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Official Fall Practice Thread
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Official Fall Practice Thread
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Please share with him which windows taste the best.
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Lifetime of getting yelled at in the basement of the Marriott?
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Here are some quick notes to pass along following Nebraska’s 16th fall camp practice on Tuesday morning…
We’ve heard that the expected pecking order for the opener would be Gifford, Kolarevic, and then Wright, but that is still working itself out.
***On the Huskers’ second fall camp scrimmage on Sunday, Chinander said the defense was better overall and better than in the first scrimmage.
He said he was pleased with the pass rush and the smooth transitions from the base, nickel, and dime packages. Chinander did say there was one defensive “bust” that led to a touchdown for the offense.
***Chinander said Myles Farmer had done “an incredible job” with his communication on the field this fall. All signs indicate Farmer solidifying one of the starting safety spots for Week 0.
“I can just really tell how much the game means to him,” Chinander said of Farmer.
***Chinander said that while Devin Drew was still getting caught up with his conditioning and learning NU’s defense, he is expected to play in some capacity in Ireland. The question is how many snaps he’ll end up getting against Northwestern.
***Chinander said overall, it had been a “quiet” camp in that he hadn’t had to deal with much “drama” from the team. He said he’d been happy with how the players have worked and gone about their business this offseason.
***Chinander said there were four, “maybe five” safeties he felt good about playing in a game.
***That work in the rain included the kickers, punters, long snappers, and holders, all working on wet natural grass and with wet footballs. Overall, Busch thought his group handled the elements “really well.”
***Another wrinkle NU worked into practice has been making the returners catch punts and kicks in various lighting. Busch said they wait until the sun is at a certain point and make players field balls in direct sunlight and then on the other side when the ball goes from light into shadows.
They also have them do it with the stadium lights on since the game in Dublin will go into the evening.
***Busch reiterated that Nebraska’s punt returners were instructed to put their heels at the eight-yard line and let any ball over their heads go. However, if a player caught a punt at the seven, “I’m not going to lose my mind over it.”
***Busch said that while he wouldn’t announce the starting specialists yet, every player on all the special teams units knew where they stood on the depth chart.
***Busch said a big point of emphasis on Tuesday was “offensive tackling drills,” where offensive players on special teams units ran down the field and worked on live tackling.
***Asked about players who had stood out to him this fall for their work on special teams, Busch noted Chris Kolarevic as “a big-time standout.”
Busch also named Rahmir Johnson, Travis Vokolek, Isaac Gifford, Tommi Hill, and Luke Reimer.
***Dawson expects to get “some plays” out of Drew in Ireland, but the staff had to be careful not to throw too much at him in a game right away and risk getting him hurt.
***Dawson said it was “no secret” that Northwestern would want to establish the running game against Nebraska’s defense right away in Ireland, and the defensive line had to be ready for the challenge.
***Dawson praised Jimari Butler and Blaise Gunnerson for not shying away from the competition with many more experienced players in the EDGE room. He said both players had good summers, which had carried over into their play this fall, with both making noticeable jumps in their performance.
Dawson said he wouldn’t be afraid to play either Butler or Gunnerson in a game right now.
***Dawson added that Gunnerson was a “tireless worker,” and it was apparent how important the game was to him. When Gunnerson makes a mistake, he gets “visibly upset” because he expects perfection.
***Dawson said the most significant thing for Gunnerson was that he’d finally been healthy after injuries delayed the start of his NU career.
***Dawson praised Ochaun Mathis for how well he’d acclimated with the Huskers on and off the field. Dawson said Mathis immediately earned everyone’s respect for his attitude and work ethic, and he’d helped set the standard for the entire defense.
Buschini said he’d never aimed his foot to any particular spot on the football before. Now he always tries to hit the air nozzle on every punt. He said that’d improved his punting consistency.
***Buschini said he was no stranger to punting in bad weather, going back to his days at Montana. He’s kicked in snow, wind, and ice. So some rain wouldn’t impact him much.
