Bo likes what he sees so far in 2nd day of full pads practice

[Nexus]

Nebraska's second spring practice in full pads earned good reviews from the head coach.
"We've had good tempo," Bo Pelini said after Monday's indoor practice. "We've got a lot done, a lot put in, a lot of good base, fundamental work. I like what I've seen so far."

Post-practice topics included linebackers, true freshmen and swagger.

Yes, swagger. A reporter asked Pelini about that being a buzz word among players in spring practices.

"I don't buy into that," Pelini said. "They can swagger all they want — they've got to execute. That's all we care about. I'm not even sure what swagger is. Whatever. You can swagger as long as we win football games."

Pelini said true freshmen defensive linemen Jay Guy and Chase Rome, who are both participating in spring ball, are progressing well.

"They've worked hard. Their future is bright, obviously. There's a lot of learning to be done, a lot of technique and fundamental things that they're seeing and hearing for the first time. But their effort's been good, and they're coming along."

As for the linebackers, Eric Martin and Will Compton are becoming interchangeable at MIKE and WILL — if you still like labels for your linebacker positions.

"There's really no MIKE, and there's no WILL," Pelini said. "It depends on the defense and how we have it set up."

LINK

:laughpound @ the swagger remark. Classic Bo quote.

 

[74Hunter]

I hope that Bo checks that "swagger" before it gets out of hand, or before the team becomes cocky.

 

[Nexus]

Head coach Bo Pelini gave Nebraska's football team another thumbs up Monday after it completed the fourth practice of spring camp - and the second in full pads - in the Hawks Championship Center.
“I like what I’ve seen thus far,” he said.

Pelini said NU is “way ahead” of its progress in 2009 - especially in physical makeup. The Cornhuskers are leaner and faster than last year’s version.

“We’re an athletic team,” Pelini said.

A short scrimmage toward the end of practice added a dose of “physicality” to the proceedings. Pelini said, he was looking for dependable tacklers Monday, guys who were “not just buttoning up ball carriers, but getting up there.”

He declined to name any specific players, but responded with praise when asked about safeties P.J. Smith and Austin Cassidy.

Smith, the odds-on favorite to replace strong safety Larry Asante, has a better grasp of the calls a safety must make in Nebraska’s defense.

“Now he just has to keep working on the little things,” Pelini said.

Cassidy, meanwhile, is playing a “kind of a hybrid” role as a safety/nickel back.

“He’s very versatile,” Pelini said. “I like what he brings to the table.”

At linebacker, Nebraska is working on its nickel package, sophomore Will Compton said. Compton, for now, is paired with sophomore Eric Martin. Sophomore Sean Fisher is paired with sophomore Alonzo Whaley. Compton and Fisher, who played extensively in 2009, fill in the experience gaps for Martin and Whaley, who didn’t.

Pelini said “there is no Mike and no Will” linebacker in the nickel formation.

“It depends on the defense,” Pelini said.

Compton confirmed it.

“Everybody’s pushing everybody,” he said. “Alonzo Whaley’s really starting to come along. Everybody’s starting to come along. The competition is getting a lot better.”

NU returns to camp Wednesday.

Notes:

*Sophomore tight end Ben Cotton was in shorts Monday, as was senior tight end Dreu Young. Junoor linebacker Mathew May, redshirt freshman cornerback Andrew Green and senior right guard Ricky Henry were still out. Senior quarterback Zac Lee practiced footwork and conditioning drills.

*Pelini wanted no part of the “new swagger” of his team.

“They can swagger all they want - they gotta execute,” Pelini said. “That’s all I want. I’m not sure what swagger is. Whatever.”

LINK

 

[Scratchtown]

I hope that Bo checks that "swagger" before it gets out of hand, or before the team becomes cocky.

I have no problem with a team being cocky if they can back it up and it stays under control during games...meaning no one standing over someone after they just light some one up.

