Heat Index: Gifford hungers for opportunity to play without injuries

Nebraska linebacker Luke Gifford celebrates a second-quarter sack against Wisconsin last season.

Husker Extra is running a series called Heat Index, a quick look at the Huskers before fall camp begins Aug. 3. This week, Steven M. Sipple counts down five veteran players who should be on the verge of their most productive seasons.

Gifford has fought back to 100 percent healthwise, which is significant news for a defense that allowed 36.4 points per game last season to rank 115th nationally.

“I’m old now, and I’ve been in a few defenses,” he said recently.