Spring Football Thread

[SOHusker11]

 

[SOHusker11]

Rw:​

​

Nebraska Spring Nuggets: Rhule gives the latest with spring ball underway​

Nebraska officially kicked off its 2025 spring practices this week. Head coach Matt Rhule and a handful of his players met with local media on Tuesday to give the latest on the Huskers with spring ball now underway.

Here is a full recap of what they had to say…

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule​

***Rhule said the first two spring practices had to be in helmets only. They were mostly
“classroom instruction on grass” with getting guys back in the swing of things. There is no depth chart right now, and he wants his guys to “just focus on their effort.”

***Despite the many newcomers to the roster, Rhule didn’t feel like the team “didn’t know what we were doing.” Much of that is a credit to the returning veteran leadership and the staff. He thought the team did a great job of preparing this winter to hit the ground running in the spring.

“I think the guys are more prepared than ever… It feels kind of seamless, which is a good thing.”

***Rhule said Rowdy Bauer moved from running back to safety. “I think Rowdy’s got a chance to play here.” Jaidyn Doss is back at wide receiver, and David Hoffken is still on the defensive line.

***Rhule said Nebraska’s offensive scheme this season would “look pretty much like it did in the bowl game.” They were still evaluating the defense to see what they would lean on with that side of the ball.

Rhule clarifies comments on Raiola, talks future of spring ball​

***Rhule said it was “unfortunate” that people took his comments about Dylan Raiola’s weight and blew them out of proportion. Rhule clarified that he said Dylan couldn’t be 240 pounds – not that he was 240.

Rhule said Raiola had been “really, really focused” on his strength and conditioning all offseason. “He just knows what he doesn’t want to be (weight-wise). He’s not that.”

***On teams potentially practicing with another team during the spring, Rhule said he would be open to it if it were allowed. That said, he didn’t think it would happen.

Rhule said it was “just outside the current playing rules” for those practices/scrimmages to happen. “I don’t know. If anyone can do it, Coach (Deion) Sanders can.”

Position battles, recruiting, and secondary talk​

***On Nebraska’s deep secondary, Rhule said there were a lot of guys who “just need to make the most of their opportunities, and they’re going to get them.”

***On recruiting in the new rev share era and roster limits, Rhule said he still didn’t know what the rules and parameters were around all that. Some coaches are comfortable just throwing out numbers that they might be unable to fulfill, but he’s not.

He said it limits how many guys you might take, but it also makes teams have to consider “the value” of players and what it will cost to get them. They’ll continue to recruit through Signing Day and “be as aggressive as anyone in the country.”

That’s where new GM Pat Stewart will be invaluable for Nebraska. “That’s his world.”

***In replacing so much production on the defensive line, Rhule stuck with his motto of wanting players to “prove us right.” He thinks Nebraska’s d-line would be as good as any in the country.

***At running back, Rhule has “no concerns.” He said Kwinten Ives was “really, really talented. It’s just about him getting an opportunity.” He said Mekhi Nelson was “dynamically talented” and had “an edge to him” that Rhule really likes.

He said Jamarion Parker came in around 170 pounds and was already up to 195.

***Rhule said Malcolm Hartzog could “do it all” in the secondary, but he would primarily be a nickel while playing some field safety when needed. They’re moving DeShon Singleton around in some different roles to find ways to maximize him.

Running back Emmett Johnson​

***Emmett Johnson said his goal for this spring was to “be the best running back in the country.” He also wants to become a leader of the offense on and off the field.

***Johnson said he fits Dana Holgorsen’s offense “really well.” Part of that is his role as a receiver out of the backfield or in the slot. He wants to “do everything,” which was a big part of his return to Nebraska this season.

***Johnson said Nebraska’s new wide receivers added “a lot of talent in that room.” He’s seen that unit’s leadership grow all offseason.

***Johnson said NU’s running backs were a “versatile group” that could do many different things.

***Johnson said Raiola had “grown up really quick” over the past year. Raiola has “taken that step” in becoming the leader of the offseason, which has built the “chemistry” on offense. “He knows what it takes.”

Defensive back Marques Buford​

***Marques Buford said he loves new DB coach Addison Williams and the “passion” that he brings to the room. He’s already learned so much from Williams, and “I know he’s going to sky-rocket this room.”

***Buford said the competition in such a deep secondary had pushed everyone to “work our butts off every day to prove that we belong here.” It said it “sucks” that not everyone in the room will still be here after the 105-man roster cuts.

***Buford said he’d pushed his younger brother, Mario Buford, a lot this offseason. “He better be ready to play,” he said. Marques described Mario’s development as “day and night” from when he first arrived in Lincoln.

***Buford said, “The old stuff went out the window” when John Butler took over the defense. He expected Butler to cater the defense around the players’ strengths. “I’m fully confident in everything Coach Butler has brought to the table.”

***Buford said he’d been working primarily at safety this spring. However, he’s willing to play where his team needs him.

***Buford said he was in ear Singleton’s ear when Singleton was debating moving on from Nebraska. He said they still had too much to accomplish this season to leave now.

***Buford said there had already been great competition between the DBs and receivers. That should continue through the offense and make both sides of the ball better.

***Buford described his feelings on the defense’s play last season as “dissatisfied.” They put in so much work, and it was “a letdown” that they didn’t translate that into more defensive success in games.

***Buford said Donovan Jones could play anywhere in the secondary. The key for Jones was “continuing to keep his head down and put in the work.”

***Buford said he hadn’t thought much about not playing a spring game this year. He didn’t think it was much of an issue for the players, but he understood why fans might be disappointed about it.

 

[slattimer]

 

[Kaladin]

I don’t know about best but we should at least be pretty athletic with Lendhart, VP, Davis, and that 5* running around

 

[vailhusker]

 

[vailhusker]

 

[vailhusker]

 

[vailhusker]

 

[vailhusker]

 

[vailhusker]

Free

 

[nja13]

Good opportunity for Raiola to show some skills today too.

Do you want the QB during a pro day throwing perfect, on-the-money passes? I mean, those are easy to catch. Would the WRs get to show their catching skills more with slightly off target throws? Maybe they should bring Haarberg in to throw.

 

[Bootleg11]

Raiola has that easy juice man. Just love watching him throw the ball. So effortless.

 

[nja13]

Are we sure MJ Sherman and Rhamir Johnson aren't the same person? Goodness they look alike.

 

[vailhusker]

 

[herbsinator]

Have any pro day numbers been released yet?

 

[Napkins]

He really went from the penthouse to the outhouse. Good grief.

 

[Carm]

Have any pro day numbers been released yet?

I think the numbers have to be leaked by the players. My understanding is that the University does not track times, reps etc., that is done by each pro scout (they actually use stopwatches). Sounds like ancient times, but it's apparently how it is done. Read this on HOL this morning.

 

[SOHusker11]

He really went from the penthouse to the outhouse. Good grief.

Dumbass is going to run himself out of the league before he even gets there. What a waste.

 

[Carm]

Have any pro day numbers been released yet?

Nash released some of his

 

[herbsinator]

Nash released some of his

View attachment 51619

Seems about middle of the pack for DTs based on the combine redults