The Weekly Buzz: Spring Practice Starts
Huskerland and the Internet is exploding with all the new interesting tidbits brought on by the first day of Spring Practice. When trying to find a nice way to summarize everything that was going on, I realized I was facing an impossible task. So I waded through everything I could find bringing the most interesting pieces of news to be found from the first day of players taking the field with coaches. So to start things off, nothing is better than actually seeing Husker football players take the field for themselves, even if it is practice.
Running offense now second nature » If Cody Green is serious about this feeling of comfort running the offense, let's hope he gets his fair shake when Zac Lee comes back into the lineup. Green is saying that this offense is more in line with what he was running in high school, and if his preparation tactics pay off (watching every play 3 or 4 times), then he should compete with Lee pretty closely this spring and summer. And that's right, Aesop reference. That's cerebral, man.
Corn-fed beef » First, we find out Niles Paul is freaky fast and freaky strong, then Dontrayevous Robinson shows up like a monster on the first day of practice. 21 pounds bigger puts him at 236 - pushing into fullback territory without losing speed, according to RB coach Tim Beck.
Which nickname's the best » Mike McNeil has been getting some cool new nicknames with his position change to Wide Receiver this spring including The Ved (homage to Jon Vedral) and The Adjuster. And we're not talking about some insane chiropractor here, we're talking about a guy that will be used to wreak mismatch nightmares on defenders across the Big 12.
Jack of all trades » Mike Smith could apparently play any position on the offensive line. Depending on the development of players around him, he could be at tackle, guard or center. One offensive lineman he hopefully won't have to replace is Ricky Henry. He's still recovering from shoulder surgery that may leave him out of spring practice.
Transferring football intelligence » Joe Ganz (intern) and Jacob Hickman (student assistant) are two players that have returned to help the Husker players in a coaching capacity. These were two players that had great football smarts and I hope they are able to get those abilities into existing player heads.
Let the coach speak begin » Let's play Bo Pelini bingo: learn, effort, intensity, flying, excited, fun, confident, fundamentals, technique, basics, developed, teaching, perform, execute, pressure, competition... BINGO!
San Diego, Ca.
3/26/2010
“It’s been more reps but the same expectancy out of (the coaches),” Young said.
I’ll interpret that as a signal based on their chats with Dr. Tom. Intensity play to play, yet demanding execution. They’re implying the scrimmage is going to be physical and there’ll be more of ‘em. But, they don’t want anyone to get hurt…
I think it’s the mental approach of intensity with the emotions in check. Mental stamina. Which of course, is classic Nebraska ball. They’ve already done their physical training, they know enough plays and techniques.
Now, for the relentlessness.
Be the best at that, and you’ve won a job in the two deep, regardless of class and scholarship status. It’s those guys the staff’s trying to identify.