The announcement that Nebraska football fans have been clamoring for finally came Saturday following the "Boneyard Bash" scrimmage: captains.
Wide receiver Jordan Westerkamp, center Dylan Utter, line backer Josh Banderas and safety Nate Gerry were named captains for the 2016 season. Senior quarterback Tommy Armstrong's name did not make the list.
NOBODY PANIC.
I may be a little too late to the party to say that, because a part of Husker nation already is. I'm here to tell you, it's going to be OK.
One of the main reasons Riley waited so long to announce captains is because he did not want to limit leadership to the players announced as captains, so why use a captain on Armstrong, a guy who has proven he is a leader at Nebraska since his freshman year?
Armstrong has 33 starts under his belt and is set to join Tommie Frazier, Eric Crouch and Taylor Martinez as a quarterback that has started games in four consecutive seasons. His experience speaks for itself.
Why not let the second-most recognizable face of the Huskers, Jordan Westerkamp have a chance to be a leader in his senior season?
Why not let Dylan Utter, a guy who has become the leader of a young and beat up offensive line, have a chance to lead in his final season?
Riley said he prepped the seniors before the captains vote, saying it was going to be tough because of the amount of leadership in the room.
"I think that became the result of that, kind of spreading the wealth and the vote," Riley said.
Armstrong has a 22-11 record as a starter. He's led the Huskers on countless game-winning drives. He's made some questionable decisions throwing the ball at times, but he has always been able to rally the troops.
I think the players made the right choice by letting his leadership speak for itself and allow others to step up and lead as well.
Tommy said it best himself: "I think captains are chosen, but, you know, leaders are born."
So take a deep breath Husker Nation. Tommy may not have the C on his chest, but he's still the leader he always has been.
