Ekeler envisions big improvement
When Mike Ekeler, the Huskers' new linebackers coach, says he's an eternal optimist, he means it.
Ekeler said Thursday night on Sports Nightly that he thinks Nebraska's defense can be the nation's best in 2008. That would be quite a jump, considering the Huskers finished the 2007 season ranked 112th nationally in average yards allowed (476.83) and 114th in points allowed (37.9).
Nebraska returns six starters on defense. The Huskers' system under new head coach Bo Pelini will be "very, very multiple," Ekeler said.
"(Opponents) aren't going to be able to find us and know what we're in," he said. "We'll come after them from every corner of the earth."
Ekeler said many of the returning Husker defenders like to hang around the football offices these days. Listening to Ekeler, you get the feeling there's a good vibe.
"All the players want is to learn and play to the best of their ability," Ekeler said. "As a staff, we want to crank it up and have the kids play above their ability."
This staff is obviously young and confident.
Among other Ekeler nuggets:
-- On Pelini's message to the players in the first team meeting: "Bo told them, 'I looked at the schedule and if anybody in here thinks we can't win them all, hey, get out of here.'
"That's just the way Bo lives his life."
-- On recruiting: "If you can't recruit to this place, you don't have a pulse."
