Frost, Huskers Preview Spring Practice

Football
3/29/2021 3:00:00 PM

NU Athletic Communications

Nebraska Football Coach Scott Frost, the Husker coordinators and four student-athletes met with the media Monday afternoon, as the Huskers are set to begin spring practice on Tuesday. Fans can watch the media availability by clicking on the links on the right side of the page.
 
Frost hit upon several topics in the media session, including the 2020 non-conference schedule, the role that Mike Dawson will play in overseeing special teams, the experience and leadership of the returnees on defense, as well as the return of physical testing and the performance index.
 
“We started semester later, so we were able to give the guys more time off before we started in and get a full winter conditioning in,” Frost said. “We just did testing for the first time since I’ve been here, the old-school testing like we used to do with performance index and 40s, 10s, agility, vertical jump, squats and cleans, and seeing the improvement that our guys made in those areas that gives them a lot of confidence.  We certainly owe a lot to Zach (Duval), Andrew Strop and the strength staff for the improvement that we made.
 
“The weather should be good, and I’m glad we don’t have spring break in the middle to break it up. I think we’ll get more out of spring practice that way.”
 
For Frost and other coaches around the country, the return of super seniors, 2020 seniors who could have finished their eligibility but have returned for the upcoming season, provides a unique dynamic along with a significant part of the roster which has yet to complete a spring practice on campus.
 
“I’m excited to have spring ball,” Frost said.  “Some of our young players that needed it didn’t get it last year. We had a conversation today with the coaching staff about finding that balance with some of the old guys. I can’t tell you how excited I am that we have that many super seniors coming back that could have gone anywhere and played and wanted to be back here. So, we got to find a balance with them to make sure that we’re doing what we need to do to get those guys better. We’ll find the right balance between giving the young guys reps and making sure the guys who have been here for a long time get their share and get ready to play in the fall.”
 
For the Husker newcomers, one advantage is an opportunity to get to know their coaches during January, when the staff is usually recruiting. Frost believes that time will be beneficial as they get set for spring ball.
 
“We’ve gotten to know those guys, and I think they have integrated into the team very well. I think that is big head start for them heading into the spring,” Frost said. “Those young guys that are here we are going to throw them in the deep end in the spring and let them compete. I am excited to see how that turns out.”
 
The Huskers begin the first of 15 spring practices on Tuesday, as spring practice will culminate with the Red-White Spring game on Saturday, May 1.