PRE-SPRING PRACTICE THREAD

[jeans15]

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO BIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIG REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED! GBR!

Alright everybody the angst and tribulations of the 2015 season are over. The excitement of a new season begins this weekend. The Bowl game was a great way to end the season with hope for the new season.

I am behind Riley and the team 100%. I expect us to win our division every year. That all starts Saturday.
We are currently undefeated, so complaining about last year's record is a waste of time. As this is year 2 and I expect things will improve for the better. So let's get behind our team and coaching staff. Ultimately we all want Nebraska to resume it's place among the elite of college football.

I will be starting a thread on Saturday with updates and notes from practices. No inside information, just information accumulated through media reports and such.

Here are a few tidbits going into Saturday. Remember we all love this team, so let's act like it.


Notes:

Schedule:
2016 Nebraska football spring schedule
Practices
Sat Mar 5, 11 a.m.
Tue Mar 8, 3:30 p.m.
Thu Mar 10, 3:30 p.m.
Sat Mar 12, Time TBA
Tue Mar 15, 3:30 p.m.
Thu Mar 17, 3:30 p.m.
(Spring break)
Tue Mar 29, 3:30 p.m.
Thu Mar 31, 3:30 p.m.
Sat Apr 2, Time TBA
Tue Apr 5, 3:30 p.m.
Thu Apr 7, 3:30 p.m.
Sat Apr 9, Time TBA
Tue Apr 12, 3:30 p.m.
Thu Apr 14, 3:30 p.m.

Spring game
Sat Apr 16, 1 p.m.
Read more at http://www.huskermax.com/games/2016/files/springsked.html#kgI4W93H0csob49G.99


Quotes and Notes:

Brian Towle , From Riley press conference:

- Outlooks on QB's: Number 1 question is the QB rotation. Tommy gets the first turn with Ryker behind him. The other group will have Zack Darlington, A.J. Bush and Patrick O'Brien. We can rotate any of those 3 with the first 2 when necessary. It's a residual bonus to practice with 2 teams and 5 Quarterbacks, because with one field and team it's pretty hard to do.

- On depth of QB chart: Five QB's is ideal, what you want to try to keep it at. Smaller makes you nervous or lack of development. Other part is having too many guys and it waters down what you want to do in games and it hurts development.

- On the Offensive Line: Corey Whitaker and Tanner Farmer at Right Guard. Jerald Foster and Jalin Barnett at Left Guard. Nick Gates at Left Tackle, David Knevel at Right Tackle. Going to rotate a few players at Center, Dylan Utter will start with Zach Hannon and Michael Decker rotating in. Paul Thurston has a class that will keep him from practice, has to find a way to get him involved.

- On run/pass ratios: Wants to be more productive with running the ball without needing to call more running plays. Offense needs to be more productive running the ball week to week. This is what we're going to be week to week, no matter the opponent.

- On injuries: Mick Stoltenberg & Kevin Williams out for spring. Lavan Alston will be limited in full-speed and skeleton. Demornay Pierson-El will be out for spring.

- On Linebacker: Greg Simmons will play both inside and outside Linebacker spots.

 

[NikkiSixx]

Someone else brought up the question of split or concurrent practices like last year.. I'm curious to know how they handle that this year also.

 

[jeans15]

Notes on John Parella and who he has offered per Nate Clouse


>> Defensive end Joshua Kaindoh, Bradenton, Fla.: Originally from Baltimore, Kaindoh transferred to the IMG Academy before his junior season. He’s a five-star prospect and the nation’s No. 1 weakside defensive end, according to the 247sports composite. Ohio State, Penn State, Notre Dame and Maryland are considered some of the early favorites to land him.

>> Defensive tackle Guy Thomas, Miami: Thomas told Scout that Nebraska is one of two teams standing out for him after the Huskers offered last week. Louisville is the other. Thomas had 54 tackles, 14 sacks and three forced fumbles as a junior.

>> Defensive tackle Isaiah Johnson, Warner Robbins, Ga. (Northeastern Oklahoma A&M): Johnson had 53 tackles for NEO last season, including five for a loss and three sacks. He also forced a fumble, recovered one and intercepted a pass. Nebraska and UCF are the only two to offer him so far, and he’s already spoken to Parrella about attending the spring game, according to Huskers Online.

>> Defensive tackle Jay Tufele, South Jordan, Utah: Tufele was one of four 2017 defensive linemen to receive an offer from the Huskers on Monday. He’s the nation’s No. 3 defensive tackle, according to the 247sports composite, featuring a double-digit offer list with Pac 12 and Big Ten flavor. USC, UCLA, Utah and Michigan are some of the early standouts.

>> Defensive tackle Kurt Hinish, Pittsburgh, Pa.: A three-star prospect, Hinish currently has Penn State as his leader. Notre Dame is No. 2 with a visit to South Bend coming soon. He plans to make a commitment during the summer, so the Huskers will have to work to get him on campus in the near future.

>> Defensive tackle Eric Crosby, Virginia Beach, Va.: Last month, Crosby released a top five that included Virginia Tech, NC State, Tennessee, Alabama and Clemson. He’s considered a top 10 defensive tackle nationally. The Huskers are also recruiting his teammate at Ocean Lakes, wide receiver Tahj Capehart.