***Gifford said he’s tried to emulate JoJo Domann’s mental preparation as much as anything. He said Domann had “mastered” his position and was totally in tune with his strengths and weaknesses, allowing him to play to and around those.
www.on3.com
Defensive coordinator Erik Chinander
***Chinander said the competition at nickel between Isaac Gifford, Chris Kolarevic, and Javin Wright was “close” and that it was a situation where whoever had the best practice was the No. 1 each day.We’ve heard that the expected pecking order for the opener would be Gifford, Kolarevic, and then Wright, but that is still working itself out.
***On the Huskers’ second fall camp scrimmage on Sunday, Chinander said the defense was better overall and better than in the first scrimmage.
He said he was pleased with the pass rush and the smooth transitions from the base, nickel, and dime packages. Chinander did say there was one defensive “bust” that led to a touchdown for the offense.
***Chinander said Myles Farmer had done “an incredible job” with his communication on the field this fall. All signs indicate Farmer solidifying one of the starting safety spots for Week 0.
“I can just really tell how much the game means to him,” Chinander said of Farmer.
***Chinander said that while Devin Drew was still getting caught up with his conditioning and learning NU’s defense, he is expected to play in some capacity in Ireland. The question is how many snaps he’ll end up getting against Northwestern.
***Chinander said overall, it had been a “quiet” camp in that he hadn’t had to deal with much “drama” from the team. He said he’d been happy with how the players have worked and gone about their business this offseason.
***Chinander said there were four, “maybe five” safeties he felt good about playing in a game.
Special teams coordinator Bill Busch
***Busch said Tuesday was a critical day for Nebraska’s specialists, as it wanted to capitalize on working in rainy weather on the grass fields to try and simulate the game day conditions they expect in Ireland.***That work in the rain included the kickers, punters, long snappers, and holders, all working on wet natural grass and with wet footballs. Overall, Busch thought his group handled the elements “really well.”
***Another wrinkle NU worked into practice has been making the returners catch punts and kicks in various lighting. Busch said they wait until the sun is at a certain point and make players field balls in direct sunlight and then on the other side when the ball goes from light into shadows.
They also have them do it with the stadium lights on since the game in Dublin will go into the evening.
***Busch reiterated that Nebraska’s punt returners were instructed to put their heels at the eight-yard line and let any ball over their heads go. However, if a player caught a punt at the seven, “I’m not going to lose my mind over it.”
***Busch said that while he wouldn’t announce the starting specialists yet, every player on all the special teams units knew where they stood on the depth chart.
***Busch said a big point of emphasis on Tuesday was “offensive tackling drills,” where offensive players on special teams units ran down the field and worked on live tackling.
***Asked about players who had stood out to him this fall for their work on special teams, Busch noted Chris Kolarevic as “a big-time standout.”
Busch also named Rahmir Johnson, Travis Vokolek, Isaac Gifford, Tommi Hill, and Luke Reimer.
Defensive line coach Mike Dawson
***Dawson said Drew was a veteran player who had played a lot of football in his career, so the main focus since he joined the Huskers last week has been getting him caught up with his conditioning and learning the techniques and terms of NU’s defense.***Dawson expects to get “some plays” out of Drew in Ireland, but the staff had to be careful not to throw too much at him in a game right away and risk getting him hurt.
***Dawson said it was “no secret” that Northwestern would want to establish the running game against Nebraska’s defense right away in Ireland, and the defensive line had to be ready for the challenge.
***Dawson praised Jimari Butler and Blaise Gunnerson for not shying away from the competition with many more experienced players in the EDGE room. He said both players had good summers, which had carried over into their play this fall, with both making noticeable jumps in their performance.
Dawson said he wouldn’t be afraid to play either Butler or Gunnerson in a game right now.
***Dawson added that Gunnerson was a “tireless worker,” and it was apparent how important the game was to him. When Gunnerson makes a mistake, he gets “visibly upset” because he expects perfection.
***Dawson said the most significant thing for Gunnerson was that he’d finally been healthy after injuries delayed the start of his NU career.
***Dawson praised Ochaun Mathis for how well he’d acclimated with the Huskers on and off the field. Dawson said Mathis immediately earned everyone’s respect for his attitude and work ethic, and he’d helped set the standard for the entire defense.
