NEWS ARCHIVE
March 2015
31 TUE
• An under-the-radar running back* gets a Nebraska offer.
• Get to know D-line coach Hank Hughes via this video.
• Hear HuskerMax's David Max on Corn Nation's Big Red Cobcast.
• The Associated Press takes a look at Bo Pelini's change of scenery.
• Nebraska advances to the final four in ESPN.com's balloting on the best Big Ten game-day setting.
• Nate Gerry makes Athlon's list of 25 defensive players on the rise.
• Hear De’Mornay Pierson-El discuss his adjustment to the new offense.
• A change in Athletic Department policy means the Big Red Breakfasts* on Fridays during the season will probably come to an end. | Discuss
• The instincts and playing experience* of linebackers Josh Banderas and Michael Rose-Ivey are proving valuable to the defense. | M. Newby's quest* | Notes: 1,* 2,* 3,* 4,* 5
30 MON
• Langston Coleman, a Blackshirt for Bob Devaney in the mid-’60s and a key figure in NU's walk-on tradition, has died at 71. | 2009 video feature
• Here are some notes (1, 2,* 3, 4,* 5) from Monday's practice. | Video: Riley & Banker | Updates | Spring schedule
• Check out these six segments from the special spring edition of the Nebraska Football Show with Mike Riley and assistants.
• Hear Johnny Rodgers’ thoughts about the new coaching staff and the added emphasis on special teams.
• Todd McShay's latest mock draft has Randy Gregory going sixth.
• Linebacker Mohamed Barry from Georgia is confident he can make a quick impact* at Nebraska as a true freshman.
• A Saints blogger takes a lengthy look at Kenny Bell.
29 SUN
• Taylor Martinez quashes a rumor that he'll join the Omaha Mammoths.
• This week in Husker history: Fifty years ago, the Nebraska-Oklahoma game was moved to the national TV stage for the first time.
• The LJS offers some spring observations,* and the OWH analyzes the position groups: Quarterbacks* | Running backs* | Receivers* | O-line* | D-line* | Linebackers* | Defensive backs* | Special teams*
• Sam McKewon sees the performance of Mile Riley's assistants* as crucial to the Huskers' success in 2015.
• In boxes and crates, Don “Fox” Bryant left a trove of Husker history.*
28 SAT
• The LJS sizes up Miami* as the Canes wrap up spring drills.
• De'Mornay Pierson-El's versatility* should be a plus in the new offense.
27 FRI
• Jeremiah Sirles calls the marijuana use of his former teammate Randy Gregory "kind of mind-boggling" given what it might end up costing him.
• Keith Williams talks about his passion for coaching wideouts in this video.
• A special spring edition of the Nebraska Football Show with Mike Riley will air this weekend on several channels.
• Get to know strength coach Mark Philipp in this video: "Relationship-building is huge. ... We interact with them every day."
• Nebraska has a pair of 5-foot-9 receivers who are showing that height isn't everything at the position.
• Best game setting, Nebraska or Michigan? Vote in ESPN.com's playoff.
• The quarterback hunt* for the 2016 recruiting season is under way, and Sam McKewon looks at who's on the Huskers' radar.
• BYU is shaping up as a challenging debut* for Mike Riley.
• Former Husker P.J. Smith is sued over a fundraiser he hosted for an injured 11-year-old boy last fall.
• The Bo Pelini Foundation for cancer and diabetes research shuts down.
26 THU
• Jason Peter discusses his past battles with addiction with a Jacksonville radio station: "Recovery is more than a 28-day program."
• Poll question: Will Randy Gregory's failed drug test push him out of the top 10 in the NFL draft? | Gil Brandt weighs in: 1,* 2* | Brent Sobleski audio | NFL.com analysis | Mel Kiper: 1, 2 | Joel Klatt | More: 1,* 2*
• HuskerOnline looks at how five position battles are likely to pan out.
