Nebraska's quarterback is leading by example

With football just around the corner, Husker tickets should be a hot item once again this year, thanks in no small part to a returning quarterback who is exhibiting the mark of a leader.
Last year, Taylor Martinez became a freshman sensation with his dazzling breakaway speed and ability to drive defenses crazy. A midseason injury slowed the California native down and left a lot of critics wondering if he was capable of leading a high-profile program like Nebraska into its first year in the Big Ten Conference.
Martinez was undoubtedly one of the fan favorites at Friday's Fan Day festivities in Memorial Stadium, and he's also drawing praise from his teammates, who say they saw a new and improved version of Martinez in preparation for the upcoming 2011 season.
Martinez has become a more outspoken leader and has encouraged teammates to work more in the offseason. Players have talked about how much he pushes people to work hard, even during times where they might not be excited about it.
"He's stepped up a lot and it's shown," said Husker receiver Brandon Kinnie. "And when your quarterback's confident, the whole offense is confident."
Martinez has warmed up to the expectations that Husker fans have for their football program. There were a lot of critics out there at the end of last season, a season where Martinez started out with such a bang that he was quickly given Heisman Trophy consideration before an injury against Missouri slowed him down and rubbed some of the luster off what was otherwise a pretty good freshman campaign.
Martinez appears to be the man who will run the Husker offense this fall, and Husker fans will get to see Martinez and Nebraska in action when they open the season at home on Saturday, Sept. 3 against Tennessee-Chattanooga in Memorial Stadium.
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