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Steven M. Sipple: Ex-Huskers' advice to freshmen: Prepare to be knocked down a peg

"Ndamukong Suh literally tossed me around like I was a 5-year-old," Sirles recalled of his true freshman season in 2009.

I asked Sirles and fellow former Huskers Josh Banderas and Jordan Westerkamp what advice they would have for incoming freshmen who are preparing for preseason camp, which at Nebraska begins July 30.

Sirles, who started 10 games last season as an offensive lineman for the Minnesota Vikings, said he would tell them to avoid thinking they're going to shock the world.

"I would say that applies more to the (incoming) class now than when I was a freshman because the recruiting game has changed so much," he said.