Punter Brian Buschini
***Buschini felt that he’d been playing much better in August than in the spring. Part of that has had to do with a tweak he made to his technique following spring ball.Buschini said he’d never aimed his foot to any particular spot on the football before. Now he always tries to hit the air nozzle on every punt. He said that’d improved his punting consistency.
***Buschini said he was no stranger to punting in bad weather, going back to his days at Montana. He’s kicked in snow, wind, and ice. So some rain wouldn’t impact him much.
Nickel Isaac Gifford
***Gifford said all three nickels were capable of playing in a game, and they had each benefitted from the competition this offseason.***Gifford said he’s tried to emulate JoJo Domann’s mental preparation as much as anything. He said Domann had “mastered” his position and was totally in tune with his strengths and weaknesses, allowing him to play to and around those.
Tuesday nuggets: Chinander updates defensive progress as fall camp winds down
Here are some quick notes to pass along following Nebraska's 16th practice of fall camp on Tuesday morning.
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Nebraska defensive coordinator Erik Chinander, defensive line coach Mike Dawson, special teams coach Bill Busch and NICK Isaac Gifford, receiver Brody Belt and punter Brian Buschini met with the media on Tuesday morning.
Here are some key takeaways following the Huskers' 16th practice of the preseason and their latest media sessions:
Playing under Domann, who’s now trying to make the Indianapolis Colts’ roster, helped Gifford get better at playing a unique position that isn’t easy.
“I learned quite a bit,” Gifford said. "Getting reps like that in the year is really good, especially after getting to watch JoJo play all year. I learned a ton from JoJo. So getting those reps last year was huge for me.”
While Gifford was the backup who got valuable playing experience at nickel last season, he’s in a heated battle with two others looking for playing time at the same spot: Chris Kolarevic and Javin Wright.
On Tuesday, defensive coordinator Erik Chinander said the nickel position is the one that isn’t solidified yet. The 6-1, 225-pound Kolarevic had 27 tackles at inside linebacker last year. Wright, a long and athletic defender at 6-5, 215 pounds, is just now returning to the field after overcoming health issues from last year.
Gifford felt he did his job consistently in 2021, which allowed him to get the backup opportunity in the first place. But there’s one area of his game where he wanted to really hone in on this offseason.
“Obviously coverage is my biggest point of emphasis, and I think I’ve worked pretty hard on that over the offseason,” Gifford said. “Just knowing the defense, knowing where your help is, who’s helping you on which play, and just knowing your leverage.”
While Gifford is competing for a starting job, he’ll also be seen on special teams like last year. Whether that’s on the front line of the punt team or on the kickoff and kick return unit, Gifford will be there helping out.
“I’ve definitely seen him grow on that side of the defense, on that nickel spot,” fifth-year walk-on Brody Belt said of Gifford on Tuesday. “He’s definitely made a lot of strides and made a lot of improvements. But it’s not like you won’t see him out there on special teams, too. He’s a big-time player for us and I think on special teams, at like punt and punt return, he’ll be a force to be reckoned with.”
– Steve Marik
One of the most common sentiments this fall camp has been the confidence of the Nebraska players and coaches that the special teams unit will be much improved in 2022. With how dismal it was a year ago, it can’t really get any worse.
Husker running back-turned-wide receiver Brody Belt was the latest to spread that sentiment, mentioning Nebraska should be better in all phases. That includes different protection looks and a better return game.
“We’ve had a lot of different protections, a lot better catching punts, returning balls,” Belt said. “I think our return game is going to be something different this year. I’m excited to see what we can do.”
Part of that has to do with the new mentality instilled by special team coach Bill Busch as well as head coach Scott Frost.
“So, like Busch says, we do the ordinary extraordinary. It’s doing things that some people don’t want to do,” Belt said. “The everyday things, normal things, but we do them extraordinary, or like what coach Frost says, do one more, we get more work in and that’ll make us that much better and be able to succeed on the field.”
That “one more” has also been quite prevalent all throughout the offseason, not just during fall camp. Part of that mantra points to the Huskers' focus on finishing games, an obvious struggle last season that resulted in a 3-9 record.
“Coach Frost has been speaking a lot about one more, it’s our thing this season,” Belt said. “One more thing that can make us better, one more thing during the drive to have a turning point in the series and stuff like that. I think one more has really been driven a whole lot.”
