Nebraska’s players and coaches met with the media on Thursday after practice. The Huskers are a little more than a week out from the season opening contest against Fresno State.
Here’s what the Huskers had to say:
- Linebacker Mohammed Barry said his role in Nebraska’s defense is to make plays. The linebacker wasn’t being glib either, he expanded to say he’s been working to make sure he’s in position to help out with tackles for a loss, stops or big hits. Barry said he feels like the offseason helped him fine tune his understanding of the defense and reshape his body to allow him to get off blocks and attack faster.
- Barry will be on four different special teams units this fall - likely both coverage and return units - while backing up the outside linebackers. He said regardless of when or why he’s on the field, he’s looking to make tackles and end plays.
- Defensive line coach John Parrella said Alex Davis did well with his opportunities during the scrimmage on Saturday. The coach also said Davis can provide some of the best pass rushing on Nebraska’s team, but his focus is to make sure the redshirt freshman can get to a point where he can help the team.
- Parrella also talked about nose tackle Mick Stoltenberg and the difficulties of having someone that tall (6-foot-5) at a spot that’s traditionally been manned by squatty players. The coach said if Stoltenberg maintains good pad level, his size creates a pretty strong advantage because he’s difficult to move.
- Cornerback Chris Jones said if he or Josh Kalu need a break or are taken out from the first team defense it will be freshman Lamar Jackson stepping into the role. The freshman has impressed his teammates with how quickly he’s learned defensive concepts and the physical play he can bring to the role.
- Jones also called redshirt freshman Eric Lee the most improved player in the cornerback room. He said the defender has made great strives even from the spring.
- Cornerbacks coach Brian Stewart said the name of the game for the corners is ball production -- guys who go up and get the ball and create turnovers. Stewart said both freshman Lamar Jackson and Chris Jones are particularly adept at that.
- Stewart said one of the challenges that will be presented by Fresno State is the number of plays the Bulldogs will look to run. He said for corners, the toughest part is just getting lined up play after play.
- Stewart said both Marquel Dismuke and Dicaprio Bootle are likely redshirt candidates, but said that Bootle is on deck.
- Defensive end Alex Davis is up about 40 pounds since being on campus last year. Davis said defensive line coach John Parrella has been key for helping him learn the defensive end spot. Davis said that he has added weight and not lost his speed, and isn't sure of what his role will be this year.
- Mick Stoltenberg said he hasn't struggled much coming back from a knee injury. Stoltenberg said he has only missed one practice, because of soreness in his hamstring, and hasn't been hesitant on the field.
- Linebacker Michael Rose-Ivey and wide receiver Alonzo Moore weren't in pads coming off the practice field on Thursday.
Here’s what the Huskers had to say:
- Linebacker Mohammed Barry said his role in Nebraska’s defense is to make plays. The linebacker wasn’t being glib either, he expanded to say he’s been working to make sure he’s in position to help out with tackles for a loss, stops or big hits. Barry said he feels like the offseason helped him fine tune his understanding of the defense and reshape his body to allow him to get off blocks and attack faster.
- Barry will be on four different special teams units this fall - likely both coverage and return units - while backing up the outside linebackers. He said regardless of when or why he’s on the field, he’s looking to make tackles and end plays.
- Defensive line coach John Parrella said Alex Davis did well with his opportunities during the scrimmage on Saturday. The coach also said Davis can provide some of the best pass rushing on Nebraska’s team, but his focus is to make sure the redshirt freshman can get to a point where he can help the team.
- Parrella also talked about nose tackle Mick Stoltenberg and the difficulties of having someone that tall (6-foot-5) at a spot that’s traditionally been manned by squatty players. The coach said if Stoltenberg maintains good pad level, his size creates a pretty strong advantage because he’s difficult to move.
- Cornerback Chris Jones said if he or Josh Kalu need a break or are taken out from the first team defense it will be freshman Lamar Jackson stepping into the role. The freshman has impressed his teammates with how quickly he’s learned defensive concepts and the physical play he can bring to the role.
- Jones also called redshirt freshman Eric Lee the most improved player in the cornerback room. He said the defender has made great strives even from the spring.
- Cornerbacks coach Brian Stewart said the name of the game for the corners is ball production -- guys who go up and get the ball and create turnovers. Stewart said both freshman Lamar Jackson and Chris Jones are particularly adept at that.
- Stewart said one of the challenges that will be presented by Fresno State is the number of plays the Bulldogs will look to run. He said for corners, the toughest part is just getting lined up play after play.
- Stewart said both Marquel Dismuke and Dicaprio Bootle are likely redshirt candidates, but said that Bootle is on deck.
- Defensive end Alex Davis is up about 40 pounds since being on campus last year. Davis said defensive line coach John Parrella has been key for helping him learn the defensive end spot. Davis said that he has added weight and not lost his speed, and isn't sure of what his role will be this year.
- Mick Stoltenberg said he hasn't struggled much coming back from a knee injury. Stoltenberg said he has only missed one practice, because of soreness in his hamstring, and hasn't been hesitant on the field.
- Linebacker Michael Rose-Ivey and wide receiver Alonzo Moore weren't in pads coming off the practice field on Thursday.
