LINCOLN — Adi Kunalic probably could've had better timing.

The Bosnian-born kicker was awarded a scholarship to Nebraska three years ago out of Fort Worth, Texas, to fill a glaring need. Kunalic had a big leg. The Huskers in 2006 made just five field goals, the longest from 40 yards.

But two seasons and four games into his collegiate career, Kunalic has tried just one field goal. Fellow junior and former walk-on Alex Henery is 34 of 38 — a school-record rate — and a legitimate star after his 57-yard kick last year to beat Colorado.

None of it, though, has stopped Kunalic from earning his keep as a kickoff specialist. After nailing 38.8 percent of his 147 kickoffs for touchbacks over two seasons, Kunalic has increased his leg strength this fall. He's at 51.6 percent. His 16 touchbacks tie him for the national lead with Oklahoma State's Quinn Sharp. Only two other teams — Cincinnati and Utah — have kicked 10 touchbacks.

Kunalic and Henery, also the punter, form a duo perhaps as lethal as any other kicking corps nationally.

“We have two weapons to help us every game,” said second-year assistant John Papuchis, coordinator of the Nebraska special teams. “I love the progress Adi's made. And Alex, it kind of goes without saying about him.”

Kunalic said he's treating his leg differently this year. He practices only about 10 kickoffs a week in practice.

“I cold tub every day,” he said. “I don't kick off at all on the days I don't have to kick. I think I've done a great job of keeping it fresh. It's going to stay that way, hopefully, through the year.”

The Huskers' coverage unit has improved, too. NU ranks 54th nationally — up from 103rd a year ago — allowing an average of 20.8 yards on 15 returns. And those numbers don't include the touchbacks.

Bottom line: Of Kunalic's 31 kickoffs, only once has an NU foe started with better field position than its 28-yard line, on the opening kickoff at Virginia Tech.

Last week against Louisiana-Lafayette, Kunalic booted six touchbacks on 10 kicks. The four ULL returns went to the 18, 16, 20 and 13.

“We came out that game and (Papuchis) wanted a complete performance,” Kunalic said. “Before we went out, I emphasized to everyone that we were going to have a perfect game. I would say I'm the most vocal one out of all of us (kickers). We just try to do our thing and be the best in the Big 12 and in the country.”

Still, Kunalic said, it's been hard at times to handle nothing more than kickoffs.

“A little bit,” he said. “But right now, this is the only opportunity I've got.”

According to Papuchis, Kunalic has handled the situation “exceptionally well.”

“He understands his role on the football team,” the coach said. “He strives every day to get better on his field goals and extra points if he was ever called upon. But he knows his role right now is to be our kickoff guy.”

Papuchis and Kunalic have discussed the possibility of redshirting the kicker next season to preserve one year of eligibility for 2011, when Henery presumably would move to the NFL.

“We're not sure,” Kunalic said, “but it might be good to come back as a senior and give the team a solid kicker on kickoffs and field goals.”

Henery, who has made 21 straight field goals from inside 50 yards, gets pushed in practice regularly by Kunalic.

“We still compete every day,” Kunalic said. “He's kind of amazing, but I think it helps him that he has to come in here and compete with me. It helps him get better. He's really confident right now. It's working for him, and I'm glad it is.”

Contact the writer:

402-473-9587, mitch.sherman@owh.com

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