Huskers Hold First Practice in Pads

Lincoln -- The focus fell on back-up quarterback Kody Spano and his knee injury as the Nebraska football team completed its fifth workout of preseason camp -- and the first practice in full pads -- on Wednesday at the Ed and Joyanne Gass grass practice fields northeast of Memorial Stadium. Head Coach Bo Pelini discussed the state of Nebraska's quarterback situation.

"We have Cody Green and Latravis (Washington) and Taylor Martinez," Pelini said. "We've brought Ron Kellogg Jr. back in too. We'll be ok, those guys are all coming along. We wish Kody was with us, but he's not. It's part of the deal. I'm not worried about us, I'm worried about him. He's worked his tail off to get back. I feel bad for him."

Pelini spent some of Wednesday's practice working on fundamentals and key skills with Nebraska's linebackers, a group where he thinks competition remains strong.

"I kind of move around day-to-day," Pelini said. "Today, we had something specific to work on with those guys. We're just working fundamentals and techniques. That's what we're doing across the board."

Pelini also holds high expectations for senior safety Rickey Thenarse. After being a key contributor on special teams and emerging on defense, Pelini is looking for him to remain consistent in his senior season.

"(I want to) see him get better, make plays, be accountable and execute our defense," Pelini said. "I'm seeing some better things from him, but he has to get more consistent."

Nebraska returns to the practice field Thursday afternoon before the initial two-a-day practice session this preseason on Friday. The Huskers are scheduled to hold a total of four two-a-days during fall camp.