Huskers Open 2009 Fall Camp

Lincoln ­- The Husker football team kicked off fall camp Saturday afternoon with a 2 1/2-hour workout on the sun-soaked Ed and Joyanne Gass grass practice fields. The Huskers worked out in helmets and shorts in temperatures that surpassed the century mark.

"I thought they reacted well," Head Coach Bo Pelini said.  "They flew around. We saw some good things. I think it's obvious they did their work conditioning-wise because that heat didn't bother them at all."

Pelini said Saturday's workout was predominantly about setting to the tone for the practices held through fall camp. The Huskers haven't had an official full-team practice since the April 18 spring game.

"As much as anything, it's about being consistent and being more of a mentally tough football team than what we were a year ago," Pelini said. "That is something we'll continue to emphasize as we move along."

The Huskers return 13 starters on each side of the ball in 2009. Nebraska is ranked No. 22 in the USA Today Coaches' Poll and has a total of 28 preseason practices to get ready for the Sept. 5 home opener against Florida Atlantic. Pelini is encouraged by the team's attitude kicking off fall camp.

"I think they are excited and ready to go," Pelini said. "I sense that they feel like they have something to prove. I think they do have something to prove. The attitude seems right. We need to make sure we stay consistent."

The Huskers return to the practice field Sunday afternoon for a 3:45 p.m. workout.