Another Day of Full Pads
The Nebraska football team put on all its gear again Tuesday as players hit the practice field. Searching for intensity and more full-impact drills, NU Coach Bill Callahan said the Huskers are responding pretty well, and the hard work will continue into Thursday.
"Historically what we've done is we've been full pads at the beginning and then we go half pads," Callahan said. "What I think everyone needs to know is that when you go half pads, the only thing you really don't get is the full scrimmage aspect, and I don't think every team wants to go out and scrimmage everyday or else you'll lose half your roster.
"When you put on pads, full pads, you get a little more cutting, more upper body work. But when you're in half pads you can get just as much work."
Injury Update
Cornerback Zackary Bowman didn't practice on Wednesday because of a sore hamstring. Callahan said he would see how the senior was feeling on Thursday, but refused to speculate about this weekend's game against Ball State.
Mixing up the O-line:
With junior tackle Andy Christensen out for the season with a knee injury, the offensive line is still searching for a replacement. Callahan said he was pleased with the work of several players on Wednesday, including Keith Williams, Jacob Hickman, Mike Huff and D.J. Jones.
The coach seemed most excited about Williams, and commented only briefly on the others.
"I like his explosiveness," Callahan said of Williams. "He's getting more confidence in his play. Usually for a lineman, once they start seeing the big picture and they have a good feel and understand and they can put it to work, that's an encouraging sign.
"That's going to be a good group in the future."
Rotating in with the top
Following NU's loss to USC on Saturday, Callahan said he was hoping to mix it up at practice this week and he stayed true to that on Wednesday as second-string players are still working in with the starters.
"It's not uncommon to see a mix-and-match type (of) situation on the practice field," Callahan said. "Players are pretty accustomed to that. There's been a little bit of that, but that's always been standard operating procedure."
Compiled by staff writer Katelyn Kerkhove
