LINCOLN -- In the hubbub over the impending Nebraska football season, a lot of people seem to have forgotten about Correll Buckhalter.
That despite the fact he led the Cornhuskers in rushing last season with 799 yards, playing in 12 games while battling an injured hamstring, a hip pointer and torn bursa sacs in both elbows.
Buckhalter gutted it out when Nebraska's other I-backs succumbed to injuries, running behind a subpar line with four new starters as Nebraska stumbled to a 9-4 record.
And even though he entered fall camp sharing No. 1 duties with DeAngelo Evans and Dan Alexander, the junior from Collins, Miss., is hardly being blinded by media lights.
At the team's media day last week, Buckhalter stood at the back of the room waiting to talk to anyone who would listen.
"That doesn't bother me," he said. "I'm just going to do the best I can to help this team, no matter what."
In 1997, Buckhalter filled in for the injured Evans and Jay Sims in backing up Ahman Green as Nebraska notched its third national championship in four years.
Last season, he started seven games after Evans was again injured and Alexander hurt a knee.
But Evans and Alexander are back this season. And several younger players have been mentioned as having a chance to break into the lineup.
Like the lack of media attention, Buckhalter takes the competition in stride, too.
He worked hard during the offseason to increase his strength and speed. He weighs about 220, down five pounds from last season.
"I'm hoping it will carry over into the fall," Buckhalter said.
Coach Frank Solich said Buckhalter's efforts have not gone unnoticed by the coaches.
"He played a major role this past season," Solich said. "Correll has really showed that he is an excellent player. He played hurt a good share of last season -- I don't think you really saw Correll at his best."
Meanwhile, Buckhalter says he's ready to go as a starter or a backup.
"Despite what anyone says, I'm just going to give it all I've got," he said.
