Huskers Make Strides Through Spring PracticeHuskers Make Strides Through Spring Practice
Football

Huskers Make Strides Through Spring Practice

Lincoln, Neb. - The Nebraska football team practiced in full pads for just over two hours on Tuesday in the Hawks Championship Center and the Ed and Joyanne Gass Practice Fields.

Defensive Coordinator Mark Banker spoke with the media following practice regarding what he sees in the progress of the defense.

"I think there is a number of guys that have developed consistency of play and what they are doing from a good standpoint. Things have been so fundamental at this point in time and we have been able to bring other people up to speed and develop that consistency and at the same time evaluate as well." Banker said.

Coach Banker also talked about some of the pleasant surprises he has seen from his defensive unit and individual players.

"I think the backers, in particular Bando (Senior Josh Banderas), Dedrick [Young], Marcus [Newby], just their fluidity, their movement, their aggressiveness and seeing what they need to and just going and getting it without hesitation: that has been good." Banker said. "[Josh] Kalu and Chris Jones have been consistent and their play has become better. I think Nate Gerry been very, very consistent."

Coach Banker also continued to sing praises of new defensive line coach John Parrella and how he has been a great addition to the staff.

"As we go watch film as a staff and as we make corrections, just like he was as a player he's going to put those things down and he's going to bring it back to the meeting room and get them corrected." Banker said. "He's done a great job as far as just addressing things that need to be fixed or changed. His demeanor, his personality, very positive, very focused, very self-motivated. All those things put together and being around the players day in and day out will pay off."

Nebraska returns to the practice field on Thursday before taking an 11-day break from workouts during UNL Spring Break. 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 Huskers.com, or by calling the Nebraska Athletics Ticket Office at 1-800-8 BIG RED.