NEWS ARCHIVE
March 2016
31 THU
• Here are some notes (1, 2, 3,* 4) from Thursday's practice, including observations about the QBs. | Updates and video | Praise for Morgan
• Boyd Epley is taking on an expanded role* with the football team.
• Husker commit Cameron Jurgens cracks the top 40 in 247Sports' ranking of 2018 football recruits. | Highlights
• Nick Gates is one of Athlon's top 20 O-linemen on the rise.
30 WED
• Plans for an on-campus NikeTown store* fall through after Ndamukong Suh's company and the university fail to agree on terms.
• The learning process continues for young linebackers Tyrin Ferguson and Mohamed Barry.
29 TUE
• Quarterback prospect Tristan Gebbia* makes the rounds in Lincoln with his teammate Keyshawn Johnson Jr.
• Here are some notes (1, 2, 3,* 4, 5, 6*) from Tuesday's practice, which saw the return of Stanley Morgan and a few others who had been out with injuries. Videos and updates can be found here. | Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4
• The spring game will be viewable live on BTN2GO and later at various times on the Big Ten Network.
• Jeff Kinney, Maury Damkroger and Jerry Tagge share Game of the Century memories from nearly 45 years ago.
• Former Nebraska offensive coordinator Shawn Watson joins the staff at Indiana in a quality-control* role.
• Batman continues to inspire former Husker great Ahman Green.
• Big Red Report's Build-O-Team shows where NU's recruiting needs are.
• The LJS has nine questions to ponder as spring drills resume.
• ESPN.com rates the Huskers' receiving corps second in the Big Ten.
28 MON
• Spring game ticket sales have topped 48,000.
• The cornerbacks aim to keep building from last year's strong finish.
• With spring drills about to resume, this stock report assesses the status of about a dozen players.
• Steve Sipple sees reasons to be encouraged by Mike Riley's offseason.
• Sam McKewon says old narratives* might need to be discarded.
• Poll question: Is the leadership review at NU cause for alarm?
• Last year's game experience gives Devine Ozigbo added confidence in the competition for playing time at running back.
27 SUN
• This week in Husker history: NU is without an athletic director in 1961 as Bill Orwig leaves for Indiana and no replacement has been named.
• Sam McKewon sees a move-the-chains running game as vital to reducing the burden on the Blackshirts.
• Husker profile: freshman defensive back Lamar Jackson.
• Tom Shatel wonders whether there's more to the Athletic Department leadership evaluation* than Hank Bounds is letting on.
26 SAT
• The OWH analyzes the spring roster: Running backs* | QBs* | Receivers* | O-line* | D-line* | Linebackers* | Secondary* | Special teams*
• Wide receivers coach Keith Williams' connection with players is paying dividends on the field and on the recruiting trail.
• Even with a pair of four-stars in the fold, Nebraska continues to pursue wide receivers for the 2017 recruiting class.
• Wide receiver Alonzo Moore isn't satisfied with the strides he made last season and intends to raise his game to another level.
25 FRI
• Technique, toughness and fire are what Mike Cavanaugh wants from his revamped offensive line. | A healthy Whitaker
• Former Husker receiver Niles Paul could see some snaps at fullback this season with the Redskins.
• In Pennsylvania, former Husker Eric Lueshen discusses his experience as an openly gay athlete.
• Big Red Report looks at several Huskers who could use a strong second half of spring football.
• Walk-on Bryan Reimers of Lincoln has a shot at being part of the main rotation of receivers this season.
24 THU
• One of Nebraska's top two quarterback prospects for 2017 is off the board as Jack Coan* commits to Wisconsin.
• Poll question: Has recruiting turned the corner?
• Mike Knox will be Saturday's Legends Radio Show guest.
• Two Huskers make Athlon's list of 15 Big Ten players on the rise.
23 WED
• An independent review of Athletic Department leadership and culture is under way at the request of NU President Hank Bounds.*
• It's a big catch for the Huskers as wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson Jr. commits to Nebraska. See his announcement video and highlights here. More coverage: 1, 2,* 3, 4, 5 | Discuss | 3 takeaways* | 2017 commits
• Peyton Newell and several other sophomores* who were highly touted recruits are working to start making an impact.
22 TUE
• Richard Owen Fischer, believed to have been the oldest living former Nebraska football player, has died at age 102 in Colorado.
• An Off Tackle Empire writer looks back at the Huskers' exhilirating highs and crushing lows of November 1978.
• Condolences go out to friends and family of Merle, the first to sign up for our discussion forums in 1999.
• Tad Stryker expects the hiring of John Parrella as defensive line coach to pay off in more ways than one.
21 MON
• Former Husker player and defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin joins the staff of the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars.
• The Informer continues his look back at the Tommie Frazier era: Nebraska vs. Middle Tennessee, 1992.
20 SUN
• Sam McKewon takes stock of the Huskers midway into spring drills.