• Mike Riley's offense puts the Huskers in the middle of a philosophical discussion* on college vs. NFL quarterback play. | The new normal
• Randy Gregory says he failed drug tests at Nebraska and the NFL combine because of marijuana use while he was in Lincoln. | Discuss
• From Sam McKewon, a big fat recruiting update.*
25 WED
• O-lineman Dylan Utter aims to create his own walk-on success story.*
• HuskerOnline highlights five risers on defense.
• Linebackers coach Trent Bray discusses his approach in this video: "You've got to coach different people different ways."
• Mark Banker's changes in the defensive scheme start up front with a less conservative approach to the linemen's play.
• Former Husker defensive coordinator Carl Pelini files a defamation lawsuit against one of his former assistants at Florida Atlantic.
• Mike Riley isn't ruling out dual-threat quarterbacks* as he recruits his future field generals, Steve Sipple writes.
• Kenny Bell helmets, footballs and prints are now among the autographed items available in the HuskerMax shop.
24 TUE
• Jalin Barnett, the big incoming O-lineman from Oklahoma, says the physicality* of the game is what he really enjoys.
• His dad's cousin starred for the Huskers in the 1970s, and now Coloradan Jacob Weinmaster* is fulfilling a dream by walking on at Nebraska.
• Saturday's Legends Radio Show guests: Mike Caputo and D.J. Jones.
• The spring media guide can be viewed and downloaded here.
• The OWH recaps a week's worth of recruiting offers by Mike Riley's staff.
• Jordan Westerkamp makes Athlon's list of 20 receivers on the rise.
• Get to know wide receivers coach Keith Williams via these videos.
• What changes are brewing on offense? For starters, look for receivers to be employed as ball carriers more often in the run game.
• Wide receiver Brandon Reilly tops HuskerOnline's list of players on offense whose stock appears to be on the rise this spring.
• After a difficult time because of his dad's dismissal, Sam Cotton* works at becoming a bigger weapon at tight end.
• Taysom Hill's rehab from injury has led to an unusual situation at quarterback for BYU during spring practice.
23 MON
• From Hail Varsity, three takeaways from spring drills thus far.
• Toughness, intelligence and passion: That's what Mike Cavanaugh wants in his offensive linemen, as he explains in this video.
• Poll question: Which running back will have more carries next season, Imani Cross or Terrell Newby?
• Athlon Sports lists five Husker storylines to watch this spring, starting with Tommy Armstrong's development.
• Producing a more efficient passing game at Nebraska will test the patience* of Mike Riley and Danny Langsdorf, Sam McKewon writes.
• Former Husker walk-on Ryan Held,* a juco coach in Oklahoma, could provide the Huskers recruiting inroads in the Sooner state.
22 SUN
• Former Husker defensive line coach Rick Kaczenski is arrested* in Lincoln in a domestic violence* case.
• Adam Carriker hopes his performance in the inaugural NFL Veteran Combine convinces scouts he's worthy of returning to the league.
• Tad Stryker sees better linebacker play potentially arising from Mark Banker's simpler defensive scheme.
• This week in Husker history: A star begins to emerge in the backfield during spring practices of 90 years ago.
21 SAT
• Family tragedies* contributed to Joe Keels' disappointing 2014 season.
• Sam McKewon offers six observations* two weeks into spring drills.
• Maliek Collins and Vincent Valentine have developed a chemistry* that's bringing out the best in each other at defensive tackle.
20 FRI
• Paul Thurston vies for the starting job at center* after last year's baptism by fire* late in the season. | Cavanaugh embracing tradition*
• Ndamukong Suh will wear his old Husker number – 93 – with the Dolphins.
• Terrell Newby likes the opportunities* the new offense creates.
• Sam McKewon looks at how things are shaking out on defense* thus far.
• Kieron Williams sees his special-teams success* as a plus as he vies for a starting spot at safety. | Kevin Williams perseveres*
• John Bordogna, the former Husker quarterback who died this month at age 83, is featured prominently in these 1953 video highlights.
19 THU
• The Jet Award for 2014 goes to Kansas State's Tyler Lockett, while De'Mornay Pierson-El is named the most valuable punt returner.
