Staff writers Sam McKewon, Rich Kaipust and Jon Nyatawa single out some key sights and sounds from NU’s practice Monday:

SEEN

>>More than 15 minutes after practice, true freshman I-back Imani Cross taking option pitches at midfield inside the Hawks Championship Center from true freshman wide receiver Jordan Nelson. Cross was one of the last Huskers to leave the facility.

>> Husker quarterbacks Taylor Martinez, Brion Carnes, Ron Kellogg III, Tommy Armstrong and Bronson Marsh doing up-down drills with a 45-pound weight in front of the training room after practice. It was apparently a self-imposed punishment for the bunch.

>> Senior receiver Steven Osborne sporting some sharp gold shoes Monday night, reminiscent of former U.S. sprinter Michael Johnson. The rest of the Husker receiving corps had the standard red and white cleats.

>> Several defensive backs staying late after practice and working on catching drills. They hauled in footballs from the JUGS machine. Tennis balls, too.

HEARD

>> “No, that’s not true.” — offensive coordinator Tim Beck on Jeremiah Sirles playing center

>> “It was time for a change. Girlfriend likes it.” — sophomore I-back Ameer Abdullah on his new hairstyle. He lost the dreads in July. Now, he’s sporting a close shave up top.

— Sam McKewon, Rich Kaipust and Jon Nyatawa