>> Defensive end Luiji Vilain, Alexandria, Va.: Another four-star defensive lineman from Virginia, Vilain has had a hot month for his recruitment. He’s recently landed offers from schools like Florida, Georgia, UCLA, Alabama, Texas A&M and Michigan. The Huskers’ offer came Monday.

 

[Pennsyhusker]

Kevin Williams is sitting out with an injured wrist. I can't remember a time the poor guy hasn't been injured. When healthy he can be really good. I hope he really comes on in the Fall and has an injury-free year. If he stays healthy that will be a huge addition to our d-line depth for next season.

 

[SilentCommit]

Things I am most excited to see/hear about:

- Offensive Line development and replacements
- The Davis Twins
- Position changes (some rumors here, nothing solid)
- Which RB is taking the most reps in practice #14
- ....and, of course.....POB

 

[iROOT4nu]

Looking forward to how Ozigbo is coming along. Dudes got potential.

 

[jeans15]

Things I am most excited to see/hear about:

- Offensive Line development and replacements
- The Davis Twins
- Position changes (some rumors here, nothing solid)
- Which RB is taking the most reps in practice #14
- ....and, of course.....POB

What rumors?

 

[SilentCommit]

What rumors?

nothing solid, probably just people talking s**t. Still, I do wonder if there will be any position changes.

 

[Husker.Wed.]

"Paul Thurston has a class that will keep him from practice, has to find a way to get him involved."

What??? How does something like this happen? Possibly a class needed to graduate not offered at any other time or during summer school?

 

[otismotis08]

"Paul Thurston has a class that will keep him from practice, has to find a way to get him involved."

What??? How does something like this happen? Possibly a class needed to graduate not offered at any other time or during summer school?

Maybe he has Mr. Hand as a professor. "You'll probably squeak by".

 

[chicolby]

I will be floored if Armstrong isn't the starter for all of 2016 sans an injury. Typically, senior qb-led teams produce some great records. If the D can continue to grow from the late part of last year, and Langsdorf has some success getting the most out of Tommy, this could be a very promising season.

 

[anon_umk0ifu6vj6zi]

I will be floored if Armstrong isn't the starter for all of 2016 sans an injury. Typically, senior qb-led teams produce some great records. If the D can continue to grow from the late part of last year, and Langsdorf has some success getting the most out of Tommy, this could be a very promising season.

But the tradition coalition has stated that O'Brien will be the starter by conference play. Nevermind that they made the same claim last year with Stanton..... poor bloners can't see past their noses.

 

[WHCSC]

Notes on John Parella and who he has offered per Nate Clouse


>> Defensive end Joshua Kaindoh, Bradenton, Fla.: Originally from Baltimore, Kaindoh transferred to the IMG Academy before his junior season. He’s a five-star prospect and the nation’s No. 1 weakside defensive end, according to the 247sports composite. Ohio State, Penn State, Notre Dame and Maryland are considered some of the early favorites to land him.

>> Defensive tackle Guy Thomas, Miami: Thomas told Scout that Nebraska is one of two teams standing out for him after the Huskers offered last week. Louisville is the other. Thomas had 54 tackles, 14 sacks and three forced fumbles as a junior.

>> Defensive tackle Isaiah Johnson, Warner Robbins, Ga. (Northeastern Oklahoma A&M): Johnson had 53 tackles for NEO last season, including five for a loss and three sacks. He also forced a fumble, recovered one and intercepted a pass. Nebraska and UCF are the only two to offer him so far, and he’s already spoken to Parrella about attending the spring game, according to Huskers Online.

>> Defensive tackle Jay Tufele, South Jordan, Utah: Tufele was one of four 2017 defensive linemen to receive an offer from the Huskers on Monday. He’s the nation’s No. 3 defensive tackle, according to the 247sports composite, featuring a double-digit offer list with Pac 12 and Big Ten flavor. USC, UCLA, Utah and Michigan are some of the early standouts.

>> Defensive tackle Kurt Hinish, Pittsburgh, Pa.: A three-star prospect, Hinish currently has Penn State as his leader. Notre Dame is No. 2 with a visit to South Bend coming soon. He plans to make a commitment during the summer, so the Huskers will have to work to get him on campus in the near future.

>> Defensive tackle Eric Crosby, Virginia Beach, Va.: Last month, Crosby released a top five that included Virginia Tech, NC State, Tennessee, Alabama and Clemson. He’s considered a top 10 defensive tackle nationally. The Huskers are also recruiting his teammate at Ocean Lakes, wide receiver Tahj Capehart.

>> Defensive end Luiji Vilain, Alexandria, Va.: Another four-star defensive lineman from Virginia, Vilain has had a hot month for his recruitment. He’s recently landed offers from schools like Florida, Georgia, UCLA, Alabama, Texas A&M and Michigan. The Huskers’ offer came Monday.

In our position at DT, how do you not offer the top 20 DT right out of the gate and then look to see who you want to focus on?

