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Nebraska outside linebacker Ben Stille was named Big Ten freshman of the week on Monday.

The redshirt freshman from Ashland-Greenwood had three tackles for loss and his first career sack in the win over Illinois.

“It’s definitely an honor,” Stille said. “It just reflects on our team and defense as a whole.”

Stille (STILL-ee) said he grew up hoping he’d play at Nebraska. Originally a defensive end, Stille was moved to outside linebacker to better fit in defensive coordinator Bob Diaco’s 3-4 scheme.

“I’ve just seen really, really good, hard, consistent work that has basically paid off for him by taking advantage of an opportunity that was presented to him a few weeks ago where he got a chance to play in the games at a new position that he had had a little experience with,” Riley said.

Since learning his new role, Stille said, he knew he’d eventually have a chance to play since it’s such a long season.

“I definitely thought I’d step in and provide depth, but didn’t think it’d be this big of a role,” he said. “Growing up in this state and being able to come in and make an impact is more than anything I could’ve hoped for.”