Nebraska offensive tackle Turner Corcoran’s season ended in his 30th consecutive start last season against Northwestern due to a foot injury.
Corcoran’s injury began a lengthy rehabilitation procedure, which he had previously undergone in 2021. The senior offensive tackle says he never doubted he’d return.
“I knew with how good our medical staff was, and how good our doctors were, I knew I was going to have a good chance to stay healthy after having an injury like that,” Corcoran told me.
Corcoran mentioned last week that his rehab experience in 2021 helped him stay focused throughout the spring.
“I couldn’t let it affect me mentally,” Corcoran said. “Injuries can really take a toll on your mental state, no matter the sport or the injury. It’s tough, but you have to talk to your coaches and the guys in your room—they’ve got your back.”
After sitting out the spring, Corcoran was cleared to rejoin his teammates for workouts just before summer conditioning began. He was competing with Teddy Prochazka for the starting left tackle position at the beginning of fall camp. Corcoran was part of the top group at Nebraska’s Big Red Preview event, but when Prochazka suffered a season-ending knee injury later in the fall, Corcoran suddenly found himself as the starting left tackle while still recovering from his foot injury.
“I’ve been battling it a little bit, but it’s been good so far,” Corcoran told me.
One of Nebraska’s offensive line’s strengths is its collective experience. In the opener against UTEP, Bryce Benhart will make his 42nd career Nebraska start; center Ben Scott has been a starter for several years; and newcomer Micah Mazzccua has started at Baylor and Florida before coming to Lincoln.
Corcoran started 11 games in 2021 and all 12 in 2022, starting the first seven last year at left tackle before getting hurt.
Corcoran stated that the veterans provide the squad with strength while also assisting in the recruitment of younger offensive lineman who would eventually replace them.
“We have a lot of old guys, which pays off in the long run — we’ve seen a log of looks, played a lot of football,” explained Corcoran. “We’re just all collectively trying to get better.”
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