April 2018 fresh links
APRIL 30, 2018
Damion Daniels‘ size and strength have him contending for a role in the middle of the defensive line as a redshirt freshman.
Fullback Luke McNitt’s unorthodox journey continues as he vies for a spot with the Atlanta Falcons.
He went to high school in Tennessee, but quarterback Andrew Bunch has Nebraska family ties that go way back.
A sports book sets its line at 5.5 regular-season wins for Nebraska in 2018.
Sam McKewon examines the reasons for the Huskers’ NFL draft slump. | Carriker commentary* | Hope for the undrafted | Free-agent updates | Poll: Lee’s chances
Incoming running back Maurice Washington talks about what motivates him in this OWH video.
ESPN.com looks at how Scott Frost is transforming Nebraska. | Winning spring | Discuss
Anatomy of an Era: Dr. Jack Stark on identifying and encouraging team leaders, the birth of the pregame prayer and more.
APRIL 29, 2018
Expectations at running back are heating up along with the competition.
Former Husker Josh Davis has launched a foundation to honor letter winners in all sports.
A sense of unfinished business contributed to Stanley Morgan’s decision to return for his senior season.
The difficulty of the task Scott Frost faces mustn’t be underestimated, Steve Sipple writes.
Anatomy of an Era: Psychologist Jack Stark looks back on how one player’s suggestion brought a big change that helped mend the team’s divisions.
This week in Husker history: If Academic All-America honors had existed in the early 20th century, surely Fred Hunter would’ve been a contender.
APRIL 28, 2018
Several undrafted Huskers are reaching free-agent deals with NFL teams.
The NFL draft ends with quarterback Tanner Lee as the only Husker selected, extending Nebraska’s streak to 56 years with at least one player picked. More coverage: LJS, HOL, H247, OWH* | Lee’s thoughts | Christopherson commentary | Husker draft history
Rob Zatechka shares his opinions on what he’s seen so far from the new coaching staff in the latest Husker Doc Talk.
APRIL 27, 2018
Adrian Martinez’s high school coach got an inside look at Scott Frost’s system this spring, and he says it’s innovative but simple.
The first three rounds of the NFL draft have passed with no Huskers* selected, but things may change in the final four rounds Saturday.
Husker linebacker Breon Dixon will file* for immediate eligibility as fellow Ole Miss transfer Shea Patterson’s clearance at Michigan is now official. | No slam dunk
Walk-on running back Wyatt Mazour will work on his speed, conditioning and route-running as he strives for “meaningful snaps.”
Running back Maurice Washington details the final pitch* from Scott Frost that convinced him Nebraska was the right place.
Adam Carriker says Bill Moos’ “running scared” remark might not be far from the truth.
Barrett Ruud says toughness can be learned, and he’s determined to instill it in the defense.
Jeremy Pernell breaks down the big decision Scott Frost faces at quarterback.
APRIL 26, 2018
Coach Ryan Held is determined to help the Huskers regain a significant recruiting stake in the Kansas City metro area. | Recruiting updates
The NCAA is reportedly granting Ole Miss transfer Shea Patterson immediate eligibility at Michigan, which could mean a similar ruling for Nebraska linebacker Breon Dixon. | Discuss
USA Today looks at Scott Frost’s philosophy of driving out the paralysing fear of failure.
Adam Carriker speculates on whether Nebraska will pursue a transfer quarterback.
Troy Walters irks some UCF fans by refusing to embrace the Knights’ national championship claim.
The names on the starting offensive line will probably be mostly the same as last year, but there’s hope that the results will be different.
Walk-on fullback Chris Norris says Tom Osborne’s staff “did a real good job of giving each man a role. … If you did your job and each guy did his, that pretty much meant you were going to win.”
APRIL 25, 2018
It’ll be a seventh consecutive year without a Husker first-rounder in the NFL draft, but assistant coach Travis Fisher may see one of his former players called. | Lee’s path
Scott Frost talks about the quarterback competition and much more in an appearance on “Sports Nightly.”
X’s & O’s from the spring game: Back-side run protection | Saints play action
Scott Frost will throw out the first pitch in the Lincoln Saltdogs’ opener next month, and a commemorative jersey is available.
