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After not being on a practice field for 12 days, your Nebraska Cornhuskers returned to spring football, having workout number 7 on Tuesday afternoon.
The workout was helmets only, helping the players acclimate back to being under structured workouts and helping some kids who were out the first part of Spring ball get their feet.
Even though the Huskers weren’t required to stay in town for the school break, most players stayed in town and worked out on their own accord. And it seems like the coaches noticed.
Diaco saw little roster after 10 days off. "They clearly were locked in. Clearly, they didn't shut just completely off (during break)."
— Brian Rosenthal (@GBRosenthal) March 28, 2017
Defensive coordinator Bob Diaco reports #Huskers had "great, great" energy in first spring practice after spring break, seventh overall.
— Brian Rosenthal (@GBRosenthal) March 28, 2017
Defensive Coordinator Bob Diaco and defensive players were the scheduled folks that talked after practice. An interesting quote from Diaco, one that you can appreciate after time.
Bob Diaco said practice today was like "putting on another coat of paint." Was pleased with retention after the break. #huskers
— Christopher Heady (@heady_chris) March 28, 2017
Remember when Josh Kalu was moved to safety and Lamar Jackson took the starting position at boundary cornerback? Looks like it’s here to stay.
Lamar Jackson said tonight that he is now the starting boundary CB and Joshua Kalu has officially transitioned to safety. #Huskers
— Jake Sorensen (@937JakeSorensen) March 28, 2017
If the season started today, Lamar Jackson and Chris Jones would be #Huskers starting CBs. Also, I would be very upset summer came and went.
— Brian Rosenthal (@GBRosenthal) March 28, 2017
Also, Joshua Kalu is at safety for good. Diaco said it's part of having best players on field at same time. #Huskers
— Brian Rosenthal (@GBRosenthal) March 28, 2017
A bit lost in the Kalu-to-safety news: The top three boundary corners are: Lamar Jackson, Eric Lee and Avery Anderson (moved from safety).
— Steven M. Sipple (@HuskerExtraSip) March 28, 2017
I find it interesting to wonder why Kalu was moved so early in spring ball, but Diaco’s quote seems to weave some tea leaves.
Diaco on Joshua Kalu moving from corner to safety: #huskers pic.twitter.com/P6BteH8q5a
— Christopher Heady (@heady_chris) March 28, 2017
CB coach Donte Williams said he expects Lamar Jackson, never before a true corner, to get better each day.
— Brian Rosenthal (@GBRosenthal) March 28, 2017
Why move Kalu from corner to safety and insert Jackson at corner? "Pretty much a meeting of the minds," Williams said.
— Brian Rosenthal (@GBRosenthal) March 28, 2017
What does Kalu's move to safety mean for Lamar Jackson, in his words: "That I'm the starting boundary corner. It's where I wanted to be."
— Steven M. Sipple (@HuskerExtraSip) March 28, 2017
Interesting statement by Lamar there. He was experienced in both corner and safety coming out of high school, and I can’t remember if Kalu was much at all, although I think I would have. So, if Lamar is the better safety, why is Kalu there? That’s a question you can ponder in the comments, but it could just be the fact of getting the best player on the field.
So, what about other spots in the defense? Good question, and some insight here:
Williams, on D. Bootle: "Makes a ton of plays, whether he makes them the right way or the wrong way. He's giving me more gray in my beard."
— Brian Rosenthal (@GBRosenthal) March 28, 2017
One NU spring focus is developing depth on D-Line. Of #Huskers DE Peyton Newell, John Parrella said "we're happy where he's at right now"
— Rich Kaipust (@RKaipustOWH) March 28, 2017
You don’t like labeling kids as busts, but this is a make or sit year for Peyton Newell and a couple other kids on the defensive line.
Finally, if you’re looking for schemes that Diaco is comfortable rolling out right now, this answer will make you wait for the spring game.
I asked Diaco which coverage schemes (man, Cover, 2/3/4 etc) he prefers: "The ones that help keep the points down."
— Samuel McKewon (@swmckewonOWH) March 28, 2017
Nebraska returns to the practice field for workout #8 on Thursday afternoon. Expect the tone after practice.
The Nebraska Red/White Spring Scrimmage is set for 1 p.m. Central at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln.
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