Huskers Enter Phase Two of Fall Camp

LINCOLN ? The Husker football team returned from an off day Thursday with a two and one-half hour practice on the grass fields outside Memorial Stadium. While the day began with cool temperatures, conditions quickly turned hot and muggy following a series of light rain showers.

Head Coach Bill Callahan said that he likes the attitude that his team has exhibited as it enters what he calls the "second phase" of training camp.

"Every day we try to come out here and get better," Callahan said. "We try to maximize what we are getting done on the practice field. The guys are caught up mentally, it’s just the physical repetitions that we are trying to refine right now. I like our attitude and our demeanor, but I think we can always get better. That’s part of training camp. You try to get to those different levels and phases. Right now we are into the second phase of training camp. We just came back from a break (Wednesday). Today, tomorrow and the two practices on Saturday, we are trying to take another step."

Thursday’s schedule meant that it was time for another pair of highly-touted freshmen, quarterback Harrison Beck and linebacker Phillip Dillard, to speak to the media for the first time. Callahan said he was pleased with what he has seen from the two Huskers so far.

"I think (Beck) has done fantastic," Callahan said. "He has come in here prepared. He studied quite a bit during the offense, not only here but back home in Florida. He came here with a very good knowledge of the offense. I’m really proud of his efforts to come in here and execute, be calm and poise, and not be rattled in the huddle. I think he has earned his teammates respect in that regard. It’s really impressive for a young quarterback to come in and do that at his age.

"(Dillard) has made tremendous progress learning the defensive system, but additionally he is a special teams player. He is a collision player. That is the thing that we really liked about Phillip is ability to add a physical presence to our defense, and in the running game especially. When we get into inside drills, the nine-on-sevens, we call him the "Iceman," because he will come down and blow up the isolation blocker and make an impact. It is stunning to everyone who is watching."

Callahan also addressed the injury status of several Huskers following practice. He confirmed that freshman wide receiver Chris Brooks is expected to miss at least 3-4 weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his knee, while redshirt freshman wide receiver Nate Swift freshman defensive back Jeff Souder also missed drills on Thursday after sustaining injuries.

NU will continue fall camp Friday beginning at 3 p.m. Defensive Coordinator Kevin Cosgrove and requested players will be available to speak with the media following exercises.