Pelini Stresses Importance of Finishing

Lincoln - The Nebraska football team kicked off 2010 fall camp Saturday afternoon with a 2 ? hour workout on the Ed and Joyanne Gass practice fields northeast of Memorial Stadium. The Huskers worked out in helmets and in shorts to mark the beginning of Bo Pelini's third season as Nebraska's head coach.

"It was a typical first day," Pelini said. "I thought the effort was good. There were a lot of mistakes but it was the first day. We've got a lot of work to do. We're just kicking it off and getting the kinks out. We've got a lot of work ahead of us."

Pelini led Nebraska to a 10-4 season a year ago, capped by a 33-0 shutout over Arizona in the Holiday Bowl. The 2010 Huskers return 19 starters this fall and were tabbed at No. 9 in the USA Today preseason coaches' poll released Friday. After nearly claiming a Big 12 Championship in his second season as head coach, Pelini said the program continues to stress the importance of finishing as it begins a new season.

"That's something we've emphasized since the time we (the staff) got together," Pelini said. "We talk about finishing all the time. That's what it's all about when you're trying to be a good football player. You have to be able to finish, not only as a team but individually in practice, drills and everything we do. It's a big emphasis in this program."

Saturday marked the first full practice since the team concluded spring workouts in mid-April. However, nearly the entire 2010 team spent a majority of their summers in Lincoln to train with NU strength and conditioning coach James Dobson and his staff.

"I think they're in great shape," Pelini said. "You see a lot of body types changing, even with the young guys who have only been here for two months. You see their bodies taking shape and more lean body mass, more athleticism. It's a testament. I wouldn't trade James Dobson for anybody. I think he does a phenomenal job."

The Huskers return to the practice field Sunday afternoon for a 3:45 p.m. workout. The fall camp schedule consists of 29 practices over the next four weeks, leading up to the Sept. 4 season opener vs. Western Kentucky.