– Geoff Exstrom
Those provide reasons to heed Erik Chinander's words when he was asked who has been impressing him on the Huskers' offense in the preseason.
“I think, first off, those running backs are doing a really good job," Chinander said. "It’s hard for me to know who’s in the game because they’re all hitting it so hard, and they’re all good runs. Trey Palmer has done an excellent job, Travis Vokolek is a matchup nightmare. They’ve just got a lot of weapons all over the field.”
That's yet another instance of hearing about a running back room that has a 180-degree difference in it this season – in overall talent and vibe – as we head toward the beginning of the season.
And Vokolek has been "a matchup nightmare"?
If he is truly emerging as a dynamic pass catcher, that would open up Mark Whipple's playbook in a significant, game-changing way and could provide Casey Thompson – or Chubba Purdy – with as stable of an option to rely upon as any others in this offense.
– Zack Carpenter
"We're working so hard on being fundamentally correct in everything that we do,” Busch said. “So, we take the ordinary and we do it with great energy and fire. I appreciate those guys for that."
Busch said it's a big deal for them to do things like have a great kickoff return. Even taking it to the 26- or 28-yard line is a great job. Getting a nice punt for 41 yards with no return is a great job. He’s stressing that his unit do the ordinary things in an extraordinary way. Then the big plays will come.
The coach was pleased with how his group handled the weather during a chance to practice in wet conditions.
"Today was a great day for us with the weather," Busch said. "That was like being in Ireland. So, we did a lot of things special teams-wise with the specialists, with the snappers, with the holders that involve wet-ball drills, different things that are probably going to come up during the game. We had a chance to snap balls and be able to punt and do different things on wet grass out there. So that was great for us to be able to get that done.”
Scott Frost mentioned on Saturday that he feels good about the special teams situation with the Huskers right now. It appears the coach and his assistant are on the same page on the verge of kicking off the season.
-Greg Smith
nebraska.rivals.com
Eleven.
That's how many days – including Tuesday – that Nebraska and all its fans have to grind through until the season-opening kickoff date of August 27 will finally arrive. The Huskers will face Northwestern in Dublin, and with that 11-day mark comes one final week stateside.
And also with that comes three final media appearances for Husker players and personnel before they depart for Ireland on Monday evening – that included on Tuesday when defensive coordinator Erik Chinander was one of the three coaches who answered questions throughout the morning.
One of the biggest talking points for Chinander?
An update on the Huskers' depth chart and position battles.
He's been playing well enough, in fact, that he is likely going to get playing time in the season opener. That's a fairly surprising turn since he just got to campus last Tuesday and participated in his first practice last Wednesday. But that is the impact he has already had in a short amount of time.
"It's been pretty amazing, actually," Chinander said of Drew. "First off, coach (Mike) Dawson and the GAs have done an unbelievable job meeting extra with him, getting him ready. Those guys go out there and you wanna see what they can do. Can he play 3-technique? Can he play the run? Can he rush the passer? You expect there's gonna be errors and blowups everywhere. There hasn't been with him.
"Right now, he's dialed in, he's operated, and he's gonna compete for a chance to play, realistically, in Ireland. You get here late, you expect him to take some reps. How many? I don't know. We'll see through this week. But I expect him to take some reps in Dublin."
On Tuesday Gifford said the three of them are "all on the same page" and that he thinks that trio is "a special group."
Though he didn't mention them by name, Chinander would surely agree with Gifford's assessment after watching them throughout the offseason and preseason practices.
"Some guys are solidified (on the depth chart). There are still positions — take nickel, for example — where it’s OR-OR-OR, and I’m gonna have to see who’s gonna have the best practice," Chinander said. "And it might be like that all year. I feel like we got three competent guys right now, and it might be whoever practices best that week gets to go out there for the first snap.
“I assume all those guys are gonna play. All of them are playing on special teams just like they are at other positions. But we have the luxury right now of having some guys that can all go out there and be a starter. I think it’s a great thing to have.”
Both will play, and both will likely play a lot as those two, plus Garrett Nelson, are set to earn the most snaps for a potentially dynamic defense.
