Fall Camp

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Looks like Ron Brown is working with the RBs which isn’t surprising.

 

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everybody’s injured

 

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Frost discusses Friday scrimmage, RB and QB updates, team vaccination rate, Garth Brooks​

By BRIAN CHRISTOPHERSON 6 minutes ago

(Photo: Jeffrey Becker, 247Sports)
With the season 15 days away, Scott Frost on Friday answered questions about his developing running backs, some injuries at tight end, that day's scrimmage, the backup QB battle and the vaccination rate within his team.

To the latter subject, Frost said everything is being done to educate players on the vaccination process.

"We had some resistance to it, and Mark Mayer, our trainer has done a really good job. We had four people come in and talk to the team the first four days. We provided opportunities for the guys that weren't vaccinated to get vaccinated, and I feel really good about where we are numbers-wise and we'll keep working on it."

Frost didn't give any specific numbers within the team.

Asked if he thought it was an advantage to have a high vaccination rate, he said, "The advantage is going to be based on the rules that they put around it but I don't think there's any question, like I've said multiple times, to have an uninterrupted season as a player and a team to have a high vaccination rate."

HUSKERS SCRIMMAGED FRIDAY​

The Huskers got some scrimmage work in during Friday's practice, which also came without the sweltering temperatures in Lincoln, which had hovered over previous practices.
"I thought our guys were ready for it," Frost said. "We didn't have a ton of full, live tackle periods. But (we) put the guys in mock situations ... and got a lot of good work out there."
Young guys are picking things up at different levels, he added.
"Most guys have two or three plays, and look really good, and then get confused on a play," he said of the youth on the roster. "That irritates you as a coach because you want everything to be perfectly clean, but that's just kind of the learning process for the young guys."

TOO MANY FLAGS​

Frost didn't like the amount of laundry that was on the field Friday.
"I was frustrated today, we had a Big Ten officiating crew out there today, and we had too many flags on the ground. That's been been a point of emphasis for us all camp," he said. "Got to go watch the tape. Most of those are with the 2s and 3s on little things, but this team needs to understand that they're good enough to be in every game if we don't do things to beat ourselves. And that's been the thing that we've talked to them about the most ever since the end of last season.
"Hope they get it. Think they do. We'll keep working on it."

WHO'S THE BACKUP QB?​

(Photo: Michael Bruntz, 247Sports)

Worth asking the had man, right?
"No, we don't know yet," Frost answered. "Both guys have been doing a really job."
Want some tea leaves to read? The coach added, "Logan had a really good day today.""

FAST FORWARDING PAST 2020​

Frost said 2020 was difficult not just on all the newcomers, but everybody. With the new guys, though you can understand how there might have been an added layer of adjusting to the difficulty of moving to a new spot in disjointed times.
"We recruit guys from out of state and they come and there's no students on campus, and nothing's open," Frost said to a question about it. "That was a hard year for some of those guys. They missed out on spring ball and fall camp, and organized winter conditioning and summer conditioning, and non-conference games and chances to get in games maybe last fall. So we've been trying to hit fast forward on the development with some of those guys, and a lot of them have responded really well."

MORRISON'S MOVE​

(Photo: Michael Bruntz, 247Sports)
The depth chart for the running backs is "still to be determined a little bit," Frost said, "but I think there's a few guys that have separated themselves a little. What order they're going to play in, and how much they're going to play, I think we'll still determine."
Ryan Held said on Wednesday there were four backs who seemed to have separated, with three of those appearing before the media: Sevion Morrison, Gabe Ervin and Markese Stepp.
Morrison has made a charge this camp after a bunch of stops and starts to the first year of his career that kept him from being able to stack practices together. He's had some wind at his back since the summer, however.
"Sevion is a really talented kid. We try to recruit as much talent as we can, and kids come along at different times on kind of a different schedule," Frost said. "Sev really kind of hit his stride, I'd say in the offseason program this summer, this winter. Looks a lot better. Looks leaner, looks faster, and he's been doing a good job. I think he's grown up from his first year here and he has a chance to help us."

EYES ON THE ILLINI​

Frost said the Huskers will jump into Game 1 prep quicker than the past.
"I feel like, especially with the guys we're going to count on to play a lot this year, they're really comfortable with scheme and what we're doing. They've gotten good reps with techniques and fundamentals and we're going to turn our attention to first game a little earlier."

NEW FACE AT TIGHT END​

(Photo: Michael Bruntz, 247Sports)
Among those trying to help the Huskers work through their injury issues at tight end is newcomer walk-on Chancellor Brewington. Listed as a 6-3, 185-pounder on his bio, he caught 23 passes for 246 yards and a touchdown during his last season of game action at Northern Arizona in 2018.
"He's a big receiver and done a good job of going in and learning and getting reps at tight end," Frost said.
The coach believes there was a connection with Brewington and Husker defender Javin Wright. "Chancellor's done a great job. Really good kid. Talented kid. I think we found a spot where we can use him a little bit."
Asked about his 185-pound listing. "I think he's bigger than that. ... It's going to be good for us, because we can use someone like him inside or outside. The more spots he knows the better chance he has to play."

