Huskers Push Through Third Day of Practice

The Nebraska football team finished a 2 1/2-hour practice in helmets and shorts on the Ed and Joyanne Gass grass practice fields outside of the Hawks Center on Monday. Some of the attention after practice was focused on consistency and execution on both sides of the ball.

"Practice started with good tempo," Head Coach Bo Pelini said. "I think we gave into the heat a little bit. Neither side was as crisp as I'd like to see it, but that is part of the process."

Pelini spoke briefly about the progress of sophomore linebacker Matt May and the linebacking group as a whole.

"He's (May) learning a lot; he's still got a lot to learn," Pelini said. "He's not near the finished product. The linebacking position is up for grabs. In all three spots, we don't really have any starters there right now. We're trying to figure it out and see who steps up. No one has stepped up yet and taken the job."

Junior I-back Quentin Castille is expected to excel in 2009 after emerging as a solid force for the Huskers in his sophomore season. Pelini noted the positive summer he had and the expectations the team holds for him this season.

"He had a good summer," Pelini said. "He came in and he's in very good shape. I think he's mentally ready to go. I want to see him be a leader. I want to see him step up and be accountable to everybody and show us he's someone we can depend on every down."

The Huskers will practice again on Tuesday afternoon as they progress through the first week of Fall Camp.