The fact that Mathis isn't starting over Tannor at EDGE in the preseason probably doesn't matter, overall, right now. But it might be a sign that Tannor has been getting pushed by the arrival of the former two-time All-Big 12 defensive lineman. That's been one of the positives, Chinander says, about Mathis coming to Lincoln — he's added to the EDGE group's competitive fire and on-field depth.
“Similar to the nickel position, it’s just been more competition and more guys that everybody sees now," Chinander said. "There’s five guys that any of of them can walk out there and nobody would blink an eye. And everybody has to raise up their level of competition when you get a new guy in the room competing for a spot in the starting rotation. They understand that this isn’t play-around time anymore. Every rep counts. Every rep’s being filmed, every rep’s being graded, and just having more of those guys in the building helps.”
Hill has not played a down for the Huskers yet, but the Arizona State transfer is continuing to get some of the most preseason hype for any player on Chinander's defense. That includes from the defensive coordinator himself.
"Tommi's got the ability to be a very special player," Chinander said. "Once again, he's a guy that came in the spring, you saw a lot of flashes, but it wasn't always the right thing because he didn't always know what was going on. I've seen him grow a lot in the defense as well, and I think that he's got an opportunity to be a really special corner in this league."
nebraska.rivals.com
Here are some key takeaways following the Huskers' 16th practice of the preseason and their latest media sessions:
Gifford making play at starting NICK spot
Isaac Gifford was the one who filled in for JoJo Domann last season after Domann’s season ended with a hand injury following the Ohio State game. Gifford, a 6-foot-1, 200-pounder from Lincoln Southeast High School, recorded seven tackles and one pass breakup on the year, which was mostly spent on special teams.Playing under Domann, who’s now trying to make the Indianapolis Colts’ roster, helped Gifford get better at playing a unique position that isn’t easy.
“I learned quite a bit,” Gifford said. "Getting reps like that in the year is really good, especially after getting to watch JoJo play all year. I learned a ton from JoJo. So getting those reps last year was huge for me.”
While Gifford was the backup who got valuable playing experience at nickel last season, he’s in a heated battle with two others looking for playing time at the same spot: Chris Kolarevic and Javin Wright.
On Tuesday, defensive coordinator Erik Chinander said the nickel position is the one that isn’t solidified yet. The 6-1, 225-pound Kolarevic had 27 tackles at inside linebacker last year. Wright, a long and athletic defender at 6-5, 215 pounds, is just now returning to the field after overcoming health issues from last year.
Gifford felt he did his job consistently in 2021, which allowed him to get the backup opportunity in the first place. But there’s one area of his game where he wanted to really hone in on this offseason.
“Obviously coverage is my biggest point of emphasis, and I think I’ve worked pretty hard on that over the offseason,” Gifford said. “Just knowing the defense, knowing where your help is, who’s helping you on which play, and just knowing your leverage.”
While Gifford is competing for a starting job, he’ll also be seen on special teams like last year. Whether that’s on the front line of the punt team or on the kickoff and kick return unit, Gifford will be there helping out.
“I’ve definitely seen him grow on that side of the defense, on that nickel spot,” fifth-year walk-on Brody Belt said of Gifford on Tuesday. “He’s definitely made a lot of strides and made a lot of improvements. But it’s not like you won’t see him out there on special teams, too. He’s a big-time player for us and I think on special teams, at like punt and punt return, he’ll be a force to be reckoned with.”
– Steve Marik
Special teams gets facelift
Bill Busch (Greg Smith/Inside Nebraska)One of the most common sentiments this fall camp has been the confidence of the Nebraska players and coaches that the special teams unit will be much improved in 2022. With how dismal it was a year ago, it can’t really get any worse.
Husker running back-turned-wide receiver Brody Belt was the latest to spread that sentiment, mentioning Nebraska should be better in all phases. That includes different protection looks and a better return game.
“We’ve had a lot of different protections, a lot better catching punts, returning balls,” Belt said. “I think our return game is going to be something different this year. I’m excited to see what we can do.”
Part of that has to do with the new mentality instilled by special team coach Bill Busch as well as head coach Scott Frost.
“So, like Busch says, we do the ordinary extraordinary. It’s doing things that some people don’t want to do,” Belt said. “The everyday things, normal things, but we do them extraordinary, or like what coach Frost says, do one more, we get more work in and that’ll make us that much better and be able to succeed on the field.”