VERSATILE BANKS​

Turner Corcoran has been nicked up a touch this camp, and on Wednesday it was Brant Banks taking some reps at left tackle with the top unit. Although Corcoran was still in uniform, just not pads.
"Brant's been repping with the 1s, with the 2s a little bit," Frost said of a player who could be a first option up to fill in at guard or tackle. "We've got more depth on the O-line than we've had. Nouri (Nouili) has done a good job. (Broc) Bando has done a good job. (Trent) Hixson has done a good job. Don't want to leave anyone out but there's been a lot of guys doing well and I think that's going to give us the ability to keep guys fresh and get more guys in the game."

SOME GARTH BROOKS THOUGHTS FOR THE ROAD​

Frost will be one of those attending the Garth Brooks concert at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. There was a lot of activity putting the final touches on it in the stadium Friday.
"I'm just excited to see the stadium full again," he said. "I've never been in my box before. My wife's been in it. I've never been in it. So that's where I'm going to sit."
Favorite Garth song? "I grew up with that stuff. Callin' Baton Rouge. Thunder Rolls is everybody's favorite. Cowboy's Lament, I really liked. That's a good question, by the way. I'll think of another one before we're done."
He did, too. "I'd say 'Every Time That It Rains' is probably my favorite overall."
Frost doesn't know if Garth will talk to the team at all. "When we have concerts in town, sometimes guys come over. Zac Brown has been in my office, playing my little $80 guitar. We'll see if Garth shows up. We met Garth, I think my senior year he came, and talked to the team at practice one day. He's one of the best. Can't wait to see him."

Frost discusses Friday scrimmage, RB and QB updates, team vaccination rate, Garth Brooks

With the season 15 days away, Scott Frost on Friday answered questions about his developing running backs, some injuries at tight end,...

247sports.com

 

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He mentioned his wife 😱

 

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He mentioned his wife 😱

But he didn't say she was going to be with him. Obviously she's in Florida.

 

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[Ext. 55]

Robinson, Pola Gates, Fidone are three right off the top of my head with better offer lists.

 

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Love the shorts

So is Mitch talking to his overall size or his overall size in the volleyball shorts?

 

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Twelve days away from turning the scoreboard on, camp is starting to blend into Illinois install for the Huskers.

Monday's practice is now in the books. Some Quick Husker Hits before we dive deeper into what was learned in interviews:

– Mike Dawson said he feels as good as he normally feels about special teams – which has been heavily emphasized all offseason after past struggles. "That's something that you're always working on it right until the last minute in that deal." No, he did not name the punter and kickoff specialists or returnmen, though we know some of the main competitors there from earlier camp interviews.

While waiting to see what the results are, super senior Ben Stille said Dawson is the best coach Scott Frost could have picked on the staff to lead special teams. "Just his personality, how he goes about it, I think he's really turned that around."

– The Huskers are still working multiple guys at kickoff specialist and punter, but Dawson didn't go beyond that and didn't yet "want to give away the keys to the castle" on certain things. "Honestly, when you have competition like that it makes both guys better. To be able to loosen up on that I don't think is the right thing to do at this point,"


– Dawson said you have to be fluid in balancing multiple depth charts, fielding six different teams, and have some guys who can "carry over" between units. When it comes to picking the returnmen, its important to see who has a gift for running through a small space. "That's a man's man job right there, hitting that kickoff return, because sometimes that window when you draw it up in walk-through, it looks about 10 yards wide. When it really happens ... you guys will notice when those big returns pop a lot of times those guys are running through an 18-inch space where they've got to hit it."

– Barrett Ruud said guys across the board are working to be involved on at least one special teams unit. "I think everybody's fighting to be on punt and kickoff (coverage), and then if you have that special knack to be on punt return and kickoff return, that's the hardest job in football. So we need guys that are willing and able to do that as well." On great football teams, the best players are also great on special teams, Ruud added. Everybody but the QBs has been asked to take on that challenge or making those units stand out, with the understanding it can be a bridge to more playing time for some reserve players too.

– While we know the top three in the middle backer rotation, Ruud mentioned Garrett Snodgrass and Eteva Mauga-Clements as reserves who were making good cases to fill out the depth there.

Defensive coordinator Erik Chinander said he feels good about their four-man rotation at inside linebacker — that would be Chris Kolarevic, Luke Reimer, Nick Henrich and Snodgrass. Chinander said the competition behind that four would likely be determined by who is on special teams units. Chinander said Snodgrass has made good progress since last season when he saw his first action as a Husker.

— Chinander said the cornerback battle opposite Cam Taylor-Britt is ongoing. That group consists of Ohio State transfer Tyreke Johnson, Quinton Newsome and Braxton Clark. Chinander said Nebraska is waiting for a player to seize the starting job, but likes what he has seen from the group.

— Chinander said there is an incredibly high ceiling for Ty Robinson in the future. He said Robinson has done a better job in fall camp of playing his role in the defense and being more dialed in mentally with Nebraska’s scheme.