Nebraska has this "swagger" coming back...just look at the 90's teams and how they acted on the field during games. Not so much cocky but they had swagger with a bit of cockiness in it. no denying that.

 

[zoogs]

"I don't buy into that," Pelini said. "They can swagger all they want — they've got to execute. That's all we care about. I'm not even sure what swagger is. Whatever. You can swagger as long as we win football games.

Bo's got a real way with words. When he was hired there were questions about his media savvy...but so far, it seems like he's got a knack for saying just the right things to pump up the fan base. Love it!

 

[GMoose]

Did anyone see the video of this interview? Bo's expression was priceless when asked about swagger. :rollin

 

[skersfan]

The difference is they did it right and did it right for quite awhile.

I see nothing to be cocky about. Everyone looks like the greatest team on earth in spring ball. The coach will tell them they are doing great, and then all of sudden they will be poor beyond belief. It is just spring talk, nothing more.

I am impressed by the size increase by some, but has it taken some of their quickness. We won't know that until the season starts.

I do not think Bo likes the swagger talk, win something, then waddle a bit, after a 13 win season, we can talk about swagger, show it on the field, then maybe you have the right to be compared to the 90's teams, not until.

But I have no fear, Mr. Pelini will keep them grounded.

 

[74Hunter]

Is anyone else a little concerned that the top 4 LB's are sophs? Not so much for this year or the next, but once they leave. I would really like to see some separation between the classes, so that there is not a huge loss of experience once these guys leave.

 

[RedDenver]

Is anyone else a little concerned that the top 4 LB's are sophs? Not so much for this year or the next, but once they leave. I would really like to see some separation between the classes, so that there is not a huge loss of experience once these guys leave.

Might be part of the reason the base defense is moving to 2 LB's and a nickel back.

 

[74Hunter]

Is anyone else a little concerned that the top 4 LB's are sophs? Not so much for this year or the next, but once they leave. I would really like to see some separation between the classes, so that there is not a huge loss of experience once these guys leave.

Might be part of the reason the base defense is moving to 2 LB's and a nickel back.

It also seems that the secondary is very senior heavy this year!

 

[druski_2k5]

Sounds awesome! If Bo likes what he sees in practice, then it MUST be a great practice!

Also, awesome signature GMoose!

 

[iruletheskool]

Is anyone else a little concerned that the top 4 LB's are sophs? Not so much for this year or the next, but once they leave. I would really like to see some separation between the classes, so that there is not a huge loss of experience once these guys leave.

Might be part of the reason the base defense is moving to 2 LB's and a nickel back.

It also seems that the secondary is very senior heavy this year!

No it doesn't?

 

[zoogs]

Is anyone else a little concerned that the top 4 LB's are sophs? Not so much for this year or the next, but once they leave. I would really like to see some separation between the classes, so that there is not a huge loss of experience once these guys leave.

Might be part of the reason the base defense is moving to 2 LB's and a nickel back.

It also seems that the secondary is very senior heavy this year!

No it doesn't?

It should, because it was very sophomore heavy two years ago. That's faded some as Anthony West has faded, but West, Prince, and Hagg are all seniors now. Am I forgetting someone? I thought there was another name in that mix, but guess not.

 

[Nexus]

Is anyone else a little concerned that the top 4 LB's are sophs? Not so much for this year or the next, but once they leave. I would really like to see some separation between the classes, so that there is not a huge loss of experience once these guys leave.

Might be part of the reason the base defense is moving to 2 LB's and a nickel back.

It also seems that the secondary is very senior heavy this year!

No it doesn't?

It should, because it was very sophomore heavy two years ago. That's faded some as Anthony West has faded, but West, Prince, and Hagg are all seniors now. Am I forgetting someone? I thought there was another name in that mix, but guess not.

DeJon Gomes

 

[zoogs]

Ah, and Thenarse too. That makes 5.

Although I thought there were 4 sophomores from that '08 year, guess not.