Here are a few notes and observations to pass along from Nebraska’s full-pads practice on Wednesday morning…
***Outside linebackers/special teams coach Jovan Dewitt talked for the first time this spring and gave an update on his battle with throat cancer. He said he’s only had to miss one practice this spring, but has dropped about 45 pounds since January during his fight.
Dewitt said he’s past the halfway point of his treatment, and his chemotherapy and radiation sessions will continue on into early April. He said he’s been told that his form of cancer has a recovery percentage in the “mid-90s,” but he choked up a couple times during his interview while talking about his battle.
***Defensive coordinator Erik Chinander said it gives the entire team a lift when they see Dewitt at practice, especially when the team doesn’t know he’s coming like on Wednesday.
***Chinander said the biggest differences he’s seen from the defense this spring compared to last year is the overall speed of play, understanding of the schemes, and the stamina to finish practices just as hard as they start.
***Chinander said he’s also seen guys flying to the football much better and creating far more turnovers than they did last spring. He said that’s a result of guys knowing what to do and where to be and letting their playmaking abilities show.
***Chinander had good things to say about the defensive line. He said it’s a deep group and he’s really like “the violence” they’re playing with right now. Chinander said Tony Tuioti has done a great job the first couple of weeks.
***A player who has impressed on the d-line has been graduate transfer Darrion Daniels. Chinander said Daniels has brought experience and leadership to the room despite just joining the team. Chinander said Daniels has already earned his teammates’ respect with his work in the weight room and in practice, and that’s allowed his voice to carry a lot of weight.
***Chinander said the biggest difference with safety Deontai Williams this spring is that he’s been able to match his speed and “violence” with a much better understanding of his role in the defense. Now he’s not just out there “playing renegade football” and relying mainly on his ability.
***JoJo Domann said his unique position on the defense has been given a name: “The Cinco”. He’s basically a nickel/outside linebacker right now, taking near equal reps at both positions, he’s the only Husker working in that role right now.
Domann is still spending meeting time with the safeties, but Chinander said he hasn’t worked much as safety this spring. Domann said he’s weighing about 230 pounds right now, which is where he wants to stay for the season.
***Walk-on Ryan Schommer (6-4, 250) has moved from defensive end to strongside outside linebacker.
***Chinander mentioned Breon Dixon a couple times as a guy who has done well in the outside linebacker group this spring.
***Tuioti said redshirt freshmen Casey Rodgers and Tate Wildeman have both made some plays this spring, but like most young guys they need to play faster and not think so much on the field.
***Tuioti said Deontre Thomas may not fit the normal mold of a 3-4 defensive end, but he brings some unique elements to the position, especially his pass rushing ability. Tuioti said that will give him a chance to see the field a lot this year.
***Domann said the coaches told him he was one play away from earning a Blackshirt last season, and that’s been a driving motivator for him all offseason.
***Carlos and Khalil Davis said there was a point under the previous coaching staff where they thought they had peaked with their development as throwers in track and field. But after a full year of working with Zach Duval, both are excited to see the gains they’ve made when they return to competition after spring ball.
***Outside linebackers/special teams coach Jovan Dewitt talked for the first time this spring and gave an update on his battle with throat cancer. He said he’s only had to miss one practice this spring, but has dropped about 45 pounds since January during his fight.
Dewitt said he’s past the halfway point of his treatment, and his chemotherapy and radiation sessions will continue on into early April. He said he’s been told that his form of cancer has a recovery percentage in the “mid-90s,” but he choked up a couple times during his interview while talking about his battle.
***Defensive coordinator Erik Chinander said it gives the entire team a lift when they see Dewitt at practice, especially when the team doesn’t know he’s coming like on Wednesday.
***Chinander said the biggest differences he’s seen from the defense this spring compared to last year is the overall speed of play, understanding of the schemes, and the stamina to finish practices just as hard as they start.
***Chinander said he’s also seen guys flying to the football much better and creating far more turnovers than they did last spring. He said that’s a result of guys knowing what to do and where to be and letting their playmaking abilities show.
***Chinander had good things to say about the defensive line. He said it’s a deep group and he’s really like “the violence” they’re playing with right now. Chinander said Tony Tuioti has done a great job the first couple of weeks.
***A player who has impressed on the d-line has been graduate transfer Darrion Daniels. Chinander said Daniels has brought experience and leadership to the room despite just joining the team. Chinander said Daniels has already earned his teammates’ respect with his work in the weight room and in practice, and that’s allowed his voice to carry a lot of weight.
***Chinander said the biggest difference with safety Deontai Williams this spring is that he’s been able to match his speed and “violence” with a much better understanding of his role in the defense. Now he’s not just out there “playing renegade football” and relying mainly on his ability.
***JoJo Domann said his unique position on the defense has been given a name: “The Cinco”. He’s basically a nickel/outside linebacker right now, taking near equal reps at both positions, he’s the only Husker working in that role right now.
Domann is still spending meeting time with the safeties, but Chinander said he hasn’t worked much as safety this spring. Domann said he’s weighing about 230 pounds right now, which is where he wants to stay for the season.
***Walk-on Ryan Schommer (6-4, 250) has moved from defensive end to strongside outside linebacker.
***Chinander mentioned Breon Dixon a couple times as a guy who has done well in the outside linebacker group this spring.
***Tuioti said redshirt freshmen Casey Rodgers and Tate Wildeman have both made some plays this spring, but like most young guys they need to play faster and not think so much on the field.
***Tuioti said Deontre Thomas may not fit the normal mold of a 3-4 defensive end, but he brings some unique elements to the position, especially his pass rushing ability. Tuioti said that will give him a chance to see the field a lot this year.
***Domann said the coaches told him he was one play away from earning a Blackshirt last season, and that’s been a driving motivator for him all offseason.
***Carlos and Khalil Davis said there was a point under the previous coaching staff where they thought they had peaked with their development as throwers in track and field. But after a full year of working with Zach Duval, both are excited to see the gains they’ve made when they return to competition after spring ball.
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