Safranek Working to Keep Up the Tradition

By Christian Summers
Lincoln -- Senior Steve Safranek has seen it all during his tenure as a two-year letterwinner at linebacker for the NU defense.

Safranek was a redshirt freshman on the 1999 team that finished third in the nation with a 12-1 record, the same squad that had one of the school's best defenses in recent history as more than a dozen players from that squad are currently on NFL rosters. He was a reserve linebacker on a team that played for the national championship in the 2002 Rose Bowl. And he was also on an NU team that suffered the program's first non-nine win season since 1968.

"People say that we don't have the talent or athletes that we have had in years past," Safranek said, "but we're Nebraska; we're always going to have athletes and talent."

Safranek wants to prove that the Huskers will continue their winning tradition. He continues to work hard to help Nebraska get back to the top.

"I take the same approach I have always taken," Safranek said. "I work hard in the weight room, condition hard in the summer and do what the coaches tell me to do."

With the hiring of three new coaches on the defensive side of the ball, including Safranek's position coach Jimmy Williams, Safranek believes that the Huskers have begun to piece together all the intangibles to bring back the attitude and the discipline of the past.

"These coaches will help us get back the tradition we had in previous seasons," Safranek said. "In previous years we won six or seven games by just stepping on the field. I want to help restore the pride factor in Husker football and end my career on a good note."

Safranek, who is listed as the co-No. 2 Mike linebacker with junior Chad Sievers, has appeared in 10 games during his career. He has recorded six tackles, including four against Utah State last season.

"I want to contribute to the team any way I can, regardless if it's on special teams, or playing linebacker or helping the younger guys who are having a difficult time learning the system," Safranek said.

While juggling his football responsibilities, Safranek has also excelled in the classroom. Graduating in three and a half years with a degree in psychology, Safranek took 48 hours during his last two years of undergraduate studies.

He is currently taking graduate classes and is scheduled to get married next July.

Safranek has played a key role during his time at NU. Aside from the wins and losses, Safranek feels that he will take much more away from this experience after his playing days are over.

"The whole football experience itself has been the most exciting part," Safranek said. "Getting a chance to play for the national championship in the Rose Bowl and defeating Oklahoma at home in 2001, going to Happy Valley and College Station last season, the whole experience of being a part of the NU tradition and the program has been the most exciting part."