In this film study, assistant coach Mario Verduzco evaluates a play by each of the four quarterbacks in the spring game. | Improved tackling
Adam Carriker gives his two cents’ worth on the “Sirius” matter. | Tunnel Walk poll
Take a Wayback Wednesday look at the 1974 Huskers’ comeback win over Florida in the last Sugar Bowl game played in Tulane Stadium.
“Frank Solich taught us to be really physical, tough, hard-nosed running backs.” — Fullback Chris Norris in Anatomy of an Era.
APRIL 24, 2018
Three national writers share their thoughts on Scott Frost.
Kurt Rafdal is looking to make in impact at tight end as a redshirt freshman.
Bill Moos tells an Omaha Press Club* crowd that Scott Frost’s arrival has Urban Meyer and Jim Harbaugh “running a little bit scared,” but he later says the remark was “a bit tongue in cheek.”
Husker Dan weighs in on the spring game and more.
The Huskers reconvene for some heated competition in slow-pitch softball.
Adrian Martinez tops a Sports Illustrated list of players who helped their own causes this spring.
Tom Osborne explains the new “wave of enthusiasm and hope“* behind Nebraska football.
HuskerMax poll: Should “Sirius” be replaced in the Tunnel Walk? | Discuss
Sean Keeler runs down the reasons Tanner Lee is a likely NFL draftee. | Late-round projections*
The Big Red Cobcast is brimming with optimism after the spring game. More Saturday observations: Adam Carriker on the defense | From behind the lens | McKewon’s standouts*
Here’s the story behind the guy who successfully fielded a punt for $25,000 Saturday.
Dennis Dodd of CBSSports.com sizes up the Joe Burrow-to-Nebraska possibility.
Husker commit Garrett Nelson plans to enroll in January and forgo the defense of his state high school wrestling championship.
Anatomy of an Era: A neck injury closed one door but opened another for walk-on fullback Chris Norris.
APRIL 23, 2018
Hail Varsity breaks down the running backs’ performances Saturday. More from the spring game: Bell’s “extra gear” | Walk-on winners | Momentum for defense
Roommates Tristan Gebbia, Tyjon Lindsey and Jaevon McQuitty all went through different experiences as freshmen but are ready for a new beginning in 2018. | Lindsey “focused”
Former Husker Bob Pickens, who played in the NFL and broke an Olympics color barrier in wrestling, has died at age 75.
Former NFL coach Mike Martz says Nebraska’s improvement on offense must start in the trenches.
DaiShon Neal has emerged from spring ball with strength and confidence that has him on track to becoming a fixture on the defense.
APRIL 22, 2018
Day-after commentary on the spring game and what to expect in the months before fall: Carriker, Gabriel, Sorensen, Sipple, Christopherson, Peterson, McKewon*
USA Today and CBSSports.com look at what makes Scott Frost tick.
Anatomy of an Era: Kenny Wilhite and Lorenzo Brinkley say cohesiveness made the 1990s Huskers great, but so did an intensified nasty streak.
This week in Husker history: Ground is broken for construction of Memorial Stadium — and at the spring game 75 years later, the field is named in honor of Tom Osborne.
APRIL 21, 2018
The quarterbacks shine as the Reds roll to a 49-9 win in the spring game. See the game page for coverage and commentary. | Stryker commentary | Carriker gut reaction | Game on DVD
Tad Stryker’s pregame survey finds that better effort and attitude top the list of what fans will be looking for in the spring game.
Change* is on display today as fans get their first sample of the Scott Frost era in an eagerly awaited Red-White spring game. | Position battles | Things to watch: 1, 2 | Rosters | Fan info | Commentary: Sipple, Christopherson (1, 2), Shatel,* Chatelain*
Anatomy of an Era: A change in mindset from me-first to team-first was a big part of the Huskers’ rise in the 1990s, Kenny Wilhite and Lorenzo Brinkley recall.
APRIL 20, 2018
The 2018 Brook Berringer Citizenship Team is unveiled.
Former Husker Ahman Green gets probation as an abuse charge is dropped.
Steve Sipple suggests it’s time for a reset of fans’ mindset
Coach Earle Bruce, whose Iowa State teams upset Nebraska twice in the 1970s, has died at age 87.
Anatomy of an Era: They never got national championship rings, but Kenny Wilhite and Lorenzo Brinkley were part of Nebraska’s transformation to dynastic status in the 1990s.
