Nebraska football has a new competition period that includes three fields, three different teams and old NU nicknames from before 1900.
Coach Matt Rhule told reporters after practice that, because young players like to compete, he devised a system where three teams — Bugeaters, Rattlesnake Boys and Old Gold Knights — have an offense and defense, and play 36 snaps in a row. One unit rotates between the three fields. At the end of the period, one team wins.
On Thursday, it was the Rattlesnake Boys, of which tight end Thomas Fidone is a part.
“Any time they say there’s a competition, it just raises the level of our game,” Fidone said. “That’s a good thing…I thought it was a cool way to get everyone to have a different edge to them.”
More quick hits from practice
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* While returning starter Heinrich Haarberg got the “first snap” of spring camp among the quarterbacks, Rhule said Haarberg, Dylan Raiola and Daniel Kaelin have done well through three practices. Raiola and Kaelin prepared well for camp, Rhule said, and know the offense well enough to function in practice.
Rhule wants to have three quarterbacks capable of starting, since it’s common.
* Nebraska safety DeShon Singleton — who missed the final three-fourths of the 2023 season — still has not returned to practice, and Rhule has appealed for Singleton to get another year of eligibility since he appeared for just one play in his fifth game of last season at Michigan.
* Syracuse transfer linebacker Stefon Thompson has had a difficult transition to Nebraska, Rhule said, arriving at the school out of shape and unaccustomed to the rigors of the Huskers’ offseason workout program.
* Fidone said it’s “fun” being coached by offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield, who now coaches the tight ends and provides a “holistic view” of the position.
“He’s insanely smart,” Fidone said of Satterfield.
* Left tackle Teddy Prochazka is now playing at 312 pounds — he wants to be 310 — and is at his healthiest spot since before the 2021 season.
Photos: Nebraska football spring practice, March 28
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule speaks during a news conference after practice on Thursday at Hawks Championship Center.
Nebraska Offensive Line coach Donovan Raiola runs players through drills during a football practice at the Hawks Championship Center, on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Lincoln.
Nebraska’s Jacob Bower is tackled by Gage Stenger during a football practice at the Hawks Championship Center, on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Lincoln.
Nebraska’s Bryce Benhart (center) wears a Guardian Cap during practice on Thursday at Hawks Championship Center.
Nebraska Defensive Coordinator Tony White instructs players during a football practice at the Hawks Championship Center, on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Lincoln.
Nebraska’s Cayden Echternach is seen during a football practice at the Hawks Championship Center, on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Lincoln.
Nebraska’s Ismael Smith Flores makes a catch during a football practice at the Hawks Championship Center, on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Lincoln.
Nebraska’s Jack Woche throws a pass during a football practice at the Hawks Championship Center, on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Lincoln.
Nebraska’s Jahmal Banks loses control of catch during a football practice at the Hawks Championship Center, on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Lincoln.
Nebraska’s Keelan Smith makes a catch during a football practice at the Hawks Championship Center, on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Lincoln.
Nebraska football players wear Guardian Caps during a football practice at the Hawks Championship Center, on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Lincoln.
Nebraska’s Ian Flynt makes a catch during a football practice at the Hawks Championship Center, on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Lincoln.
Injured players run through drills during a football practice at the Hawks Championship Center, on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Lincoln.
Nebraska’s Thomas Fidone runs the ball after making a catch during a football practice at the Hawks Championship Center, on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Lincoln.
Nebraska Offensive Coordinator Marcus Satterfield leads players through a drill during a football practice at the Hawks Championship Center, on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Lincoln.
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola throws a pass during a football practice at the Hawks Championship Center, on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Lincoln.
Nebraska’s Heinrich Haarberg throws a pass during a football practice at the Hawks Championship Center, on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Lincoln.
Nebraska’s Luke Longval throws a pass during a football practice at the Hawks Championship Center, on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Lincoln.
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola throws a pass during a football practice at the Hawks Championship Center, on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Lincoln.
Nebraska’s Malachi Coleman makes a catch during a football practice at the Hawks Championship Center, on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Lincoln.
Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor makes a catch during a football practice at the Hawks Championship Center, on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Lincoln.
Nebraska Defensive Coordinator Tony White gives instructions during a football practice at the Hawks Championship Center, on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Lincoln.
Nebraska Defensive lineman run through drills during a football practice at the Hawks Championship Center, on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Lincoln.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule (center) speaks to assistants during a football practice at the Hawks Championship Center, on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Lincoln.
Nebraska’s Conor Connealy fights past an obstacle while running a drill during a football practice at the Hawks Championship Center, on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Lincoln.
Nebraska’s Daniel Kaelin throws a pass during a football practice at the Hawks Championship Center, on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Lincoln.
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola throws a pass during a football practice at the Hawks Championship Center, on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Lincoln.
Nebraska’s Heinrich Haarberg throws a pass during a football practice at the Hawks Championship Center, on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Lincoln.
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