Here are some quick notes and observations to pass along from Nebraska’s helmets-only practice on Tuesday afternoon…
***Joshua Kalu continued to get reps at safety on Tuesday, and defensive coordinator Bob Diaco said the move was made in an effort to try and get the best 11 players on the field on defense. Safeties coach Bob Elliott said the field safety position needs to be able to cover the slot receiver if needed, and Kalu’s experience at nickel and corner made him a “perfect fit” for that role.
***Elliott also the recent play of Lamar Jackson “forced the issue” in terms of getting the best 11 on the field. Diaco said he’s been very impressed with Jackson, calling him a big-bodied athlete with the skills of a smaller player.
***Diaco said linebacker Tyrin Ferguson (knee) rejoined the team and practiced on Tuesday. Diaco said Ferguson worked at outside linebacker and could be a very good fit in his defense.
***Diaco said they’re experimenting with a few other position changes on defense, especially in the secondary, but declined to specify who. He said not to put too much stock into spring position moves.
***Cornerbacks coach Donté Williams said with Kalu moving to safety, the No. 2 cornerbacks were Eric Lee and DiCaprio Bootle. Williams said Bootle was a guy who has “wow” moments but then also has times where he shows he still has a long way to go.
***Defensive line coach John Parrella said two guys who have emerged up front after the three starters were Peyton Newell and Khalil Davis.
***Asked how the transition process was going with the defensive change, Diaco said “I feel like we’re putting another coat of paint on” with every practice.
***Diaco said he coaches the punters the same way he does the linebackers, which he said was a bit of a shock to the punters at first. But they have embraced the change in coaching style and have done well this spring.
***Linebacker Chris Weber said he likes being coached by both Diaco and linebackers coach Trent Bray, saying it’s great to get two different teachers to help learn the new defense.
***Weber said he and Dedrick Young are responsible for making the pre-snap defensive adjustments, so not only do they need to know their assignments as well as the other three linebacker spots, but also what the secondary needs to do.
***Tuesday marked the final “acclimation practice” for freshman wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson Jr., who was officially cleared to practice the Tuesday before spring break after recovering from an illness stemming from an appendectomy in December. Johnson will be able to suit up in pads for the first time as a Husker on Thursday.
***Defensive end AJ Natter continues to sit out with an undisclosed injury. Natter sat out the entire week before spring break as well.
***Nebraska added five new walk-ons to the roster who made their practice debuts on Tuesday:
No. 42 Derek Zimmerman, WR/P, Jr (Adams Freeman)
No. 41 Jose Marquez, DB, Fr.
No. 40 Brandon Robbins, WR, Fr. (Bellevue East)
No. 90 Jackson Walker, P, Jr.
No. 38 Damion Jackson, LB, Fr.
***Joshua Kalu continued to get reps at safety on Tuesday, and defensive coordinator Bob Diaco said the move was made in an effort to try and get the best 11 players on the field on defense. Safeties coach Bob Elliott said the field safety position needs to be able to cover the slot receiver if needed, and Kalu’s experience at nickel and corner made him a “perfect fit” for that role.
***Elliott also the recent play of Lamar Jackson “forced the issue” in terms of getting the best 11 on the field. Diaco said he’s been very impressed with Jackson, calling him a big-bodied athlete with the skills of a smaller player.
***Diaco said linebacker Tyrin Ferguson (knee) rejoined the team and practiced on Tuesday. Diaco said Ferguson worked at outside linebacker and could be a very good fit in his defense.
***Diaco said they’re experimenting with a few other position changes on defense, especially in the secondary, but declined to specify who. He said not to put too much stock into spring position moves.
***Cornerbacks coach Donté Williams said with Kalu moving to safety, the No. 2 cornerbacks were Eric Lee and DiCaprio Bootle. Williams said Bootle was a guy who has “wow” moments but then also has times where he shows he still has a long way to go.
***Defensive line coach John Parrella said two guys who have emerged up front after the three starters were Peyton Newell and Khalil Davis.
***Asked how the transition process was going with the defensive change, Diaco said “I feel like we’re putting another coat of paint on” with every practice.
***Diaco said he coaches the punters the same way he does the linebackers, which he said was a bit of a shock to the punters at first. But they have embraced the change in coaching style and have done well this spring.
***Linebacker Chris Weber said he likes being coached by both Diaco and linebackers coach Trent Bray, saying it’s great to get two different teachers to help learn the new defense.
***Weber said he and Dedrick Young are responsible for making the pre-snap defensive adjustments, so not only do they need to know their assignments as well as the other three linebacker spots, but also what the secondary needs to do.
***Tuesday marked the final “acclimation practice” for freshman wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson Jr., who was officially cleared to practice the Tuesday before spring break after recovering from an illness stemming from an appendectomy in December. Johnson will be able to suit up in pads for the first time as a Husker on Thursday.
***Defensive end AJ Natter continues to sit out with an undisclosed injury. Natter sat out the entire week before spring break as well.
***Nebraska added five new walk-ons to the roster who made their practice debuts on Tuesday:
No. 42 Derek Zimmerman, WR/P, Jr (Adams Freeman)
No. 41 Jose Marquez, DB, Fr.
No. 40 Brandon Robbins, WR, Fr. (Bellevue East)
No. 90 Jackson Walker, P, Jr.
No. 38 Damion Jackson, LB, Fr.