Scott Frost already has the Big Red back on the national radar with his aim of combining speed, power and passing skill, Tad Stryker writes.
APRIL 19, 2018
The LJS recaps what the assistant coaches will be watching for in the spring game. | 6 breakout players* | Proving ground | 5 storylines | Carriker: What it means*
Here’s the latest on the recruits expected at the spring game. | Late additions
Johnny Rodgers criticizes the new kickoff-return rules* at the Jet Award gala: “Return guys, we’re here for the risk. I mean, we’re daredevils.” | Levity from Frost*
It’s becoming less of a seller’s market* for tickets in the final days before the spring game.
Short Side Option covers a lot of ground in his spring game primer.
It’ll be Adrian Martinez and Tristan Gebbia quarterbacking the Reds, and Andrew Bunch and Noah Vedral on the Whites. More from Thursday’s practice: Rosters | Video & covereage | Updates & discussion
Twenty-two years after his death, Brook Berringer* is remembered by Scott Frost : “Brook was one of the guys who took me under his wing and helped me out a lot.”
Bill Callahan’s “pound the rock” boulder has a new home.
Anatomy of an Era: Zach Wiegert looks back on the fights in “The Pit” and more.
APRIL 18, 2018
Enter to win a hotel and ticket package for the Colorado-Nebraska game. Proceeds benefit Californians for Nebraska’s scholarship fund.
Tom Shatel finds Scott Frost’s straight talk* to be refreshing and illuminating. | Sipple on Chinander
Will the crowd be a record-breaker? The OWH charts spring game attendance since 1950.
Jeremy Pernell lists his top 100 prospects for the NFL draft.
The spring game gives redshirts a chance to demonstrate their growth after a season on the sidelines.
Omaha Burke’s Nick Henrich* is focusing on narrowing his list of schools after his Lincoln visit Tuesday. | Recruiting notes
Linebacker Dedrick Young likes the defensive staff’s philosophy of trying to create big plays without the fear of making mistakes.
Former Navy SEAL Damian Jackson’s indomitable drive is having an impact at Nebraska.
“I’ve never watched the film. I have no need to watch it. The memories are so much better than the film.” — Zach Wiegert on the 1995 Orange Bowl win over Miami.
APRIL 17, 2018
Johnny Rodgers gives a thumbs-down* to the new fair-catch rule on kickoffs.
Sports Illustrated takes a lengthy look at Scott Frost’s rebuilding project, and the coach says past leadership failures led to the Huskers’ fall. | Makovicka: “Scott gets it”
Scott Frost says after Tuesday’s practice that a virus has sidelined a number of players, but that won’t stop the spring game from having a mostly normal format. | Video & coverage | Updates & discussion
Adam Carriker shares stories about his former Nebraska and NFL teammate Richie Incognito, including a fight against four Husker players at once.
Anatomy of an Era: Zach Wiegert won the Outland at Nebraska, but he recalls being more heavily recruited as a basketball star.
APRIL 16, 2018
The lofty goals of NU President Hank Bounds are all right by Steve Sipple.
From Hail Varsity, what to expect from the defense in Saturday’s spring game.
The Nebraska Way: Check out Episode III of the Athletic Department’s spring football video series.
There’s hope that the multiple looks of Erik Chinander’s defense will prepare the Husker offense for just about anything.
Did Patrick O’Brien open a window for Joe Burrow? Sean Keeler mulls over the QB possibilities. | Recruiting update
Anatomy of an Era: Would you believe George Sullivan traded trash talk with Warren Sapp during the 1995 Orange Bowl? That and more from the Huskers’ longtime trainer.
APRIL 15, 2018
Nebraska quarterback target Max Duggan of Council Bluffs commits to TCU. | Recruiting notes
Andrew Bunch is no longer an afterthought in Nebraska’s quarterback mix, Steve Sipple writes.
LED lighting is among the Memorial Stadium upgrades coming this year.
When was the last time two Huskers were selected in the first round of the NFL draft? The answer is part of this week in Husker history.
Anatomy of an Era: Longtime trainer George Sullivan sets the record straight on where Gatorade was really invented.
