#58 Mike Caputo
Sr • OL • 6-1 • 275 lbs
| Hometown: | OMAHA, NE |
| Previous School: | MILLARD NORTH |
| Recruiting Class: | 2007 |
Draft Recap for Huskers
Bo Pelini has again coached defensive players with professional football potential into high NFL draft picks. Highlighted by defensive tackle Jared Crick and linebacker Lavonte David, the draft class also included corner Alfonzo Dennard who slipped because of off-field troubles and offensive tackle Marcel Jones who was mentioned as a …
Regaining Lineman Credentials
<font size="2">There was a time when Nebraska's ability to produce great linemen seemed unparalleled. In only six of Tom Osborne's 25 seasons as head coach at NU did the Huskers fail to produce an All-American on the offensive line. He produced at least one first team all-conference offensive lineman every …
If the Offensive Line is Any Good
Like every year, the 2011 showing for the Huskers was better analyzed after all the games were played and trends could be pulled. As is always the case, backs and receivers have very simple methods to determine their effectiveness on the field. But an offensive line is often judged on …
Line Play Biggest Question Mark Offensively
<font size="2">Nebraska returns a lot at of experience at the skill positions offensively. There are returning starters in the offensive backfield with Taylor Martinez and Rex Burkhead. The top two receiving options at tight end are back in Kyler Reed and Ben Cotton. Young but veteran receivers return in Kenny …
Moves, Departures Make News Among Arrivals
National signing day borders on a celebration, with news of new arrivals filling the newspaper and Internet discussion boards. But, yesterday wasn't entirely about the new arrivals. There were roster moves and departures announced that merit being considered as well. Their impact on the Husker roster and 2012 season may …
Preparing for South Carolina
Tim Beck spoken openly with the media this week on various topics, including bowl opponent South Carolina. While the game planning for South Carolina will not start officially until Friday, the coaches are doing their homework. The offensive coordinator seems to think the Gamecocks will be the best athletic and …
Finding the Silver Lining
<font size="2">When Nebraska learned that its bowl opponent would be South Carolina, there was some mixed emotion. As nice as it would feel to beat a quality opponent, the prospect of ending another season with four losses is hardly appealing. The Gamecocks' running quarterback plays right to Nebraska's weakness. Their …
All-Big Ten Teams Testament to NU Walk-On Program
<font size="2">When the All-Big Ten teams were announced, it was no surprise to see Butkus finalist Lavonte David, cornerback extraordinaire Alfonzo Dennard, and workhorse/Superman Rex Burkhead honored as first team selections. Given his performances this season, it was also no shock to see walk-on kicker/punter Brett Maher receive top honors …
What We Know Now - Wyoming Edition
As far as press conferences go, that was good one. Nay, a great one. Bo Pelini kicked things off joking (and making his point) with the media, Kenny Bell came across as a really bright guy and Yoshi Hardrick became a fan favorite with his open willingness to talk. Here's …
What To Watch For Saturday Against Washington
Nebraska and Washington will face off for the third time in 12 months when they take the field at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday afternoon. Here are a few items and match ups to watch during this battle of 2-0 teams.
What We Learn From the Depth Chart
<span lang="">The first football depth chart always provides some surprises. One takeaway is that it's fair to say that the walk-on program is still very much alive. Another is that the true freshman we've heard so much about on offense will indeed be in the mix. Finally, the number of …
O-Line Depth Cause for Concern?
<font size="3">Among the bigger concerns for 2011, if not the top one, is Nebraska's offensive line. Already, the Huskers had to find two new starters at guard but also needed to develop some depth. Beginning fall practices without returning veteran Marcel Jones doesn't help. Normally, when you hear "day-to-day" in …
Many Huskers Worth Watching
Preseason watch lists are curious things. In one sense, they offer little value because the game outcomes and player production for a season mean much more than any preseason hype. But, college football is an odd sport in that preseason perception does play a part in the eventual outcome. Like it or …
Caputo on Rimington Watch List
For the second straight year, Mike Caputo is on the Spring watch list for the Rimington Trophy, given annually to the top center in college football. The Nebraska senior is one of 42 players named to the list.
Handicapping the Spring Game
<span lang="">Since Bo Pelini returned to Nebraska, the spring game has become a competitive contest. By splitting the talent, Nebraska's head coach has kept things from becoming too one-sided. Even so, it's often been clear which team had an advantage. This season's contest might be the toughest to call yet.</span> …
In Defense of Watson and Martinez
<font size="2">Two people have gotten more of the blame for the outcome of the Big 12 Championship from Joe the fan than anyone else - Shawn Watson and Taylor Martinez. It's my nature to be contrary, I suppose. I despise only hearing one side of the story. So while I'm …
Nebraska Pounds Colorado to Win Big 12 North Division
<font size="2">Going into a game that Nebraska desperately needed, the question was how would the Huskers generate offense. If you asked most NU fans, the name Rex Burkhead would have been a common answer. Burkhead started strong to stake the Big Red to a 17-3 halftime lead, rushing for one …
Caputo Keys Husker Ground Game
For good reason, the cast of characters most associated with the Husker running attack are the young men carrying the ball. That makes sense, right? The cameras follow the touchdown makers. Rex is sexy. I heart Helu. And, with apologies to Sting, every little thing Taylor does is magic. The …
How Will Mike Smith's Injury Affect Offensive Line Depth?
