Huskers Remain in Half Pads

LINCOLN ? The Nebraska football team continued training camp on a hot and humid Monday afternoon with a two and one-half hour practice on the grass practice fields northeast of Memorial Stadium. Temperatures, which increased for the fifth consecutive day, were still in the mid- to high-90’s at the end of exercises.

While Head Coach Bill Callahan’s second training camp is still young, the second-year Husker coach has noticed some differences between 2005 and last season.

"I think the upbeat tempo and the spiritedness that we have (stand out)," Callahan said. "We hope to continue that as we move on in the process. But the biggest thing is the cohesion of the team and the tightness is something we are working hard to establish."

Monday was the third straight day the Huskers practiced in half pads, but Callahan said he is in no rush to get his players in full gear with scrimmage work quickly approaching.

"You look out on the field and these guys are still running in helmets, shoulder pads and knee braces," Head Coach Bill Callahan said. "The only things that are missing are thigh pads. We’re just trying to get the most out of practice right now. We will be in (full) pads tomorrow, and we’ll most likely scrimmage a little bit. I want to make sure they are ready to go for that."

Callahan also spoke about a pair of newcomers, wide receiver Chris Brooks and linebacker Nick Covey. Both players got their first taste of the Nebraska media Monday as they were the first incoming athletes allowed to speak with reporters.

"Chris is one of the athletes who we targeted early on in the process last year," Callahan said. "What he brings us is size at the position. He gives us playmaking ability for a big wide receiver who you can match up anywhere in the formation. More importantly, Chris is a great individual. He has a desire and passion to play the game of football. He went to school here this summer and picked up some (credit) hours to get ahead, so he really has his head together.

"Nick Covey is an individual that has just been terrific. He’s a linebacker who is trying to find his way around right now. He’s trying to get acclimated, and that’s tough to do. There has been a lot thrown at (the newcomers) during the last five practices. They are going to school in the morning. They have academic responsibilities prior to joining our team in the afternoon. They have a full schedule. These are they type of guys that we like, and Nick is one of those players that really exemplifies what it is all about."

Nebraska continues fall camp Tuesday with a 3 p.m. practice on the grass practice fields. Offensive Coordinator Jay Norvell will address the media following the workout.