That “one more” has also been quite prevalent all throughout the offseason, not just during fall camp. Part of that mantra points to the Huskers' focus on finishing games, an obvious struggle last season that resulted in a 3-9 record.
“Coach Frost has been speaking a lot about one more, it’s our thing this season,” Belt said. “One more thing that can make us better, one more thing during the drive to have a turning point in the series and stuff like that. I think one more has really been driven a whole lot.”
– Geoff Exstrom
Skill players impressing Chinander
It is often just as beneficial – at some points even more beneficial – to get the thoughts on who is standing out on offense from the defensive personnel. They are the ones who have to devise plans and schemes to stop that side of the ball, after all, and they can give a unique perspective. That is typically without any hidden agenda of either trying to hide who sits where on the depth chart, trying to add extra motivation directed at players with public critiques or pump up their confidence with public praise.Those provide reasons to heed Erik Chinander's words when he was asked who has been impressing him on the Huskers' offense in the preseason.
“I think, first off, those running backs are doing a really good job," Chinander said. "It’s hard for me to know who’s in the game because they’re all hitting it so hard, and they’re all good runs. Trey Palmer has done an excellent job, Travis Vokolek is a matchup nightmare. They’ve just got a lot of weapons all over the field.”
That's yet another instance of hearing about a running back room that has a 180-degree difference in it this season – in overall talent and vibe – as we head toward the beginning of the season.
And Vokolek has been "a matchup nightmare"?
If he is truly emerging as a dynamic pass catcher, that would open up Mark Whipple's playbook in a significant, game-changing way and could provide Casey Thompson – or Chubba Purdy – with as stable of an option to rely upon as any others in this offense.
– Zack Carpenter
Doing the ordinary with "energy and fire"
Nebraska special teams coach Bill Busch came out with a pep in his step on Tuesday. It could be that his unit got to test itself on a wet day in Lincoln on Tuesday. He could also have a quiet confidence in what he’s seen from his group this spring. Busch laid out his vision for how the group has been performing while focusing on the little things."We're working so hard on being fundamentally correct in everything that we do,” Busch said. “So, we take the ordinary and we do it with great energy and fire. I appreciate those guys for that."
Busch said it's a big deal for them to do things like have a great kickoff return. Even taking it to the 26- or 28-yard line is a great job. Getting a nice punt for 41 yards with no return is a great job. He’s stressing that his unit do the ordinary things in an extraordinary way. Then the big plays will come.
The coach was pleased with how his group handled the weather during a chance to practice in wet conditions.
"Today was a great day for us with the weather," Busch said. "That was like being in Ireland. So, we did a lot of things special teams-wise with the specialists, with the snappers, with the holders that involve wet-ball drills, different things that are probably going to come up during the game. We had a chance to snap balls and be able to punt and do different things on wet grass out there. So that was great for us to be able to get that done.”
Scott Frost mentioned on Saturday that he feels good about the special teams situation with the Huskers right now. It appears the coach and his assistant are on the same page on the verge of kicking off the season.
-Greg Smith
Isaac Gifford makes run at starting nickel, special teams gets facelift
Isaac Gifford's drive to become the full-time starting nickel, the special teams facelift and more takeaways from today.
Eleven.
That's how many days – including Tuesday – that Nebraska and all its fans have to grind through until the season-opening kickoff date of August 27 will finally arrive. The Huskers will face Northwestern in Dublin, and with that 11-day mark comes one final week stateside.
And also with that comes three final media appearances for Husker players and personnel before they depart for Ireland on Monday evening – that included on Tuesday when defensive coordinator Erik Chinander was one of the three coaches who answered questions throughout the morning.
One of the biggest talking points for Chinander?
An update on the Huskers' depth chart and position battles.
Devin Drew will be available
Devin Drew has been practicing with the Huskers for less than a full week. But the Texas Tech and Cockeye Western Community College transfer is already impressing in practice on the Nebraska defensive line.He's been playing well enough, in fact, that he is likely going to get playing time in the season opener. That's a fairly surprising turn since he just got to campus last Tuesday and participated in his first practice last Wednesday. But that is the impact he has already had in a short amount of time.
