Hollowell Adapts to Change

By Nate Rohr
Lincoln -- A player of "great character," according to NU linebackers coach Jimmy Williams, senior Buck linebacker T.J. Hollowell stands as a cornerstone of one of college football’s best defensive units. Though he has not always gotten the same noteriety as his fellow linebackers, Hollowell has contributed greatly to Nebraska’s defensive success in 2003.

"He has made, and continues to make, big plays," Williams said.

Hollowell’s play-making abilities were evident as a prepster at Copperas Cove High School in Copperas Cove, Texas. An all-state performer in class 5A, Texas’ largest class, Hollowell notched 159 tackles, including 21 tackles for loss and three sacks from the middle linebacker spot as a senior.

After that season, Hollowell was wooed by a who’s-who list of football powers. Homestate Texas and Texas A&M, along with Oklahoma and Miami, all sought Hollowell’s services. But in the end, Hollowell picked Nebraska.

"I felt that this was the better place for me," Hollowell said. "I thought that I could come in, shine a bit, and pursue my dream of playing at the next level."

Another strength that Hollowell brought to Nebraska was versatility, as he manned the safety, outside linebacker and middle linebacker spots for Copperas Cove High School. That adaptability would come in handy for Hollowell, as he has played all three linebacker spots at some point during his Nebraska career.

Hollowell spent much of his freshman year as a reserve Sam linebacker, behind Scott Shanle on the depth chart. Still, Hollowell played in all 11 regular-season games along with the bowl game, primarily as a member of Nebraska’s kickoff coverage unit. He notched seven tackles, including five solo stops.

Before his sophomore season, Hollowell moved to Will linebacker to provide further depth behind starter Mark Vedral. Like the year before, Hollowell played in every game, including the Rose Bowl. Hollowell picked up 26 tackles including three tackles for loss.

Hollowell’s strong play his first two years left him listed as a co-starter at Will linebacker on the 2002 preseason depth chart. The other co-starter was a fellow Texan, junior college transfer Demorrio Williams. The resulting competition for playing time between the two led to frustration for Hollowell.

"It was kind of frustrating for both of us," Hollowell said.

Despite splitting playing time with Demorrio Williams, Hollowell started two games and made 60 tackles, including 10 in Nebraska’s contest at Iowa State.

During spring football, Hollowell was sidelined after shoulder surgery. Meanwhile, Nebraska installed a new defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Bo Pelini was hired to run the defense while Jimmy Williams was hired to oversee the linebackers.

The new coaches struck a chord with Hollowell.

"Coach Pelini is a different kind of leader than what we had in the past," Hollowell said. "He’s a great guy who knows his X’s and O’s. Coach Williams is just a great coach. He not only teaches us about football, but also about life. We couldn’t have two better coaches."

Looking to take advantage of the athleticism of both Hollowell and Demorrio Williams, Hollowell was moved back to the strong side, to the newly named Buck linebacker position. The move, besides putting two great athletes on the field, has allowed Hollowell to focus more on improvement, rather than on holding a starting spot.

"It has allowed us (Hollowell and Demorrio Williams) to focus on getting better, and not just on each other," Hollowell said.

Moreover, Hollowell has gotten more than just playing time from the position switch.

"Demorrio and I have been able to become really good friends, and it’s going to stay that way for a long time," Hollowell said.

In his new role, Hollowell has shined, putting up a pair of seven-tackle efforts to highlight his 2003 season. Against Missouri, Hollowell registered two tackles for loss along with his seven tackles. In Nebraska’s 28-0 shutout win over Iowa State, Hollowell picked up four tackles, including one for a six-yard loss, and his first career interception.

Even worse for Husker opponents, Hollowell continues to polish his game.

"He has improved his technique and the fundamentals of linebacker play, and he continues to get bettter," Jimmy Williams said.

Despite his constant improvement, Hollowell still feels he has more to do to reach his ultimate football goal.

"I hope to become a better player than what I am today, and play in the NFL," Hollowell said.

Jimmy Williams, himself a first-round draft pick of the Detroit Lions and a 13-year NFL veteran, thinks Hollowell has an excellent base of attributes to build on as a football player.

"He’s a very intelligent and very intense player," Jimmy Williams said. "He’s a great, great person, and that carries over to his play."