've got to be there," Ross said. "I've worked hard to be in tiptop shape and learn all the drills, and I'm going into it feeling I've done the best I can."

Ross worked out in Morristown, N.J., before recently returning to Lincoln. The Denver native finished his Husker career as the school's No. 9 all-time rusher (2,743 yards).

Ross' potential place in the April 29-30 National Football League draft should become clearer after the combine. No Husker I-back has been drafted since 2001, when Correll Buckhalter went to Philadelphia in the fourth round and Dan Alexander to Tennessee in the sixth.

NU strong safety Daniel Bullocks heads to the combine after working out in Los Angeles, while defensive tackles Le Kevin Smith and Titus Adams have been in Atlanta. Ross has been with Seppo Evwaraye, who wasn't invited to the combine but is pointing toward NU's pro day and individual workouts for teams.

"He looks good," Ross said. "I just wish he got a shot at the combine."

Lucky's elbow rehab going smoothly

Nebraska I-back Marlon Lucky's rehabilitation since January elbow surgery has been smooth and he will be ready when spring practice starts March 22.

Brad Ratcliff, Lucky's high school coach in North Hollywood, Calif., said Lucky's right elbow bothered him before he got to NU last summer.

"There were some bone chips in there, and he played through the season with it," Ratcliff said. "They just cleaned it up a little. He's doing fine."

Lucky and Cody Glenn, both sophomores-to-be, stand the best shots at coming out of spring practice No. 1 at I-back. Junior Brandon Jackson is out with a shoulder injury and sophomore Leon Jackson is moving back to I-back after practicing at safety and receiver last season.

Junior-college transfer Kenny Wilson will give Nebraska five scholarship I-backs in August.

Ticket update: spring, USC

Nearly 11,000 tickets already have been sold for the April 15 spring game, according to the Nebraska ticket office. Because construction will limit Memorial Stadium capacity to 57,000, fans are encouraged to purchase tickets early through Huskers.com, the ticket office or by calling (800) 824-4733.

Southern California is now selling tickets to the Sept. 16 Nebraska game only to season-ticket holders.

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