• Just a few days remain in the online voting for the AAU's Sullivan Award, with Mikaela Foecke and Jordan Burroughs in the running.
• The makeup of the offensive line and the rotation at running back are two works in progress for the 2016 offense.
• This week in Husker history: Spring practices in 1926 see a record turnout of 120 players.
• After a subpar season, changes* are afoot on defense.
19 SAT
• Steve Sipple says the Huskers appear to have the pieces needed to compete for the Big Ten West championship.
• Nebraska is proving capable of recruiting top-tier receivers
• David Knevel is eyeing the starting spot at right tackle* after three years of getting stronger, learning the playbook and mastering his technique.
• The 2015 redshirts see their year of seasoning as beneficial.
18 FRI
• Former Husker offensive lineman Mark Doak, a co-owner of the former Sweep Left bar in Haymarket, has died in Florida at age 64. | 2013 story
• CBSSports.com has Nebraska as a potential playoff Cinderella in 2016.
17 THU
• Danny Langsdorf says a big priority is to get the offensive line* to "gel and work together." | Offense's progress* | Notes: 1, 2
• Safety Kieron Williams feels he must improve his man-to-man coverage in order to become a more reliable contributor on defense.
• Updates and videos from Thursday's practice are arriving here. | Notes: 1, 2* | Photos: 1, 2, 3 | Sights & sounds: 1, 2*
• Receiver prospect Keyshawn Johnson Jr. will announce his college destination next Wednesday.
16 WED
• An improved tactical grasp of his position has defensive end Freedom Akinmoladun* expecting improvement in 2016.
• Defensive end Alex Davis was the defensive MVP of the scout team last year, and now he's bulked up and vying for playing time.
15 TUE
• Cornerback Eric Lee Jr. is hoping to benefit from the strides he made during his redshirt year.* | Chris Jones' inspiration
• Much of the talk after Tuesday's practice revolved around the development of the D-line: 1, 2, 3, 4. More: Videos | Notes: 1, 2,* 3, 4, 5, 6*
• Saturday's Legends Radio Show guests: John Parrella and Jim Scott
• Sam McKewon breaks down the pecking order on the defensive side.*
• Graham Nabity is embracing his switch to H-back.
14 MON
• It appears Brandon Reilly is picking up this spring where he left off after his breakout season last fall.
• A fun look back at a mostly forgotten game: The 1992 season opener against Utah.
• Athlon Sports runs down the spring storylines for each Big Ten team and has Nebraska ranked third in the B1G West.
• Sam McKewon looks at how the depth chart is shaping up on offense* thus far in spring ball.
• Tony Samuel is the latest addition to UNLV's Cornhusker contingent.
13 SUN
• This week in Husker history: Cupids arrow comes from an unlikely source for former Nebraska football star John Westover.
• The ebullient Davis twins* are eager to begin unleashing their potential on the defensive line.
12 SAT
• Mike Riley sees better first-down running* as crucial to the offense.
• Injuries are forcing Jordan Westerkamp, Stanley Morgan and Michael Rose-Ivey to miss at least part of spring drills. More from Saturday's practice: Videos & updates | Notes: 1, 2,* 3, 4, 5, 6 | Observations: 1, 2*
• Jaevon McQuitty, a four-star receiver from Missouri, has committed to the Huskers,* making public what position coach Keith Williams* has known for a few weeks. | Highlights | Discuss | Junior Day recap*
• Greg McMullen's leadership is rooted in the choices he made while growing up in Akron, Ohio.
11 FRI
• Mental reps* are crucial to defensive end Sedrick King's progress.
• O-linemen Tanner Farmer and Jerald Foster are aiming to move up after disappointing starts to their Husker careers. | Buying in
• Former Husker Prince Amukamara signs with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
• Poll question: Will the move to rugby-style tackling be effective?
10 THU
• Zack Darlington is excited about the chance to put his athleticism to work at slot receiver. | O'Brien's transition
• News, videos and photos from Thursday's practice are accumulating here, with offensive linemen in the spotlight. | Notes: 1, 2,* 3, 4,
• D-linemen Kevin Maurice and Sedrick King see opportunities to seize.
• The Davis twins have grown from a humbling experience last fall.
• Consistency in pass coverage is a key goal for linebacker Marcus Newby.
• Linebacker Chris Weber has bulked up to withstand the Big Ten grind.
• Other safeties' injuries are giving Kieron Williams* first-team reps this spring.
09 WED
• The Huskers get their first commit for 2017,* outside linebacker Willie Hampton from Florida. | Highlights | Discuss
• Generosity reigned at Saturday night's Team Jack Gala.
• Nebraska is No. 41 in Athlon Sports' early rankings for 2016.
