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Sophomore defensive tackle Kevin Williams is at the point in his career when everything should soon start to click, and he’ll take a big jump. That’s how he sees it, anyway.
He’s had two years to pick up the scheme, learn some helpful techniques and adjust to the physicality of D-I offensive linemen. He’s settled into his role on the team and his responsibilities off the field. And, oh yeah, he’s FINALLY healthy.
When Williams started running again in February (after offseason surgery to clean up “all the nasty scar tissue” in a knee originally injured in the spring of 2011), he felt as good as he has since arriving at Nebraska. He’s a 6-foot-2, 275-pounder who ignored late recruiting interest from Ohio State to …
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The way coach Bo Pelini sees it: Every player has his own hurdles to overcome before coming close to reaching his own potential. And Pelini can spot lots and lots of hurdles surfacing this spring.
But that’s a good thing.
“I think we have some young guys who kind of got hit with the realization of the type of hard work, the type of attention to detail that’s required to have success,” Pelini said. ”
That realization comes in a lot of different ways but it affects guys and I think it allows them to keep growing. That’s what’s happening with our team.”
The Huskers wrapped up their 10th practice of the spring Wednesday evening, another session that earned a positive review from the sixth-year …
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As Jason Ankrah looked down the defensive line Saturday, the senior saw teammates like Kevin Williams, Aaron Curry and Avery Moss with him during the first spring practice for Nebraska.
Two Husker sophomores-to-be who played a limited amount last season and a redshirt freshman. Three players who could use his help and draw from his wisdom.
Ankrah knows that changes the way he has to go about his business as he prepares for his third season as a starter at defensive end.
“I wasn’t really a vocal guy and talking this whole 3½ years I’ve been here, but I got no choice but to do it,” Ankrah said. “So I embrace it and I’m happy about it.”
Ankrah will have leadership help from Thad Randle …
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Coach Bo Pelini said he’s not changing the fundamental principles that make up his defensive system. No surprise there. But are subtle alterations coming?
Pelini, speaking on “Sports Nightly” on the Husker Sports Network Wednesday night, made a point to say that his scheme is “multiple” yet “simple,” indicating that no plans for a complete overhaul are needed.
But last season, he thought that too often his players “were trying to be so perfect” that it hindered their playmaking ability. Pelini characterized that approach as “one of the worst things we did” on the defensive side of the ball.
So, it’s teaching the system without overwhelming the young players or compromising their instinctual nature — that seems to be the NU coaching staff’s primary defensive objective …
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After a second quarter hiccup, Nebraska cruised to a convincing 49-20 win over Southern Mississippi Saturday, appearing to meet coach Bo Pelini’s expectations in its season debut.
The fifth-year coach said he told the players that the victory was a nice way to start the year. The Huskers did more than enough to win. But this is the baseline standard. Pelini said his team has to get better going forward.
“It gives us an assessment of, kind of, where we are and what we need to get better at,” Pelini said. “I thought there were a lot of good things out there. I thought there were a lot of positives, but there’s a bunch we need to fix.”
We’ll start with the good stuff.
>> …
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Nebraska’s extended its lead and seized control of the opener, which appeared to be a little too close for comfort at times during the first half.
The Huskers have been sharp and efficient after halftime, on both sides of the ball, really.
Southern Miss moved the ball a bit, but had nothing to show for it. The Eagles’ first possession ended on a botched handoff. NU’s defensive guys seem to be getting a little more comfortable.
Other than a quick three-and-out to start the half, Nebraska’s offense moved the football effectively again. Much of the production came through the air, again. Kyler Reed’s touchdown capped a seven-play drive, and Braylon Heard’s 10-yard run up the middle highlighted a six-play possession.
It’s 49-20 now, with 7:47 …
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It’s been a bit sloppy for Nebraska, but the Huskers are holding on to a 28-17 lead. Credit Taylor Martinez and several of his receivers for that.
Martinez has completed 18 of his 23 pass attempts for 247 yards and three touchdowns, including a 4-for-5, 71-yard effort on the two-minute-drill TD drive just before halftime. He’s completed a pass to 10 different receivers.
The Southern Miss secondary isn’t making it too difficult on Martinez. And Nebraska’s pass protection has been great so far. But Martinez is doing work himself. He’s as confident as ever.
That’s good news for NU. Without Rex Burkhead and with the defense showing vulnerabilities, Martinez has to win the game for the Huskers in the second half. Should be a good …
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Nebraska junior cornerback Mo Seisay, who’s battled an ankle sprain during preseason camp, is not wearing pads and will not play in the Huskers’ opener against Southern Miss.
Seisay’s still in the mix for a spot at cornerback, but he’ll miss out on his first chance to showcase his skills Saturday. Junior Andrew Green and sophomore Josh Mitchell are the expected starters at corner. Junior Stanley Jean-Baptiste and senior Antonio Bell should also see the field at that position Saturday.
It appears that senior defensive end Eric Martin may not play Saturday as well.
Martin is dressed and did participate in light warmups about 30 minutes before kickoff Saturday. But his right leg is wrapped. He was seen limping a bit in practice this week. …
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Nearly two dozen Nebraska defenders found black practice jerseys in their lockers right before Monday’s practice.
The NU coaching staff told the players after Saturday’s 24-3 win that they’d earned their Blackshirts. They wore them for the first time Monday.
Unofficially, the count stands at 20 — though that number has not been confirmed by the coaches, who are normally vague when discussing their approach to the Blackshirt tradition anyway.
Among those wearing black after practice Monday were four defensive ends, Cameron Meredith, Jason Ankrah, Josh Williams and Eric Martin; three defensive tackles, Baker Steinkuhler, Chase Rome and Terrence Moore; three linebackers, Lavonte David, Will Compton and Sean Fisher; three safties, Austin Cassidy, P.J. Smith and Daimion Stafford; and five other defensive backs, Alfonzo Dennard, …
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Here are the best links fit to share:
>> We start with Nebraska Husker football material from Monday: Our main presser story, Rex Burkhead coming into his own, and Jared Crick learning to chase his own goals — not live up to a legend. Plus notes and a Jason Ankrah Q&A.
>> All key Big Ten Network updates right here.
>> Texas A&M denies it sent a defection letter to the Big 12. The New York Times writes that it happened. Notre Dame, for the 936th time, announced it is not going anywhere in football.
>> Jordan Jefferson’s lawyer plans to appeal to LSU coach Les Miles to reinstate Jefferson despite battery charges.
>> Penn State still hasn’t named a starter at …
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