Nebraska Returns to Practice Field

Lincoln-The Nebraska football team hit the practice field for the first time since returning to classes for a workout of two hours Tuesday afternoon inside Memorial Stadium.  With school beginning, the Huskers are also moving into their in-season routine, according to head coach Bill Callahan.

 

“The focus was good,” Callahan said.  “We’re trying to get acclimated to an in-season routine and portray the same schedule this week we’ll have next week.”

 

With the season-opener against Louisiana Tech less than two weeks away, Nebraska has begun the transition into its game-week preparations.  Still, the Huskers continue to fine-tune the basics of the game.

 

“We’re still working on all the fundamentals,” Callahan said.  “I view this week as a bridge week, where we can continue to evaluate our players, continue to work on the fundamentals of the game and get better in every sense.”

 

With the beginning of school and the improved health of a number of Huskers, the practice field was a little more crowded Tuesday.  Included among the returnees were cornerback Andre Jones and linebacker Steve Octavien.  The other new arrivals were walk-ons not listed among the 105 players to report on August 3, along with defensive tackle Brandon Johnson.  In his first day on the practice field, Johnson caught the eye of Callahan.

 

“It was good to see him,” Callahan said.  “He was everything I thought he’d be.  He can just bolt down his gap.  When you have a guy who is so physical, he’s tough to remove.  When you have a body type like that and a competitive edge like that, that person can be tough to knock off the ball.  I was really impressed with him in the individual drills when the offensive line matched up with the defensive line.  I’m very hopeful he can be the player we think he can be.”

 

Callahan also noted the improvement of right guard Mike Huff.  The sophomore from Ralston, Neb., has made great strides in his pass blocking.

 

“He’s really elevated his game, especially in pass protection, and he’s still getting better,” Callahan said.  “He’s become a more consistent, physical player.  He’s smarter and understands the big picture.  It’s just great to see a kid like that come along.  We feel very confident in his abilities to play right guard.” 

 

Nebraska will return to the field for practice on Wednesday afternoon.