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Saturday Notebook: Defensive comfort, communication paying off
***Defensive coordinator Mark Banker was asked if the comfort and communication on defense was really as improved as the players have been saying this fall. “No doubt,” Banker responded. He said the defense has been “playing faster” this fall because they have such a better handle on the schemes.
***An example of that improvement was the defense met three different times during the morning and afternoon before practice and installed nine zone pressure schemes. Because the players are so much more familiar with the system and the calls, the defense executed all nine perfectly on Saturday.
***Banker said he “loves coaching Nate Gerry” in part because the safety is a great player, but also because he can be a little stubborn at times. “I like that,” Banker added. He said even though Gerry has made a big jump from last year in his understanding of the defense, and an example of that Saturday was when he came down and locked up a receiver in the slot - something he struggled with most of last year.
***Banker said Joshua Kalu and Chris Jones were “without a doubt the two best cornerbacks in our program.” Banker said Kalu has “improved tremendously” since last season, while Jones has added noticeable muscle and strength which has translated into much more confidence and aggressiveness in his play.
***Banker didn’t hide his excitement over the return of defensive tackle Mick Stoltenberg very well after Saturday’s practice. Banker said Stoltenberg’s injury prior to the bowl game was a major disappointment, but in the long run it may have been one of the best things to happen to him.
Bankers’ reasoning was that before the injury, Stoltenberg was a big, strong guy, especially in his upper body. But because of the rehab he’s had to do the past several months, Stoltenberg is now stronger and more flexible than ever in his lower body, which allows him to get great bend off the snap.
***Banker said the safety depth chart at this point was Gerry, Antonio Reed, and Reid Karel at one spot, while Aaron Williams and Kieron Williams were battling for the other starting job and Avery Anderson was behind them.
***Aaron Williams said he, Charles Jackson and Joshua Kalu have all been taking reps at nickel back early on this fall. Banker hinted hat Williams might be the front runner since he played there last season, but added that Kalu "desperately wants to play there."
***Secondary coach Brian Stewart said having the five new freshmen defensive backs arrive on campus early this summer helped them get a bigger jump than any freshman class he’s had. He said none have been overwhelmed with the first few practices because of the work they put in this summer.
***Defensive line coach John Parrella said NU needs its starting front four established soon, but added they also need to work on developing depth. He said they need a number of guys who can play at least 40 snaps a game if needed.
***Linebackers coach Trent Bray lack of linebackers last year really hurt Nebraska on special teams as much as anything. He said that won’t be issue this year with the amount of depth the position has this season, though. Last season NU had 3-4 running backs on special teams last year.
***Kieron Williams said he and the other safeties competing for the starting job opposite Nate Gerry aren’t viewing it as a position battle. Instead, they’re making it a point to coach each other up and support each other, that way they all improve.
***Williams changed his number from 27 to 26 this fall in honor of Sam Foltz. He said he made the change because he felt no other player should wear 27 this season. As for why he chose 26, Williams said he let his grandmother pick it. She told him 26 had the meaning of “a new beginning”, so he felt it was a perfect choice.
***Speaking of Foltz, his father, Gerald, and several coaches from his Grand Island High School, including head coach Jeff Tomlin were in attendance for Saturday’s practice.
***A couple unofficial visitors were at practice in 2018 Beatrice (Neb.) tight end commit Cameron Jurgens and 2017 Gretna (Neb.) offensive lineman Patrick Arnold.
***The Huskers got a nice little treat following practice, as they were given free Kona Ice shaved ice cones.
Saturday Notebook: Defensive comfort, communication paying off
***Defensive coordinator Mark Banker was asked if the comfort and communication on defense was really as improved as the players have been saying this fall. “No doubt,” Banker responded. He said the defense has been “playing faster” this fall because they have such a better handle on the schemes.
***An example of that improvement was the defense met three different times during the morning and afternoon before practice and installed nine zone pressure schemes. Because the players are so much more familiar with the system and the calls, the defense executed all nine perfectly on Saturday.
***Banker said he “loves coaching Nate Gerry” in part because the safety is a great player, but also because he can be a little stubborn at times. “I like that,” Banker added. He said even though Gerry has made a big jump from last year in his understanding of the defense, and an example of that Saturday was when he came down and locked up a receiver in the slot - something he struggled with most of last year.
***Banker said Joshua Kalu and Chris Jones were “without a doubt the two best cornerbacks in our program.” Banker said Kalu has “improved tremendously” since last season, while Jones has added noticeable muscle and strength which has translated into much more confidence and aggressiveness in his play.
***Banker didn’t hide his excitement over the return of defensive tackle Mick Stoltenberg very well after Saturday’s practice. Banker said Stoltenberg’s injury prior to the bowl game was a major disappointment, but in the long run it may have been one of the best things to happen to him.
Bankers’ reasoning was that before the injury, Stoltenberg was a big, strong guy, especially in his upper body. But because of the rehab he’s had to do the past several months, Stoltenberg is now stronger and more flexible than ever in his lower body, which allows him to get great bend off the snap.
***Banker said the safety depth chart at this point was Gerry, Antonio Reed, and Reid Karel at one spot, while Aaron Williams and Kieron Williams were battling for the other starting job and Avery Anderson was behind them.
***Aaron Williams said he, Charles Jackson and Joshua Kalu have all been taking reps at nickel back early on this fall. Banker hinted hat Williams might be the front runner since he played there last season, but added that Kalu "desperately wants to play there."
***Secondary coach Brian Stewart said having the five new freshmen defensive backs arrive on campus early this summer helped them get a bigger jump than any freshman class he’s had. He said none have been overwhelmed with the first few practices because of the work they put in this summer.
***Defensive line coach John Parrella said NU needs its starting front four established soon, but added they also need to work on developing depth. He said they need a number of guys who can play at least 40 snaps a game if needed.
***Linebackers coach Trent Bray lack of linebackers last year really hurt Nebraska on special teams as much as anything. He said that won’t be issue this year with the amount of depth the position has this season, though. Last season NU had 3-4 running backs on special teams last year.
***Kieron Williams said he and the other safeties competing for the starting job opposite Nate Gerry aren’t viewing it as a position battle. Instead, they’re making it a point to coach each other up and support each other, that way they all improve.
***Williams changed his number from 27 to 26 this fall in honor of Sam Foltz. He said he made the change because he felt no other player should wear 27 this season. As for why he chose 26, Williams said he let his grandmother pick it. She told him 26 had the meaning of “a new beginning”, so he felt it was a perfect choice.
***Speaking of Foltz, his father, Gerald, and several coaches from his Grand Island High School, including head coach Jeff Tomlin were in attendance for Saturday’s practice.
***A couple unofficial visitors were at practice in 2018 Beatrice (Neb.) tight end commit Cameron Jurgens and 2017 Gretna (Neb.) offensive lineman Patrick Arnold.
***The Huskers got a nice little treat following practice, as they were given free Kona Ice shaved ice cones.
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