• Two-way lineman Fyn Anderson* will focus on defense as an NU walk-on.
• Quarterback Ryker Fyfe found the change of pace difficult when working with the first unit Wednesday. | Timing challenges*
18 WED
• The passing game needs more polish and fewer interceptions,* and the receiver rotation* remains largely unsettled. | Notes: 1,* 2*
• Derek Johnson lays out a couple of autumn scenarios of concern.
• With Tommy Armstrong out with back spasms, Johnny Stanton and Ryker Fyfe get reps with the first unit. More from Wednesday's chippy practice: Notes: 1, 2,* 3,* 4 | Updates | Video: 1, 2, 3 | Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
• In a USA Today draft diary, Ameer Abdullah expresses shock at Chris Borland's retirement and says his own passion for the game is strong.
• Saturday's Legends Radio Show guests: Jack Gangwish & Mark Banker.
• Nebraska offers scholarships to juco linebacker Chris Baccus* and tight end Thaddeus Moss,* son of former NFL star Randy Moss. | Discuss
• This NFL video goes behind the scenes with Randy Gregory at pro day.
• He's not Randy Gregory, but Jack Gangwish* hopes to be "a force on the defense in more ways than just being a great player."
17 TUE
• Spring game ticket sales have topped 51,000, and the East Stadium balcony seats will be made available.
• The hiring of Carl Pelini is finally official at Youngstown State, where he'll coach the defensive line.
• Hear former Husker Scott Shanle's thoughts on concussions and Chris Borland's early retirement from the game.
• Dave Rimington is the football honoree* in the inaugural University of Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame class. | Video
• The OWH recaps the latest Nebraska recruiting offers.*
• Linebacker Josh Banderas says the new defensive scheme suits his game*: "It's less thinking and more playing." | Video
16 MON
• Zach Hannon has slimmed down* and moved up at left guard.
• A couple of newcomers at linebackers* are getting quality reps.* More from Monday's practice: Videos: 1, 2 | Updates | Notes: 1,* 2, 3,* 4, 5,* 6,* 7* | Spring schedule
• Sam Burtch is battling back* after a hard-luck 2014 season.
• Poll question: Which nonconference home game are you more nervous about, BYU or Southern Miss?
• Steve Sipple says this Mike Riley* quote says a lot: "It's not about us."
15 SUN
• Work on deep passes* could end up helping the running game.
• This week in Husker history: A $100 pay raise to $3,600 a year for Henry Schulte, coach of both football and track.
• Saying goodbye to a Husker: Butch Rasmussen shares memories of former quarterback John Bordogna.
• Receiver Brandon Reilly's speed* has his coach's attention.
14 SAT
• The OWH examines how Mark Banker's defense* might differ from those of recent Husker teams. | Observations* | Notes: 1,* 2,* 3,* 4*
• Alonzo Moore is getting used to more deep routes* in the new offense.
13 FRI
• David Knevel and other third-year sophomores* hope to start making their mark on the offensive line. | Emphasis on technique* | O-line rundown* |
• Today's practice will have no press access, but Saturday's will be open to the media and the team will go in one group for the first time.
• A week into spring drills, Sam McKewon shares what he's been seeing from the offense.* | Westerkamp in study mode*
• Athlon ranks Maliek Collins among the top 15 Big Ten players.
• Assistant coach Reggie Davis sees versatility among his running backs* as he gets familiar with them. | Energetic Keith Williams*
• Bellevue West quarterback Jadyn Kowalski is drawing interest from Nebraska and other FBS schools.
12 THU
• View this video recap of the first week of spring practice.
• Danny Langsdorf is well aware he's not coaching Eli Manning anymore and must adjust accordingly as he works with the Husker quarterbacks.
• Chris Brasfield joins the staff as director of high school relations, which includes overseeing the walk-on* program, and Kenny Wilhite moves up to associate director of player personnel.
• There are similarities in the Husker careers of Taylor Martinez and Terran Petteway – and in how the two have been treated by fans.
• Watch Steve Sipple discuss Mike Riley's approach to spring drills.