 

[JohnRossEwing]

Maybe he has Mr. Hand as a professor. "You'll probably squeak by".

"I don't know...I like that...I am going to put that on the board for all my classes to see...giving you full credit of course"

 

[Hoosker Du]

Oh no...I've always struggled with premature threads. I hope I'm not spent and smoking a grit before the spring game arrives.

 

[dockentwo]

In our position at DT, how do you not offer the top 20 DT right out of the gate and then look to see who you want to focus on?

Not a bad thought; but negative recruiters surface - " He doesn't think your special, they just offer the top 20 " > I know you say they eval more; but you are probably hurt,

 

[sparky62]

"Paul Thurston has a class that will keep him from practice, has to find a way to get him involved."

What??? How does something like this happen? Possibly a class needed to graduate not offered at any other time or during summer school?

It was explained on the news last night that he has a class that has to be taken now & it conflicts with practice.

 

[Hoosker Du]

"I don't know...I like that...I am going to put that on the board for all my classes to see...giving you full credit of course"

"Alllright Hamilton!"

 

[NikkiSixx]

I will be floored if Armstrong isn't the starter for all of 2016 sans an injury. Typically, senior qb-led teams produce some great records. If the D can continue to grow from the late part of last year, and Langsdorf has some success getting the most out of Tommy, this could be a very promising season.

Unless you are Taylor Martinez and have that convenient injury that lets you off the hook for the rest of your senior year. Just sayin...

 

[jay-cheese]

I said it before and I'll it again...I've never seen a "running QB" take hits like Taylor did. He looked like a tackling dummy our there at times.

Excited to see the new young guys.

GBR

 

[headcard]

Unless you are Taylor Martinez and have that convenient injury that lets you off the hook for the rest of your senior year. Just sayin...

The guy was the Big 10 player of the year his JR year, I don't think he was going to be replaced by Freshman Tommy Armstrong.

 

[NikkiSixx]

The guy was the Big 10 player of the year his JR year, I don't think he was going to be replaced by Freshman Tommy Armstrong.

The point was, not everything turns out the way it is supposed to.

 

[G0B1GRED]

I'm excited to see what Tommy can do with another year of coaching under Riley and Co..... also with all of our returning targets.

 

[headcard]

The point was, not everything turns out the way it is supposed to.

True enough. Remember when Lee Corso picked DeAngelo Evans to win the Heisman?

 

[balsy]

The point was, not everything turns out the way it is supposed to.

Then say just say that and don't be a d-bag

 

[NikkiSixx]

Then say just say that and don't be a d-bag

Sorry I upset you. Generally, people want proof, but you're right, I didn't connect the dots very well or communicate my intention clearly.

 

[Hoosker Du]

The roster that journalist is using is at least a couple years old.

 

[SilentCommit]

I will be floored if Armstrong isn't the starter for all of 2016 sans an injury. Typically, senior qb-led teams produce some great records. If the D can continue to grow from the late part of last year, and Langsdorf has some success getting the most out of Tommy, this could be a very promising season.

Although I'm very optimistic about our long term future for the program, I won't be shocked at all if we struggle again this upcoming season. I feel like the 10-11 win crowd will again be disappointed. I DO think we will see encouraging growth this upcoming season, but I think we still need to take the long view. With that in mind, I feel like 8-9 wins might be the ceiling for Nebraska this fall.

 

[resdog851]

I said it before and I'll it again...I've never seen a "running QB" take hits like Taylor did. He looked like a tackling dummy our there at times.

Excited to see the new young guys.

GBR

That ain't no joke. I remember Tony Dorsett say that he went his whole NFL career without ever getting blown up on a hit because he had a great ability to make a guy miss at the last second. Martinez was the exact opposite. He would get into the open field with somebody bearing down on him, and it was like his brain would vaporlock, and he would just stop in front of the tackler coming right at him. Dude got blown up at least twice a game it seemed like. I'm amazed he survived a few of them hits.

 

[JohnRossEwing]

T-Mart took some shots!

 

[cornhead1]

True enough. Remember when Lee Corso picked DeAngelo Evans to win the Heisman?

Evans was a stud...too bad he had to play early. Those games at the end of the season killed him physically. If I remember correctly he was the only capable back we had and was already injured. Could have been a great player...Definitely a great kid.

 

[headcard]

Evans was a stud...too bad he had to play early. Those games at the end of the season killed him physically. If I remember correctly he was the only capable back we had and was already injured. Could have been a great player...Definitely a great kid.

The same kid that bad mouthed Coach Solich and the staff after he left?

 

[TheBeav815]

Evans ended up with really bad problems with osteitis pubis or whatever they were calling that bizarre groin injury multiple players got around that time.

 

[mkbrkloster]

Unless you are Taylor Martinez and have that convenient injury that lets you off the hook for the rest of your senior year. Just sayin...

The point was, not everything turns out the way it is supposed to.

BS, that wasn't your point.

 

[mkbrkloster]

Sorry I upset you. Generally, people want proof, but you're right, I didn't connect the dots very well or communicate my intention clearly.

OK then, here's your chance if you'd like to clarify exactly what you meant by your very specific and chosen words earlier.