Gilleylen has breakout game for NU

Anna Mostek/Tribune Sophomore wide receiver Curenski Gilleylen catches a pass from quarterback Zac Lee in the second quarter, running it in for a touchdown, Saturday against Florida Atlantic at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln.

Todd Neeley
sports@hastingstribune.com

LINCOLN — Harken back to the Nebraska spring game of 2008 — there you'll find receiver Curenski Gilleylen catching a long pass for a touchdown from Joe Ganz.
Then came the start of the 2008 season, and the freshman from Leander, Texas, found himself mostly on the bench — sitting because of inconsistent play.
In a 49-3 win against Florida Atlantic, Gilleylen was able to erase those memories — first on 51-yard touchdown reception from Zac Lee in the second quarter that saw Gilleylen splitting the defense, catching his balance and racing to the end zone.
"Whenever I caught the ball, I knew it was going to be open spaces," he said. "I'm just glad I kept my footing and was able to get to the end zone. I wasn't expecting to score a touchdown, but it's nice to get the first one out of the way."
Gilleylen said he and the rest of the receiving corps expect to see more of the long ball from Lee this season.
"We can definitely stretch the field and go deep and I think that's going to be a plus coming up this year," he said.
Gilleylen had his best game as a Husker, hauling in four receptions to lead the team with 92 yards, including a bobbling catch later in the game.
In addition, Gilleylen sparked the 'oohs and ahhs' from the Nebraska crowd when he delivered a jarring block on a UFA defender on a touchdown reception by senior Menelik Holt in the first half.
Throughout fall camp Nebraska coaches raved about the play of junior receiver Niles Paul, who receivers coach Ted Gilmore said was playing better than any other receiver.
Gilleylen said he took Gilmore's comments to heart.
"You just take it as a challenge, and Niles is having a great camp," Gilleylen said. "He's an every-down player. I didn't take it personal or anything. That's just him (Gilmore) saying you need to step up."