Cosgrove droppin the hammer!!

[Blackshirt]

I like it! From what I heard about the last couple yrs from mult sources the team was lacking that all around intensity at practice that the Big Red has been known for. You play like you practice!!

 

Cosgrove's tough coaching mirrors defense approach

 

 

By Robin Washut / Daily Nebraskan

August 26, 2004

 

 

Adam Carriker and the rest of his defensive practice group jogged back on to the field after taking a short but much appreciated water break Tuesday.

 

When the group finally returned to midfield though, they most certainly wished they had run.

 

You see, there are certain rules players must follow during one of Nebraska Defensive Coordinator Kevin Cosgrove’s practices.

 

One of the biggest just so happens to be “no jogging.”

 

Immediately following their return, Cosgrove sent the group back to the sideline and made them run back out.

 

That’s how things work under Cosgrove – do something right or do it until it is right.

 

“He’s an intense guy,” Carriker said. “He knows what he’s doing and he’ll make sure to let you know if you’re doing something wrong. He can get in your face sometimes, but he does in a way that you know he’s only trying to make you better.”

 

Cosgrove, the 48-year-old with nearly 24 years of coaching experience, comes to Nebraska after eight years as defensive coordinator at Wisconsin.

 

While with the Badgers, Cosgrove organized an impressive unit that twice ranked top 10 nationally in points allowed. In 1998, Cosgrove’s unit posted top 10 numbers in four major defensive categories – total defense, pass defense, rush defense and points allowed.

 

Cosgrove has also become a known as a major player in the recruiting game, recruiting three eventual first-round draft picks at Wisconsin.

 

For Cosgrove, though, his success is measured by an ever-increasing set of standards, which his players are expected to follow just as thoroughly.

 

“As a coach, you’re expectations are always very high, and you want your players to be the same,” Cosgrove said. “You never want to stay the same, so we’re always trying to get better. I want to see these kids improve every game.”

 

Helping the Husker players achieve this goal is one of the similarities between Cosgrove’s system and NU’s scheme in 2002.

 

The Huskers primarily will run an over-under defense, which is comparable to what NU ran last season but with more of an emphasis on man coverage. Another difference will be that one of its three linebackers will be moved to the outside.

 

Along with learning his system, the players also have had to learn the intricacies of Cosgrove the person.

 

“With any new situation, there’s going to be some hesitation initially,” Cosgrove said. “They don’t know you, and they want to know what kind of person you are. You have to earn your players’ trust, and you do that by making them better players and better people. I have the full intention of doing that.”

 

While the progression of Cosgrove’s defense won’t be known until the start of the season, the players’ receptiveness to their new coach couldn’t have gone any better.

 

“Most of us have gone into this season with an open mind and ready to learn,” junior defensive tackle Titus Adams said. “It’s gone pretty well so far. We’re just trying to do the best we can to get ready for the season.”

 

Although Cosgrove’s inaugural season will ask his defense to essentially keep the program above water until a new offense finds its groove, the coach is still optimistic about his future in Lincoln.

 

Cosgrove never has been one to shy away from pressure. That’s usually because he’s the one applying it to himself the most.

 

“I’m very pleased with the way things have gone so far,” Cosgrove said. “But we have something to live up to with the title of ‘Blackshirts.’ It’s important to our staff and it’s important players. There are certain standards we have to follow as a defense, and we’re doing everything we can to do that.”

http://www.dailynebraskan.com/vnews/displa...6/412d54f33a3fe

[Redout]

Does anyone know if Pelini did that type of thing?

[Red November]

Oh please isn't there anything else worth writing. Every football coach in America from pee wees to the pros has there players run everywhere.

[AR Husker Fan]

Oh please isn't there anything else worth writing. Every football coach in America from pee wees to the pros has there players run everywhere.

During pre-season? Like what? During the season we'll discuss what's happening from game-to-game. During recruiting season(s) we'll discuss who's being recruited and who has committed.

 

Quite simply, the team is discussed - what's happening and what may happen. Practice is what's happening.

 

As for every coach doing the same, perhaps - and perhaps not. The point, though, is that this information gives us insight to the coaches - are they going to put up with players trying to slack off? Are they going to cut them too much slack? Are they doing the "little things" that need to be reinforced each day?

 

Presumably, each coach teaches fundamentals, also. But the reality is some focus on them more than others. Some are more detailed. Some teach fundamentals during the pre-season, but then don't keep focusing on them during the season.