Since Brent has been so kind as to feature several of Husker Locker's tweets from during Husker games, we decided to bring him straight to the source to introduce himself to Nebraska fans.
Tell us about your primary job with BTN
My title is Web News Editor. Like any job, though, my duties and responsibilities have grown a lot since I started in 2007. So, in addition to running BTN.com on a daily basis along with my boss, Chris Malcolm, I’ve become a blogger and a tweeter, among other things.
The role of “blogger” is my favorite part of the gig. I went to school to be a sports writer and my first jobs out of school were as a beat reporter in Texas, so I’ve really enjoyed the chance to offer my thoughts and analysis on Big Ten football and basketball.
As my friends often tell me, “You’re job is so sweet, because you get paid to watch sports!” They’re right on.
Do you mainly keep an eye on Big Ten sports or do you take in an entire day’s college football?
It’s Big Ten all the time here. I wish I had time to keep up with the other conferences and watch some of their games, but there’s just so much going on in the Big Ten during the course of a Saturday that I wouldn’t be doing my job if I tuned into another game.
That said, I have to admit I do always make it a point to keep tabs on my alma mater, TCU. That’s the only one, though!
What was your initial reaction when you found out that Nebraska was going to be a part of the Big Ten conference?
I thought it was a great match. When rumors first started about the Big Ten expanding, I considered many schools, such as Notre Dame, Missouri, Rutgers, and even Texas. For whatever reason, I never even thought of Nebraska.
I’m not sure why. I guess I just figured they were happy in the Big 12. Why Texas then, you ask? I thought Jim Delany might try to steal them from the Big 12 to make the Big Ten untouchable, as far as football powers and recruiting grounds go.
What’s your favorite Big Ten venue for any sport?
Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Indiana. I grew up going to Bob Knight’s basketball camp as a kid and always looked forward to when the staff brought us to the arena.
It’s old, it’s beautiful, and it’s so historical. I always dreamed of playing there someday as a kid, and when I would shoot hoops in my backyard, I’d pretend I was hitting the winning shot for the Hoosiers. We all did that kind of stuff, right?
Are there any particular matchups in any sport that you want to see in Lincoln?
A football game against any Big Ten foe would be a great experience, obviously, but that’s too easy of an answer. I’m a baseball fan first, so I’d love to take in a Huskers game on the diamond against a national power.
It’s early, but what is your impression of the Big Ten/Nebraska connection thus far?
I’m not saying this because I work for BTN or because you are affiliated with Nebraska, but it’s been great. As cheesy as it sounds, Nebraska and the Big Ten just seem like the perfect match.
Everything about the school fits the Big Ten mold. From the loyal, dedicated fans to the traditions to the iconic football stadium to the rich football history to the emphasis on Olympic Sports, Nebraska seems like it should have been in the Big Ten all along.
Is there a favorite Nebraska Cornhusker player amongst the BTN staff?
Never had that conversation, but I’m guessing Tommie Frazier would be atop just about everyone’s list. Talk about an exciting player.
We had him on for a CoverItLive chat during our day of welcoming Nebraska to the Big Ten, and he was a pleasure to work with. Based on the numbers of that chat, it’s clear he’s a name that resonates with Big Ten fans, young and old.
Who’s your favorite BTN personality and why?
Favorite BTN talent of all time would be our former basketball analyst and current ESPN analyst Dan Dakich. Not only is Dan an insightful analyst – I always seem to learn something new listening to him – he’s also a great guy.
As for current talent, I’m a big fan of a lot of the guys. Big Ten Football and Beyond’s Teddy Greenstein of the Chicago Tribune stands out as one guy. I like his writing, and he’s someone I enjoy seeing around the studio because we have very different views on the BCS. In person or on Twitter, he’s always ready for a fun-filled debate.
Has anything about the Nebraska sports program surprised you?
The amenities in the football locker room. They’re unreal. The Huskers have a very easy sell to recruits.
How do you like your steak?
Medium. I wouldn’t be against a side of grilled asparagus and mashed potatoes accompanying it.
Follow Brent on Twitter for great Big Ten info: @BTNBrentYarina
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