During this year's Big 12 Media Days, Bo Pelini called this year's Offensive Line situation the best since he arrived. Pelini said that there might be names you've not seen yet step up into roles on the O-line, but that the experience of the returning player would lead this unit. One …
White Team By Six
The Red-White game roster was finally released and as we like to do here at the Big Red Network, we handicapped the rosters and the matchups and based on what we see, it looks like the White team ought to be favored.
Arrivals, Departures and Position Switches Underscore Spring's Importance
Believe it or not, Husker fans, football is just a few weeks away. Well, spring football, anyway. Nebraska's spring practices start on March 24th. While most of the attention thus far has been placed on the opportunity for a budding competition at quarterback, there are other little items that might prove …
Walk-Ons Welcome
Nebraska didn't just sign 21 scholarship players yesterday. They added 16 more walk-on athletes. The walk-on class of 2010 includes some very intriguing prospects that bolster NU's total talent level. Based on recent history, some of them are sure to end up within Nebraska's two-deep roster at some point. And, the …
Recruiting to Fill in the Gaps
When Nebraska's 4-3 defense faces a running play, our linebackers have to be aware of whose job it is to step up and fill in any gap opened by the opponent's offensive line. Fortunately for players, they usually only have to think about the gaps one play at a time, they're …
Red-Colored Glasses
Every team in Division I has reason to doubt their team's chances at a national championship. Even a team like Florida this past year with so much returning from a national championship squad came up short. But sometimes as a fan, you want to tune out those doubts. You want to …
Leading Linebackers and Learning the Line
Two-a-day practices are wrapping up, and certain issues are starting to develop at Husker camp. Some, like the pecking order at linebacker, are getting a bit clearer. Others, like the competition along the offensive line, are a bit more cloudy (and concerning). Both units merit some discussion.
Who’s on the Recruiting Radar?
Keeston Terry's choice to play at Kansas rather than Nebraska has brought the Husker recruiting effort back in to focus. Of course, one thing that always come to mind is “who’s next”? Recently, BRN’s Brandon Vogel raised some interesting issues with regard to recruiting. Louisiana wide receiver Curtis Carter was one …
Offensive Line Depth Just Enough
Not long ago, it seemed that the offensive line might be one of the deeper areas on the team for Nebraska. The Huskers had six scholarship juniors and three seniors with Big 12 playing experience. Beyond that, sophomores Marcel Jones and Mike Caputo were good enough to compete for playing time. …
Changing the Culture
When Bo Pelini took the helm as head football coach at the University of Nebraska one of the things he said he needed to do was to change the culture. When you talk about something as nebulous and abstract as “culture”, it becomes very difficult to assess the progress. Nevertheless, evidence …
Projecting the 2009 NU Walk-On Class
The tradition of walk-on players at NU is valued and almost revered by Husker fans. While Bo Pelini and his staff did not have as many kids walk on this year as last year, it is still a vital aspect of NU's recruiting strategy. Rather than talk about the walk-on program …
Early Developments at Husker Camp
Seemingly every year, there are surprises that come from the pre-season practices at NU. Some players step up, while others get off to a rough start. Sometimes injuries are a factor, or maybe there is a newcomer or two who joins the mix. Through the first few days of NU's fall …
Position Breakdowns: Offensive Line
Outlook: Nebraska's offensive line hasn't looked this deep in at least seven years and maybe ten or twelve. It's still not as proven as past lines (e.g. Fonoti, Raiola, Hochstein, and Volk in 2000), but there's clearly a number of good options at most every spot.
Caputo is Found Money
Much the way Matt Slauson seemingly popped up out of nowhere, Milliard North alum Mike Caputo is making noise as a walk-on center. Despite all of the feel good stories we're hearing about the offensive line, he's definitely an important addition to the mix.
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- Rimington Award Preseason Watch List (2010, 2011)
- Honorable-Mention All-Big 12 (Coaches, AP)
- Jake Young Memorial Scholarship Recipient
- Second-Team All-Big Ten (Coaches)
- Third-Team All-Big Ten (Phil Steele)
- Honorable-Mention All-Big Ten (Media)
- Burlsworth Trophy Semifinalist (1 of 10)