"It's been pretty amazing, actually," Chinander said of Drew. "First off, coach (Mike) Dawson and the GAs have done an unbelievable job meeting extra with him, getting him ready. Those guys go out there and you wanna see what they can do. Can he play 3-technique? Can he play the run? Can he rush the passer? You expect there's gonna be errors and blowups everywhere. There hasn't been with him.
"Right now, he's dialed in, he's operated, and he's gonna compete for a chance to play, realistically, in Ireland. You get here late, you expect him to take some reps. How many? I don't know. We'll see through this week. But I expect him to take some reps in Dublin."
Three battling at nickel
Isaac Gifford, Javin Wright and Chris Kolarevic are the three players who figure to get the most snaps at nickel this season – especially early – and they are continuing to compete neck-and-neck with each other.On Tuesday Gifford said the three of them are "all on the same page" and that he thinks that trio is "a special group."
Though he didn't mention them by name, Chinander would surely agree with Gifford's assessment after watching them throughout the offseason and preseason practices.
"Some guys are solidified (on the depth chart). There are still positions — take nickel, for example — where it’s OR-OR-OR, and I’m gonna have to see who’s gonna have the best practice," Chinander said. "And it might be like that all year. I feel like we got three competent guys right now, and it might be whoever practices best that week gets to go out there for the first snap.
“I assume all those guys are gonna play. All of them are playing on special teams just like they are at other positions. But we have the luxury right now of having some guys that can all go out there and be a starter. I think it’s a great thing to have.”
EDGE talk
There was plenty of back-and-forth debate on our Insider's Board over the weekend when Greg wrote his Insider Notes from the Huskers' most recent scrimmage and talked about how Caleb Tannor is starting over Ochaun Mathis right now.Both will play, and both will likely play a lot as those two, plus Garrett Nelson, are set to earn the most snaps for a potentially dynamic defense.
The fact that Mathis isn't starting over Tannor at EDGE in the preseason probably doesn't matter, overall, right now. But it might be a sign that Tannor has been getting pushed by the arrival of the former two-time All-Big 12 defensive lineman. That's been one of the positives, Chinander says, about Mathis coming to Lincoln — he's added to the EDGE group's competitive fire and on-field depth.
“Similar to the nickel position, it’s just been more competition and more guys that everybody sees now," Chinander said. "There’s five guys that any of of them can walk out there and nobody would blink an eye. And everybody has to raise up their level of competition when you get a new guy in the room competing for a spot in the starting rotation. They understand that this isn’t play-around time anymore. Every rep counts. Every rep’s being filmed, every rep’s being graded, and just having more of those guys in the building helps.”
More Tommi Hill praise
Stop us if you have heard this before: Tommi Hill is getting loads of praise at a Nebraska press conference.Hill has not played a down for the Huskers yet, but the Arizona State transfer is continuing to get some of the most preseason hype for any player on Chinander's defense. That includes from the defensive coordinator himself.
"Tommi's got the ability to be a very special player," Chinander said. "Once again, he's a guy that came in the spring, you saw a lot of flashes, but it wasn't always the right thing because he didn't always know what was going on. I've seen him grow a lot in the defense as well, and I think that he's got an opportunity to be a really special corner in this league."
Devin Drew to get reps in Ireland, Erik Chinander updates depth chart
The Huskers are making more preparations before they kick off against Northwestern including locking in the two-deep.
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Anyone else's dick shrivel up when you read Chin talking about 4 or 5 options at a position? I'd bet dollars to donuts that the position is average at best
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Maybe it's cold
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Don’t worry I googled it
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I can't afford anymore shrinkage if you know what I meanDon’t worry I googled it
Penis Shrinkage: Causes, Treatment and More
Learn possible causes for penis shrinkage and how to manage this symptom.
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Don’t worry I googled it
Penis Shrinkage: Causes, Treatment and More
Learn possible causes for penis shrinkage and how to manage this symptom.
but....Don’t worry I googled it
Penis Shrinkage: Causes, Treatment and More
Learn possible causes for penis shrinkage and how to manage this symptom.
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I think edge is the best position on the field for Nebraska
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