• QB Johnny Stanton likes his chances* in the new offensive system.
• The I-backs are out to prove they're versatile enough to handle any duty,* and the fullbacks' role* may get an upgrade. | Notes: 1,* 2*
11 WED
• Curt Tomasevicz will be the featured speaker at Salute the Troops.
• The injury bug* bites as the Huskers go through their first full-pads practice of spring, and the run game* gets its first real work. | Updates | Videos: 1, 2 | Photos: 1, 2 | Seen & heard* | Quick features: Stanton, Pierson-El | Schedule | Discuss
• Adaptability is key for players and coaches alike, Mitch Sherman writes.
• The OWH recaps a week's worth of Husker recruiting offers.*
• Mick Tingelhoff gets a warm welcome in his new winter home in Florida.
• Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst says he learned early in his career from Mike Riley that nice guys* can finish first.
10 TUE
• HuskerMax is sponsoring ticket-lodging-travel packages for the Miami game. Secure your spot now.
• Assistant coach Brian Stewart has a talented group* of defensive backs in his charge, and he likes the cornerbacks' height.* | Cockrell flexible*
• Conor Young is following in his brother's footsteps* by walking on.
• NU's Keith Zimmer is honored as Team Jack's Teammate of the Year.
• Hear from HuskerOnline's Nate Clouse about the visit by Keyshawn Johnson's group and more from the recruiting front.
• Former Husker Seppo Evwaraye is continuing his improbable career in football as a coach in his native Finland. | Bio
• Derek Johnson looks at what must happen for Nebrasketball to take a step forward next season.
• Michael Rose-Ivey* is taking nothing for granted after last year's injury.
• Defensive back Boaz Joseph says the free defense* suits him well, and Jonathan Rose says change* can be a good thing.
• Defensive line coach Hank Hughes likes the qualities in Jack Gangwish* that "you can't coach." | Quest for DE depth*
• The quarterback Mike Riley wanted* (twice) but didn't get: Tom Brady.
09 MON
• The wide-open competition at I-back has Imani Cross excited.
• The notes and quotes from Monday's practice (1, 2,* 3, 4,* 5, 6*) are all about the defense. More: Video | Updates | Coach learning too | Photos
• Poll question: Is Ndamukong Suh worth what he'll be making at Miami?
• Imani Cross likes the position-specific knowledge Reggie Davis brings as coach of the running backs.
08 SUN
• Steve Sipple says Josh Banderas was mismanaged* by the previous staff and could benefit from his fresh start. | McKewon's rewind*
• Operating in Oregon's shadow* made things tough for Mike Riley.
• Funeral services will be Wednesday for former Husker all-conference quarterback John Bordogna.
• Ndamukong Suh is set to sign a six-year deal with Miami for $114 million, $60 million of it guaranteed. | Profile | Discuss
• The OWH takes a deep dive into why Mike Riley left the comfort of Corvallis and took the Nebraska job.
• This week in Husker history: Four years after playing in the Rose Bowl, Walter “Butch” Luther gives his life for his country.
07 SAT
• Tom Shatel sees one of Mike Riley's key tasks as restoring the identity* of the Nebraska quarterback. | Sipple: Banker's style* and Eight thoughts*
• The players are learning “a new language,” and the split-squad format* doubles the teaching time. | Notes: 1,* 2*
• More than 600 gather for a Team Jack fundraiser in Lincoln.
• A bond forms between a North Platte columnist and former Husker Dave Humm because of something they have in common: multiple sclerosis.
• The first spring practice of the Mike Riley era is in the books. | Updates. | Video: Riley, McMullen, Foltz, Cross | Notes: 1,* 2,* 3* | Quick features: Foltz, McMullen, Cross, Linebackers* | Photos: 1, 2, 3,* 4, 5, 6
• A new partnership makes HuskerMax the featured message board for Nebraska on the SportsManias website.
06 FRI
• With a new season and coaching staff come new challenges* for Tommy Armstrong. | Quest for leaders* | Spring schedule
• It's official now: Kenny Bell and Ameer Abdullah indeed improved their 40 times at pro day, and Trevor Roach* posts encouraging numbers.
