The Grand Island Independent: Nebraska high school coaches criticized Coach Callahan last fall for his lack of face time with them. High-profile coaches such as Chuck Mizerski of Lincoln Southeast and Gene Suhr of Papillion-La Vista said they had never met Callahan in the nearly two years he had been at Nebraska.

In a move to correct that, last week Callahan and offensive line coach Dennis Wagner made goodwill visits to a number of high schools in eastern Nebraska, including Southeast and Papillion-La Vista. The coaches at those schools said they appreciated the gesture.

“I love going on the road and visiting with coaches and seeing different players and talking with guys,” Callahan said. “It was a great dialogue. I look forward to getting out in the spring and visiting with a lot more coaches.”

The Huskers on Wednesday signed four Nebraskans — offensive linemen Ricky Henry of Omaha Burke and D.J. Jones of Omaha Central, defensive end Ben Martin of Lincoln Southwest and defensive back Corey Young of Millard North.

Callahan also announced four in-state walk-ons — Burke punter Alex Henery, Brainard East Butler fullback Justin Makovicka, Elkhorn linebacker Kyle Moore and Cozad tight end Dreu Young.

Shortly after arriving at Nebraska, Callahan rankled fans and coaches when he said limited locker space and the difficulty associated with managing a high number of players left him no choice but to reduce the roster size.

Rosters numbered about 180 under Tom Osborne and Frank Solich. The Huskers’ 2005 Alamo Bowl roster listed 120.

Callahan hinted there would be room for more players with the opening of the new football complex in the fall.

“There is substantial room that we can fit more players in to and be a part of the team,” Callahan said, “and we would welcome that.”