Huskers Roll Through Second Spring PracticeHuskers Roll Through Second Spring Practice
Football

Huskers Roll Through Second Spring Practice

Lincoln, Neb. - The Nebraska football team practiced for just over two hours Saturday in the Hawks Championship Center in jerseys and shorts, finishing the second practice of spring football for the Huskers.

Defensive Coordinator Mark Banker spoke with the media after practice. He mentioned that he likes what he is seeing in terms of maturation with some of the younger players on defense.

"When we finished the UCLA game, you've got two true freshman playing just about the entire game...they progressed. You wouldn't think they were freshmen. They made some mistakes that a veteran player wouldn't make but as time went on I think they just made a ton of progress...They've made a lot of good games, good plays for us in the course of the year." Banker said.

Coach Banker also talked about the defense as a whole and how he sees it progressing throughout the course of the offseason and into the early stages of spring practice.

"The biggest thing is just watching them work in the offseason...It's a lot cleaner of a situation. We had good players that moved on, but I think this group as a whole seemed to be more cohesive. I think what really helped is the fact that a good majority of them last year were juniors that were playing, so they know the leadership that we are looking for and asking for." said Banker.

Coach Banker also touched on the subject of new Defensive Line Coach John Parrella and how he sees him doing so far in spring practice.

"My first impression was when he taught me what the 'N' on the side of the helmet meant when I was with him at the San Diego Chargers. I know him as a player, he was bigger than life. He was probably one of the most unsung NFL 12-year veterans that ever probably played...He was always a team player and had an incredible work ethic..." said Banker. "I'm just looking forward for him in the opportunity to not only coach the X's and O's but also be around the players."

Nebraska’s annual Red-White Spring Game is set for Saturday, April 16 at Memorial Stadium, with kickoff at 1 p.m. Tickets are available at here, or by calling the Nebraska Athletics Ticket Office at 1-800-8 BIG RED.

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