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Three months ago, Nebraska senior tight end Trey Foster was heartbroken because Jerald Foster, his younger brother who had earned the Huskers’ starting offensive left guard position in fall camp, tore an MCL in his knee.

The unfortunate injury threatened to end two brothers’ fantasy to play together in the Big Ten Conference. When Nebraska Coach Mike Riley announced Jerald’s expected return to practice Tuesday, no one was more moved or more excited than big brother Trey.

“I’m pumped! This is something my brother and I have been waiting for a long, long time,” Trey said. “To see it getting ready to happen is just amazing. Jerald’s a stubborn guy, and when he puts his mind to it, he makes sure something happens as soon as possible.”

Huskers’ Best Run-Blocking Offensive Lineman, Jerald Combines with Gates

Greg Sharpe, the voice of Nebraska football, calls Jerald Foster "our best run-blocking offensive lineman, and to have him on the left side with (offensive tackle) Nick Gates (No. 68 above) is amazing," he said. "In Auguest, it didn’t look too probable that Jerald would catch up with Nick. It's exciting to see them as a combination.”

Older brother Trey appreciates the hard work to make the dream come true. “I know Jerald wanted to start with the guys he came in with,” Trey said. “As soon as he got the news, it hurt and it hurt bad. Before the surgery, he committed to do what he had to do so he could start with his friends and play with his big brother at the same time.”

Jerald told Trey “every single day for the past three months that he was getting ready for the possibility to play,” Trey said. “What he did was rigorous. He pushed through pain every day, 100 percent. I didn’t know if he could do it, but I did know that if anybody could do something like that, it would be him.”

Cavanaugh Thrilled to Have Foster Return to the Day-to-Day Practice Grind

Count Nebraska offensive line coach Mike Cavanaugh (pictured above) among those shaking their heads that Jerald Foster has been cleared to practice beginning Tuesday.

“I remember when we talked about the bad news Jerald got before the season started,” Cavanaugh said. “I mean, he knew it was possible, and that’s all that kid needs.  He put in the absolute maximum effort so he could make it happen. Knowing him like I do, I’m not really surprised, and I’m just as excited as he is.

“Actually, I’m thrilled,” Cavanaugh said. “Jerald has really worked hard. It’s pretty amazing what he’s done and here he is, ready to practice again. His determination is incredible. He also has great desire and told me yesterday that he was tickled to return to practice again on Tuesday.”

Before His Surgery, Jerald Told Cavanaugh He Expected to Start This Season

Jerald is "doing well day by day,” Cavanaugh said. “He told me it was a possibility to play this season after he had surgery. He made a vow to come back three months ago. That kind of passion is pretty neat. That was one of the first things he said after surgery. That kid had a vision and worked his tail off to make it happen. That says a lot for Jerald and says a lot for our doctors and trainers. We’ll see what happens.”

Ten minutes into his press conference, Riley announced that Jerald will be practicing again. “I do not anticipate him being ready for this next game, but I am hopeful for Jerald’s sake that he could possibly get back in the mix and be able to play,” Riley said.

“I did not think that this was going to happen,” said Riley, who was surprised when a trainer told him that Jerald had been cleared to run, then work against bags to see what else is conceivable.

Making Sure If Jerald Does Play for the Huskers This Year, He’s Confident

“I’m not going to count on that at all,” Riley (pictured above) said. “If they give him to me, I know that he’s healthy, that he’s been cleared to play and that he’s strong enough to play. Playing is a different deal though because of all the stuff that he’s missed.”

Missing fall camp practices and games are huge roadblocks. “We want to make sure that if Jerald does play for us this year that he’s confident in how he can do,” Riley said. “We want to make him feel really good.”

Senior center Dylan Utter is counting on Jerald Foster returning as soon as possible. “He told me after his knee surgery that he had a possibility to play this year,” Utter said. “I don’t know much about the surgery or the odds of him playing. I just know that he kept working hard and that’s all that really matters. He’s healthy, and he'll really help our team. It’ll be great for him to come back and show us what he can do. If he feels 100 percent, I guarantee he’ll be in there.”

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