Nebraska's seniors got a final chance to show off for NFL scouts Thursday at NU's annual Pro Day, which was, according to NFL.com, attended by 20 teams. The workouts were closed to the public and media - about ten years ago, one could stand right next NFL coaches and shoot the breeze, but no longer - and while players gave an estimate of they did, NFL.com's Gil Brandt actually posted the official results late Thursday night.

Our impression? Marlon Lucky, who was once a third or fourth-round prospect, did himself no favors by pulling a hamstring and not being able to do positional drills. Looks like his work out in California didn't much pay off.

Meanwhile, it seems like Ty Steinkuhler mihgt have worked his way into a preferred free agent slot, which some will tell you, is better than being drafted in the sixth or seventh round, because a player can actually choose where they'd like to go. Steinkuhler has a pretty good season on tape, and while injuries are a major concern with him, his workout numbers were such that He was faster and had a higher vertical jump than quarterback Joe Ganz.

As for Ganz's numbers, well, not mind-blowing, but you don't sign or draft a quarterback for any of those reasons. Ganz will have to catch on somewhere and learn to stick in the pocket as long as it will hold.

See also: Ganz on Witt and Lee

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Before the 2008 season, Nebraska defensive tackle Ty Steinkuhler might have been considered a bit of a longshot for captain. He had struggled with injuries in 2007. He wasn’t loud or constantly in front of the media. And he was a member of arguably the worst defense ever to play at NU.

But the Huskers’ four captains weren’t picked at the end of fall camp. They were picked at the end of the year, after a gamut of players had served as game captains.

And Steinkuhler, fresh off a terrific year as part of a dominant defensive line, joined defensive end Zach Potter, quarterback Joe Ganz and receiver Nate Swift as four Huskers voted official leaders of the team.

“It was pretty sweet,” Steinkuhler said. “We got a little plaque. Got a picture. We haven’t done it in the past like this, so it was really special.”

Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini had seen captains selected this way at LSU. He liked it and thought it “gives the guys ownership.” He brought it to NU, where maybe it didn’t get the best early reviews.

But it was a hit after a number of players – including some underclassmen and all seniors for the Nebraska-Colorado game – got to walk out for the opening coin toss. Then they chose four leaders after a Saturday practice.

And Pelini liked the final four selections.

“They were good choices,” he said. “This was a group here on this team where there were a lot of guys who were deserving of it and could have been. The vote was pretty close. We just took the top four vote-getters. Some of the other guys could have been voted in very easily. There were a lot of leaders, especially in that senior class.”

Swift agreed.

“The way we did it, letting everybody get to know everybody, it’s an honor to have your teammates vote you,” he said.

The top traits of the captains? According to Swift, “consistency and work ethic.”

“I came in with Joe and Stein and you know what those guys are like – workhorses,” Swift said. “Potter came the next year, and he’s the same way..everybody that’s up there is a natural leader. I wouldn’t say we expect it, but we all kind of fell into the role.”

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Nebraska quarterback Joe Ganz took home many of the biggest awards at NU's season-ending banquet Saturday night, as he was named one of four captains and Team MVP. Ganz also won the Tom Novak Trophy.

Ganz was joined senior defensive linemen Zach Potter and Ty Steinkuhler, and senior receiver Nate Swift as NU's four named captains for the 2008 season. Instead of voting before the season, new head coach Bo Pelini had the voting occur after the games had been played.

Not surprisingly, junior defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh was named Defensive MVP. He also won, along with offensive guard Matt Slauson, lifter of the year. Swift received the Offensive MVP trophy and the Guy Chamberlain Trophy. Kicker Alex Henery won Special Teams MVP honors and and Walk-On MVP honors.

One of the most interesting awards - and maybe a peek at some of the Huskers who may contribute in 2009, were the scout team awards. Defensive back Courtney Osborne and linebacker Alonzo Whaley were named Defensive Scout MVPs. On offense, it was KSU transfer Derek Meyer at offensive tackle and speedy receiver Tim Marlowe.

Senior receiver Todd Peterson was given the Native Son Award, presented to a player from the Cornhusker State.

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