The opportunity is bittersweet for Terrence Moore.
"That was my brother, man, my teammate. I loved him," Moore said following the Nebraska football team's first preseason practice on Monday.
Moore was referring to Kevin Dixon, "K-Dix," the senior defensive tackle whom coach Bo Pelini dismissed from the team. "It's sad to see him go," said Moore.
Dixon, who started four games last season, was listed on the depth chart as the top back-up at both tackle positions. His loss leaves a void, and Moore, a redshirted freshman, is among the candidates to fill that void -- which is why he was surrounded by reporters after Monday's practice.
Others competing for playing time behind junior Ndamukong Suh and senior Ty Steinkuhler include Shukree Barfield, Dixon's junior college teammate, Ben Martin and Jared Crick.
In addition, freshman Baker Steinkuhler, who is listed in the media guide as an offensive tackle, is beginning his college career on the defensive line.
Barfield, a senior, played in every game last season, while Martin, a sophomore, saw limited action in seven games. Crick, like Moore, redshirted and played on the scout team, an experience that was frustrating "at times," Moore said. "But you just try and grow as a player, become a better person.
"As you mature throughout the season, you see yourself change. ’They don't need me right now. Obviously, they want me to develop to my full potential.' So that's what I tried to do."
The 6-foot-3 Moore also gained weight. At 275, he's about 13 pounds heavier than when he arrived. His body fat diminished while his muscle mass increased.
Size was a factor in his occasional frustration practicing on the scout team, lining up against the likes of Matt Slauson, Mike Huff and Keith Williams. "It wasn't fun going against those big guys every day," said Moore. "But going against them every day makes you better."
They didn't cut him any slack. "I tried not to cut them any, either," he said.
Dixon was among those who helped him get through the redshirt season. Moore tried to pattern his play after Dixon's, as well. "I learned a lot from him," Moore said.
He also has learned from former Cornhusker Neil Smith, with whom he has something in common. Both are graduates of McDonogh 35 High School in New Orleans. "That's a person I really admire and look up to," said Moore. "He came from where I came."
The two talked recently, and Smith, who played in the NFL for 13 seasons, "told me to work hard," Moore said. "That's what I'm trying to do. I try to practice hard, be relentless."
Moore tried to do that during spring practice, to "show the coaches I had talent, get a foundation for this game so I could come out and excel in fall camp," he said.
"Of course I think I can play the position. I wouldn't say that I don't think I can or else I wouldn't be here. Obviously, they (coaches) think I have talent."
And the opportunity is a little better with Dixon's dismissal.
"Any opportunity you get is great," said Moore. "I'm just thankful for it, man."
Nevertheless, it's bittersweet.
"I wish him the best," Moore said of Dixon.
Mike Babcock is a freelance writer who covers Nebraska football.