APRIL 14, 2018
“Everybody’s got to improve,” Erik Chinander says of his defense after Saturday’s practice. | Video & coverage | Updates & discussion
Tristan Gebbia knows his legs will be just as important as his throwing arm in his quest for the QB job.
Anatomy of an Era: The 4% difference that Dave Ellis might provide was just one part of a “pretty well-oiled machine” in the 1990s.
APRIL 13, 2018
Kickoffs fair-caught inside the 25 will result in touchbacks under new rules approved Friday. | Chess match
Tight ends coach Sean Beckton likes what he’s seen from Jack Stoll in terms of growth and potential.
BTN’s Gerry DiNardo after watching a Husker practice and talking with Scott Frost: “Can you be a spread team and be physical? … Absolutely, and he’s got a formula to do that.”
Spring curiosities: Husker247’s series concludes with the issue of program culture.
Athlon writers are split on Nebraska’s bowl chances for 2018.
Eight prospects from a Florida school* will visit Lincoln on the weekend of the spring game.
Anatomy of an Era: “Game Day Cramp Guy” was one of his many jobs. More behind-the-scenes insights from Dave Ellis on what made the 1990s Huskers tick.
APRIL 12, 2018
In bad news for many out-of-state Husker fans, Comcast is dropping the Big Ten Network in states outside the conference’s footprint.
Transfer quarterback Noah Vedral says there’s a chance he’ll be granted immediate eligibility* instead of having to sit out* a year.
Quarterback Patrick O’Brien will transfer, the quarterback confirms after Thursday’s practice. | Video & coverage | McKewon analysis | Discussion & updates
Anatomy of an Era: Dave Ellis remembers “the start of the unraveling of the fabric that I really thought characterized Nebraska.”
APRIL 11, 2018
DaiShon Neal has bulked up but not slowed down as he makes a push for a bigger role on the defensive line.
Gameday hot spot Barry’s keeps its liquor license* but faces a fine and disciplinary actions.
Scott Frost speaks about transfer rules, recruiting and his quarterbacks* in his first Big Ten teleconference.
Congrats to Tyler Hoppes, Gabe Rahn and Chris Weber on membership in the 2018 Hampshire Honor Society.
Scott Frost’s staff is making up ground after a late start with Omaha Burke’s Chris Hickman and Nick Henrich. | Duggan’s decision near: 1,* 2
Anatomy of an Era: The nutritionist wasn’t just another cog in the machine. Meet the extraordinary Dave Ellis, who has gone on to help teams win Super Bowls.
Hoss Reuter joins the Big Red Cobcast to talk about offensive line play and what to expect from the running backs this season.
APRIL 10, 2018
It’s not Tom Osborne’s offense, but it has his stamp of approval.*
The OWH spends a day with Nebraska signee Cam Jones,* a big hitter and big talker.
More on the QB position: Point guard for offense | Gebbia’s fit
The focus was on the quarterbacks after Tuesday’s practice. Video & coverage | Updates & discussion.
Former Husker Richie Incognito says he’s retiring from football because of health and stress issues.
With more live tackling this spring, the Huskers should get a better evaluation of the running back position, Sean Callahan writes.
APRIL 9, 2018
The coaching change had the Huskers’ top receivers weighing their options, but a sense of brotherhood helped keep them together in Lincoln.
Thomas Grayson, a speedy running back from Tulsa, commits to the Huskers for 2019. | Coverage & video | Discuss | Class of 2019
Check out Episode 2 of the video series on Nebraska spring football.
Mike Rozier, Bob Devaney and Tom Osborne are part of the 2018 Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame class.
Athlon lists five Huskers who are making strong early impressions on the coaching staff.
Greg Austin says the O-line doesn’t require the complete overhaul that was needed at Central Florida.
“Oh no, here they come again.” More from Brenden Stai on how the O-line could break opponents’ will.
APRIL 8, 2018
Zach Duval’s strength and conditioning program is shaping position battles in the trenches.
Luke McCaffrey’s visit was the big surprise of the weekend in recruiting.
This week in Husker history: Time runs out on the tough-to-read Memorial Stadium sweeping-hands scoreboard clock.
Brenden Stai discusses the origins of the term “The Pipeline” and looks back on his epic battle with Warren Sapp in the 1995 Orange Bowl.
Special teams may be the ticket for fullbacks on the roster to land a role in the offense.
