Osborne Call Surprises Recruit

Tuesday, December 4th 2007, 10:38 am

By: News On 6

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Tom Osborne wasn't messing around when he appointed himself to the Nebraska coaching staff last week. Osborne offered a scholarship, apparently for the first time since he retired from coaching 10 years ago.

Micah Kreikemeier said yes, of course.

The offer to the tight end-defensive end from West Point Central Catholic came about an hour after Osborne introduced Bo Pelini as the Cornhuskers' new coach Sunday. Osborne, the interim athletic director, added the title of interim head coach last week so he could participate in recruiting. Osborne's coaching title lasted five days, but he can still recruit until Pelini fills out his staff.

Kreikemeier said his heart started pumping a little harder as he picked up the phone.

``The caller ID said 'Thomas Osborne,''' he said Tuesday.

Kreikemeier's dad, Keith, was a walk-on offensive lineman for Osborne in the early 1980s. Micah said he has faint memories of Osborne's final years as coach.

Osborne told him he was impressed with the film sent by his high school coach, Dave Ridder, and that he wanted to offer him a scholarship.

``I asked him, 'Like a full ride?''' Micah said.

``That's the only one we offer,'' Osborne said.

``I'll take it then,'' Micah told him.

The call lasted five minutes.

``He asked me how my head coach is doing, how my dad is doing with our feedlot and how I'm doing in basketball,'' Micah said. ``It was a nice conversation.''