Wednesday Practice Report (4/7)

[Nexus]

DeJon Gomes may have snagged four interceptions last year and forced three fumbles. He may have even turned the tide in one game, popping the ball from the clutches of veteran Kansas wide receiver Kerry Meier inside the Husker 5-yard line.

 

But the senior from Hayward, Calif., is hardly resting on his laurels.

 

After experiencing much success as a dime ’backer last year, the 6-foot, 200-pound Gomes knows he has plenty of work to do at safety.

 

He said after Wednesday’s practice that he writes the word “EYES” on his white armband before each practice, a reminder to make sure he has complete focus on each play.

 

“My eyes have been in some wrong spots at times,” Gomes said. “As a safety, you’re the last valve on the defense, so if you get beat then the whole stadium’s going to know. I’m just trying to keep my eyes in the right spot so I can make the right plays.”

 

Adi decision: Husker assistant John Papuchis, who works closely with Nebraska’s special teams, said coaches would likely hash out Husker kicker Adi Kunalic’s role for 2010 by this summer.

 

Kunalic, entering his senior year, has expressed an interest in redshirting, a move that might allow him a chance at place-kicking in 2011 after Alex Henery graduates.

 

It would seem an easy decision if not for the fact Kunalic has excelled as a kickoff specialist, his big foot limiting return opportunities for opponents.

 

“We want to do what’s best for this football team in 2010, so Adi’s obviously a huge part of our special teams,” Papuchis said. “He does a really good job with our kickoffs and we don’t want to take away from that area because we were good on that unit.

 

“But at the same time, if other guys are able to step up into that role and he looks comfortable in that place-kicking role, then that’s a possibility.”

 

How much input does Kunalic have in the decision?

 

“Not much,” Papuchis said with a laugh. “I mean, he’ll have some input, but he understands we’ve got to make the best decision for our football team this year and going forward.”

 

Fast and fierce: The Huskers completed the ninth of 15 spring practices Wednesday in the Hawks Championship Center.

 

“Very good energy,” tight ends coach Ron Brown said. “A lot of pads popping around. It’s like that every day around here.”

 

Brown sees more confidence, and that confidence is translating to a more physical style of football.

 

“I think it’s becoming a way of life,” Brown said. “I think our football team, across the board, will be more physical as we go on. It takes a little while sometimes to get into the bloodstream, but I think it’s working its way through now and I’m looking forward to seeing how it translates into the games. But no question our practices are pretty fierce and pretty tenacious.”

 

Wisconsin talk: Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema caused a bit of a stir with a recent Twitter post about the possibility of the Badgers playing Nebraska as soon as 2012.

 

That probably won’t happen, said Jeff Jamrog, Nebraska assistant athletic director for football.

 

However, Jamrog did say Nebraska and Wisconsin have had discussions about possibly playing games in the distant future, perhaps 2018 or 2019, although nothing has been finalized.

 

In 2012, the Huskers have games scheduled Sept. 1 at home against Southern Miss and Sept. 8 at UCLA. In 2015, Nebraska has a Sept. 19 game scheduled at Miami and a Sept. 26 home game against Southern Miss.

 

Name dropping: At this point, Mike Ekeler isn’t ready to point out a leader in the battle at linebacker.

 

The coach lists many players who he sees progressing: Sean Fisher, Will Compton, Eric Martin, Alonzo Whaley, Thomas Grove and also a sophomore walk-on from Lincoln Southwest: Graham Stoddard.

 

“He’s a tough, physical guy,” Ekeler said. “Shoot, he power-cleaned like 6 million pounds. He did a great job for (Papuchis) on the special teams (last year), and that’s how you start off. You’re out there making plays on special teams and then you get an opportunity to show what you can do on defense. And if he keeps working, he can play himself into the mix.”

 

LINK

[whateveritis1224]

I really want Gomes to succeed at Safety. He's too good a playmaker to not be on the field.

[Blackshirt316]

Hope they find a way to let Adi redshirt. Kid is great in the role he has but he deserves a chance to sit a year and try to win the big job next year. If we can't get another guy that can kick the ball off the tee, we aren't getting very good kickers in the program.

 

Gomes likely won't start at safety as he'll be the starting Dime Backer again for sure. But having him work at safety gives them the ability to leave him on the field more and not have to rotate him out nearly as much based solely on the offensive look. Kid is a playmaker and having the option to have him on the field regardless of what the other team is doing is a big plus.

[whateveritis1224]

My thoughts, Gomes starts at FS and moves inside to be the Dime back when Nebraska needs 6 or more DBs. When Gomes moves inside Thenarse gets subbed in at FS.

[Husker Richard]

My thoughts, Gomes starts at FS and moves inside to be the Dime back when Nebraska needs 6 or more DBs. When Gomes moves inside Thenarse gets subbed in at FS.

 

I doubt this. I think they're looking for consistent starters at the safety positions. Juggling players and playing time at a position is never a good idea.