Scott Frost is a teacher at his core, Steve Sipple writes.
APRIL 7, 2018
While announced attendance at Memorial Stadium is relatively steady from game to game, scanned-ticket totals* fluctuate greatly.
The Huskers have installed most of their new playbook, but mastering it will be a lengthy process, offensive coordinator Troy Walters says after Saturday’s practice. | Updates & discussion
Tom Osborne plans to watch games from the skybox only occasionally and has bought a couple of stadium tickets to use most of the time.
Changing up the pace is a key to the effectiveness of Scott Frost’s offense.
Anatomy of an Era: Offensive guard Brenden Stai charted his own course in the weight room and helped change the culture.
APRIL 6, 2018
Ndamukong Suh says he’s ready to put in the work needed to make the L.A. Rams’ defensive line as good on the field as it appears on paper.
Re-establishing the Huskers’ advantages in physicality and play-calling would cure a lot of Nebraska’s ills, Steve Sipple writes.
It was what coach Ryan Held didn’t say* that helped sell safety Cam Jones on Nebraska. | Recruiting updates | Reimer on radar | Notable visitors
Former Nebraska offensive lineman Brent Qvale has re-signed with the New York Jets.*
Sports Illustrated plays the what-if game with the outcome of the quarterback battle between Bobby Newcombe and Eric Crouch.
Anatomy of an Era: More from Mark “Zeke” Cisco on player accountability, mentoring a future Husker, and practicing for the national championship game with a broken hand.
Adam Carriker talks about tackling and is joined by a special guest to demonstrate the proper techniques.
APRIL 5, 2018
David Knevel figures to be a top pick in the CFL draft but still has NFL hopes.
It’ll be another busy weekend in recruiting as both high-profile and under-the-radar prospects make visits. | Hoops star gets offer: 1, 2
About a thousand spring game tickets have become available and will be sold via a lottery system.
Erik Chinander says after Thursday’s practice that the defense doesn’t seem to be the one he’d heard about — and that’s a good thing. | Discuss
Tom Ruud and Rik Bonness reflect on the life of Dave Humm.
Anatomy of an Era: Strong safety Mark “Zeke” Cisco found himself in a different world when he walked on at Nebraska instead of his home-state school, Michigan.
APRIL 4, 2018
Former Nebraska placekicker Sandro DeAngelis* has found a new passion as soccer coach at Millard North. | Bio
ESPN’s FPI index sees the Huskers finishing the regular season at no better than .500.*
Nick Gates* expects to be picked in round 3, 4 or 5 of the NFL draft. | Opportunity for Maher* | Enunwa deal*
A Johnny Rodgers exhibit is opening Thursday at the Great Plains Black History Museum in Omaha.
Anatomy of an Era: Mike “Biff” Roberts says it was “tough to even walk after some practices,” but it taught him that “in life you’ve got to work your butt off to be successful.”
APRIL 3, 2018
Scott Frost is No. 5 on AP’s “Most Likely to Succeed” list of FBS coaches in new jobs.
Scott Frost says Tuesday’s practice was “far and away our best day as a team” so far this spring. | Discuss
Newcomer Deontai Williams is already emerging as a versatile weapon in the defensive secondary.
A number of redshirt freshmen are in position to make an impact in 2018.
Anatomy of an Era: Walk-on rover Mike “Biff” Roberts made hay every day on the practice field as a member of the scout team.
Running back Devine Ozigbo has his sights set on the starting job for his senior season.
APRIL 2, 2018
Former Husker Will Compton agrees to a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans.
An Athletic Department video, the first in a series, recaps the first full week of spring drills.
Adam Carriker gives his game-by-game predictions for Scott Frost’s first season.
Athlon Sports says there’s reason to hope for improved defensive efficiency under Erik Chinander. | What to expect | “Iron sharpens iron”
APRIL 1, 2018
Offensive guard Tanner Farmer welcomes the new “high-paced world” of Husker football and has high hopes for his senior season.
Anatomy of an Era: Boyd Epley on the Huskers’ fourth-quarter dominance and more: “If there had been a fifth quarter, they would have had to take the Hurricanes to the hospital.”
The military rejected him because of his “football knees.” Who was this former Cornhusker who still went on to play pro football at a championship level? It’s part of this week in Husker history.