• Keyshawn Johnson's "California 11" prospects will visit Monday's practice.
• For the defense, will simpler translate to faster? That's the hope.
• Do you want him on your team? An essay on Ndamukong Suh.
• ESPN.com previews the Huskers' spring drills and says the look of the offense is the biggest question. | 10 bold predictions
• Saturday's Legends Radio Show guests: Quincy Enunwa & Trevor Roach.
• There's planty of talent in the defensive secondary, but only a couple of starting spots appear to be set.
• Check out this video recap of pro day in Lincoln. Also, Ameer Abdullah makes his case for being a first-round pick.
• The era of the pocket passer* is returning to Nebraska, and the transition begins in a gradual way this spring.
05 THU
• Defensive lineman Kevin Williams says senior leaders are focused on having players maintain the right mental attitude.
• Poll question: Do you like Mike Riley's split-squad format for spring drills?
• Former Husker player and assistant coach Tony Samuel reportedly lands on the staff at Georgia State as outside linebackers coach.
• Athlon has a spring priority list for every Big Ten team.
04 WED
• Tom Shatel says the dual-practice plan* is evidence of Mike Riley's flexibility. | Sipple: Leaders on defense* | “Get after it” * | Notes: 1,* 2*
• Here's the Huskers' full schedule of spring practices.
• Mike Riley will try a split-squad approach to spring practice* in hopes of giving players more individual attention.* More from Wednesday's press conference: Video | Fewer runs for Armstrong | Praise for Philipp (1, 2*) | Learning the names | Evaluating the QBs | McKewon commentary* | Quotes: Riley, Armstrong, Westerkamp, Gerry
• Hear Ameer Abdullah discuss what he'll try to prove at pro day in Lincoln.
• If 2008 is any indication, the fresh start for players under the new staff will bring added intensity* to spring practice.
• Which players are ready to move up* on defense?
• The Gretna pipeline continues with walk-ons Brugmann and Hemphill.
03 TUE
• Pro day will be crucial to the NFL hopes of Josh Mitchell.
• Hear coach Mike Riley discuss with 1620 The Zone what he wants to accomplish during spring drills.
• Jeremy Pernell looks at how NU's 2016 recruiting could be approached.
• Hear the latest from Nate Clouse on recruiting, including how Mike Riley's connection to Keyshawn Johnson could pay dividends.
• Michael Rose is seen as a potential breakout player for the Huskers.
• About 10 BYU players will be disciplined for their roles in a bowl-game brawl, but whether any must sit out against Nebraska is unknown.
02 MON
• Mike Riley intends to make the deep ball a part of NU's passing game.
• With Ameer Abdullah gone, who will step up at running back?*
• Ndamukong Suh is likely headed to free agency after the Lions decide not to use the franchise tag on the former Husker.
• Former Husker commit Hunter Dale signs with Washington State.
• Poll question: Do the Huskers have the offense to reach a 60 percent pass-completion rate?
• Charlton Warren's hiring at North Carolina becomes official.
• Sam McKewon likes Mike Riley's approach to the Blackshirt tradition.
• Wrestler Josh Kettel isn't your typical freshman. The former Navy SEAL is redshirting but is already making an impact with his maturity, perspective and leadership | Video | Bio
• Brandon Kinnie's time in the NFL has come and gone, but he's glad to be playing again with the Omaha Beef.
• Mike Riley says he feels like a “voice in the wilderness” in his opposition to an early signing period.*
• Huskers nearly 20 years apart – Terrell Farley and Corey Cooper – discuss the high expectations at Nebraska during an appearance in Grand Island.
01 SUN
• A 60 percent completion rate* seems like a good goal this season for the Huskers' passing game, Mike Riley says.
• This week in Husker history: The retiring of Tom “Train Wreck” Novak’s No. 60, plus a foreshadowing of Nebraska’s conference switch.
• Mike Riley's lessons learned* in football and life started with his father but also came from many others. | Understanding the values*