RW:
Nebraska quarterbacks coach Glenn Thomas
***Thomas said
Dylan Raiola learned a lot from the ups and downs of his freshman season and handled adversity well. He said that resiliency and confidence are some of the best traits a quarterback can have.
***In hindsight, Thomas said the transition to Dana Holgorsen as the OC was “a blessing” for Nebraska. It was “unique timing,” but that allowed the Huskers to be “so much ahead” of where they would be as an offense if Holgorsen had taken over in January.
***Thomas said Raiola and
Jalyn Gramstad had been “so good” at helping the younger quarterbacks this offseason because of their advanced knowledge of the offense. “I think the room is in a very, very good place that way.”
***Thomas said
Marcos Davila was new to the QB room but had plenty of experience. He said other QBs pick his brain about things even though he only recently arrived. Thomas called Davila a “natural passer” who made some plays “off-schedule” during Thursday’s practice.
***On Gramstad, Thomas said his “personality is infectious.” He said Gramstad was well-liked throughout the team and a great locker-room leader. His grasp of the offense was a valuable resource in that room.
***Thomas said it wasn’t a goal for Raiola to run more but to take advantage of scrambling opportunities when they came. “It’s more if that’s available, take it.”
***Thomas said Raiola was in “a different stage in his process” as a leader this year. “I think he’s in a great place, and I’m excited about his humility to get better and his excitement to get better.”
***Thomas said freshman
TJ Lateef was by his side on every play, asking questions and constantly trying to learn as much as possible.
Offensive line coach Donovan Raiola
***Raiola said Nebraska’s offensive line was “a great group,” and the new additions brought much to the room.
***On adding
Rocco Spindler and
Elijah Pritchett this offseason, Raiola said portal recruiting was “crazy,” but NU got two players who had immediately taken to the “standard.”
***Raiola said center was “such a specialty position” different from any position on the line. There are so many responsibilities before and after the snap, and you need a vocal leader willing to put “the offense on your back.”
***Raiola said
Sam Sledge was “doing a great job” this offseason. His progression over the last two years was right on track with what NU had hoped. “We’ve got to keep watering the bamboo.”
***Raiola said building an offensive line wasn’t just about finding the best five guys but assembling the best unit that worked together. That went beyond the starters, as everyone in the rotation.
***Raiola said players would settle into one position by Week 1, but they would also lean on versatility as the season went on.
***Raiola said
Teddy Prochazka was “doing everything non-contact” this spring.
Turner Corcoran was still rehabbing, but he was “always coaching” even if he wasn’t getting reps.
***Raiola called
Tyler Knaak “such a great asset for the team” with his “presence” and leadership. “Tyler’s taken huge steps.”
Quarterback Jalyn Gramstad
***Gramstad said he felt “caught up” with the offense after his late arrival at Nebraska last summer. He said he doesn’t have to think nearly as much because he knows what he’s doing and where to go with the ball.
***Gramstad said he tried to “be there” with Dylan Raiola and help him as a teammate and a friend. He said Raiola wanted him to come back to Nebraska this season, which played a part in his return.
***Gramstad said he was already considering coming back to NU by midway through last season. “Why would I just walk away now? … It was kind of a no-brainer.”
***Gramstad said his experience as the scout team QB prepared him for the talent level in the Big Ten. The coverages and scheme weren’t much different than what he’d seen, and he took great pride in showing what he could do in the opportunity.
He added that he was “super comfortable” with Nebraska’s offense because he put in a lot of work trying to learn the system and the reps he’s gotten over the past year.
***Gramstrad said Davila and Lateef were both “doing a great job and growing and getting better.” He said both QBs had picked up the offense quickly and were constantly studying the offense.