The Nebraska Cornhuskers opened practice Saturday for the upcoming college football season.

And for former Williston High School standout Brent Qvale, it marked the official start up another ladder in his already impressive athletic career.

"I always wanted to play college football," Qvale said in a telephone interview following Fan Day at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.

Qvale enters the season not knowing how much playing time he will get, or if he will even play at all.

"It all comes from camp if I am redshirted," he said. In order for him to make a contribution this season, Qvale knows he has to pick up on things quickly.

"Learning the plays, learn the playbook and work on technique," he said.

Even if he his playing time is minimal this season, Qvale knows he is making a big leap from a small town in North Dakota to playing in the Big 12 Conference, which is one of the premier conferences in the nation.

"It has definitely hit me," he said.

It didn't occur to Qvale that he could play college football until after his sophomore season at Williston.

"After my sophomore year, I started getting looked at," he said. "And I got some offers."

Nebraska first noticed Qvale in April 2007. In June 2008, Qvale attended a camp in Lincoln, Neb., and was offered a scholarship on the spot by head coach Bo Pelini.

The Cornhuskers are coming off a 9-4 record a season ago. The season was capped by four straight wins, including a 26-21 win over Clemson in the Konica Minoita Gator Bowl on Jan. 1.

That momentum seems to have carried over to this season, as expectations are high, as they always are for the Nebraska faithful.

"Everyone is excited," the former Williston High School athlete said. "Everyone is ready to go."

Qvale is Nebraska's first signee from the high school ranks in North Dakota in 20 ears. At 6-foot-7-inches and 330 pounds, Qvale is the largest member of Nebraska's incoming group of freshmen.

In addition to his success on the football field, Qvale was also a two-time all-state selection in basketball and was a three-time state champion in the shot put for the Williston track and field team.

"Being a three-time state champion feels good," Qvale said. "And is a great accomplishment."

At Nebraska, Qvale plans to pursue a career in strength conditioning.

The Cornhuskers will open the season Sept. 5 at home against Florida Atlantic University.