— Defensive tackle Jordon Riley is also playing better this spring after dropping weight. Chinander said Riley has also been playing quicker after having an offseason to get more comfortable with Nebraska’s schemes.

— Chinander said Nebraska will likely begin full prep for the season opener against Illinois later this week, with scout team work starting in earnest likely early next week.

— Freshman Isaac Gifford said he has been working primarily at nickel behind JoJo Domann in fall camp. Gifford will also be a huge part of Nebraska’s special teams units this year. He said with Domann likely not leaving the field on defense, it was important for him to be involved deeply on special teams.

— Gifford said the biggest difference he has noted in Nebraska’s special teams units this year is the energy of Dawson. He said drill work during practices is different and noted that emphasis on the special teams play has been high this fall.

– Wynden Ho'ohuli is working with Dawson with the outside backers. Working hard, but taking on a lot. "For these guys now that don't come in as a mid-year, it's friggin' full speed ahead by that first practice rolls around. ... You guys are really going to enjoy getting to know him. A lot of fun. Great personality. He's doing a nice job on the field, getting stronger and getting better every single day."


– As one of the team leaders, Stille said it's past rah-rah speech time. It's about dialing deep into details and eliminating mistakes now as the Huskers work their way into game prep.

– Stille said his advice to Ty Robinson includes, "Just because you're a year older doesn't mean you're a year better or year more mature. So I've really pounded that into his head. Because it's something I wish someone would have told me. You have to be fast and you have to be diligent about what you're doing and have a focus and purpose every day to make that happen."

 

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There was football talk after Wednesday's practice too.

While Wednesday's headlines will have people chatting about topics off-the-field, Husker offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Matt Lubick was all business keeping it to what's happening on the field.

"I like where we're at right now from a focus standpoint. It's been a long camp, but a good camp," Lubick said. "A lot of improvement. Our guys are excited to play an opponent. ... Really fired up about how our guys have prepared all camp. We're a much improved team, but still have some work to do."

Some Husker Hits:

– It's not set in stone yet, "but each day the depth chart gets a little bit more clear of who are the most consistent players at every position." Lubick said there's a lot more depth than last year – at every position. "Especially skilled spots."


– Lubick said Samori Toure is playing like a veteran, and guys returning have taken their game a notch. He mentioned Oliver Martin, Levi Falck, Wyatt Liewer, Zavier Betts and Omar Manning as guys who have all gotten better and make him feel good at the position.

– At running back, "Sevion Morrison is really jumping out. Markese is showing some good things. Gabe Ervin is getting better every day and Marvin has done some good things. So had Rahmir. Rahmir has had his best camp." More than one guy will be involved. Decision on a starter isn't yet set."

– Lubick said Morrison popped out to him right off the bat this camp. "He got his body ready in the summertime. Just the way he looked. And when he gets the ball in his hands, he's been doing a lot of good things. He has great vision. He's a guy we can throw the ball too. He's very assignment-sound."

– Rahmir Johnson has been much more consistent in all areas, including knowing his assignments and running hard downhill. "I think he's worked on all aspects of his game, and he's a guy with his experience, he knows the offense ... When we ask something new it doesn't really faze him. With the other guys, when you ask something new, you still have to rep through it. It's not his first rodeo ... and it's showing."

– You need depth at I-back but you do need that one guy you believe in during crunch time. "When it's third-and-1 to win the football game, who are you giving the ball? So that we're still (deciding). We feel pretty good about it, but we're not ready to say who that guy is. You want depth, but at the end of the day, you want to know 'Hey, this is the drive to win the game. Who is that guy?' That's getting clearer and clearer."

– Wyatt Liewer is a quiet guy but lets his play do the talking. Everyone has been highlighting him this camp. "Never complains. Goes 100 mph. Takes as many reps as he can. ... And he's making a ton of plays," Lubick said. "Because he's so humble ... our guys just gravitate toward him."

– Liewer said the entire WR unit is stepping up. He definitely gave a nod to Oliver Martin and Samori Toure. He understands why Toure had almost 1,500 yards his last season at Montana. "He's so smooth."

– Lubick said he has a lot of respect for Zavier Betts. "It shows a lot of maturity to admit you have room to grow ... and admit your faults," he said of Betts' recent candid comments about having a tough spring. Lubick said it's natural for a young player to have to learn to practice. While Betts could have embraced it more in the spring, of late it's been arrow up. "You can make an argument that some days you look out there and that guy might be our No. 1 receiver. Each day they kind of take turns on who's the No. 1 guy.

His effort and speed of play has stood out this camp. "Now we can actually see his talent because he knows his assignments. And we can actually say, 'OK, this is the guy we thought he was.'"

– At tight end, "We're starting to get back healthy at that position. We'll be healthy the first game," Lubick said without getting into details. Chris Hickman has done well, he said, when asked about him specifically. "And Austin Allen has played a lot of football. If he misses a practice, it's not the end of the world. He knows his assignments. And it really does give the other guys a chance to come in and develop ... There's always a silver lining sometimes to injuries. The other guy gets in to develop and we're getting those other guys back."