• Player features and updates from the defensive side of the ball: Sedrick King | Marcus Newby | Eric Lee
08 TUE
• Bigger and stronger than last year, the Davis twins are eager to learn from their new position coach. More from Tuesday's practice: Videos & tweets | Parrella's drive* | Notes: 1, 2,* 3, 4, 5, 6 | Photos: 1, 2, 3
• The Huskers are represented in two of Sports Illustrateds 100 Greatest Moments in Sports History.
• The Buffalo Bills and Richie Incognito agree on a new contract.
07 MON
• The Huskers adoption of rugby-style tackling is part of a growing trend.
• Sam McKewon says patience* will be needed with freshman quarterback Patrick OBriens development.
• Not satisfied despite last season's successes, receiver Alonzo Moore aims to take his game to a new level in 2016.
• Michael Rose-Ivey welcomes the stepped-up competition at linebacker.
• Joe Ganz rejoins Bo Pelini as Youngstown State's tight ends coach.
• Freshman Derrion Grim has impressed his fellow Husker receivers with his maturity, both physical and mental.
• Nineteen players become Nebraska football lettermen for the first time.
• Visits in the next 10 days by Tristan Gebbia and Jack Coan could determine who the quarterback* is in Nebraska's 2017 recruiting class.
06 SUN
• Dylan Utter is pretty pumped about his switch to center, a position he says better suits his frame. | McKewon's rewind*
• This week in Husker history: Former Husker Francis Schmidt is elected to the College Football Hall of Fame for his coaching accomplishments.
• Former Husker Scott Frost sees Central Florida as a good place to run his offense because of the bountiful nearby talent.
• What drives John Parrella? It all begins with his father.*
• Tommy Armstrong* has gone back to the basics in his quest to improve.
05 SAT
• Day 1 of spring practice provided proof that Mike Riley isn't afraid to shake things up. More: Advantage to the offense* | Sipple commentary | Vibes & vignettes | Video & photos
• The Miami Dolphins restructure Ndamukong Suh's contract.
• The first spring practice is in the books, and Zack Darlington has moved from quarterback to slot receiver. | Notes: 1, 2, 3,* 4, 5, 6, 7,* 8, 9 | Unofficial 2-deeps* | More photos: 1, 2, 3, 4 | Schedule
• Illinois coach Bill Cubit is fired by the school's new athletic director, and reports say Lovie Smith is expected to take Cubit's place.
• Jack Gangwish gives the hiring of John Parrella a thumbs up.
• Knowing this is his final spring season in Lincoln provides extra fuel for running back Terrell Newby.
04 FRI
• Khalil Davis is upbeat about team chemistry after winning the competition for Husker Power Football Athlete of the Year. | Twins' double duty
• Mike Riley reminisces about his Oregon roots on the MLB Network.
• A year has made a big difference in the once-dire linebacker picture.
• Billy Devaney's job description is a work in progress,* but he knows his ability to assess talent will come in handy.
03 THU
• Freshman defensive lineman Khalil Davis* earns top honors in the Huskers' performance testing. | Discuss
• The OWH's Jon Nyatawa and Sam McKewon examine the freshmen who need to make an impact this spring in this video.
• The 2009 Huskers are No. 6 in a ranking of defenses from 2005 to 2015.
• Poll question: Should tackling in practice during the season be banned?
02 WED
• The Huskers' productive winter* reflects a renewed dedication to preparation by Tommy Armstrong and his fellow seniors. | Notes: 1,* 2 | Commentary: Sipple, Shatel*
• Mike Riley says an Ivy League-style ban on tackling during in-season practices wouldnt change things much at most schools, including NU.
• Hail Varsity and the OWH* dissect todays roster news from Mike Riley. More from the press conference: Videos & transcripts | Parrellas no-brainer: 1, 2, 3 | No spring flings* | Devaney's role: 1, 2,* 3 | Notes: 1, 2, 3,* 4 | Photos: 1, 2, 3 | Spring schedule
• Here are a couple of recent videos from the weight room.
• Saturday's Legends Radio Show guests: Charlie McBride & Bill Barnett.
• An improved comfort level in year 2 under Mike Riley is noted as USA Today previews spring football in the Big Ten.
• It was walk-on Eli Sullivan's versatility* that drew Nebraska's interest.
• Jordan Westerkamp is the lone Husker in Athlon's top 25 Big Ten players.
01 TUE
• The numbers and experience at linebacker are improving.
• The 1983 and '95 Huskers are listed among 23 teams in college football history that approached offensive perfection.
• SB Nation looks at how the Big Eight of 1995 and the Big 12 of 2003 would stack up with the teams' 2015 rosters.
• Defense is on the front burner as Sam McKewon offers up a number of storylines* to follow during spring ball. | Players to watch: 1, 2, 3, 4
• As an NFL talent guru, Billy Devaney recognized Husker hidden gems.
• Athlon Sports previews the competition on the offensive line, and Corn Nation does likewise with the defensive line.