Nebraska defense still mixing, matching and assessing possibilities in practice

The mixing and matching continues for the Nebraska defense.

A few minutes with multiple position coaches and defenders after Thursday’s practice was the latest reminder the Huskers are far from putting labels on individual players.

“That’s the beauty of it right now with spring ball and having versatile guys,” defensive line coach Terrance Knighton said. “You throw them in somewhere else and you can see a different skill set. That’s the beauty of it — you never know where a guy’s going to line up or where he’ll end up.”

With D-lineman Ty Robinson and edge rusher/defensive end Blaise Gunnerson out with injuries, NU’s younger frontline players are seeing more action this spring. That includes returning reserves like Nash Hutmacher, Ru’Quan Buckley and walk-on Jacob Herbek but also newcomers in Princewill Umanmielen, Kai Wallin, Cameron Lenhardt and others.

Umanmielen, listed as a D-lineman, lined up some at middle linebacker Thursday, Knighton said. He made players there too. Others who have flashed ability to play linebacker, defensive end or in the interior include MJ Sherman, Jimari Butler, Maverick Noonan and Wallin. Texas A&M transfer Elijah Jeudy is putting his hand down across the line as well.

“They’re tough enough to do it so right now that’s what we’re trying to do,” Knighton said.

Knighton is also working some with AJ Rollins, the tight end who has donned a gray jersey this week signifying a two-way player. The Creighton Prep grad is working on a different stance and learning the defensive playbook but has already shown to be an impact pass rusher.

“He’s all for it,” Knighton said. “The guys believe in Coach (Matt) Rhule and he has a history of moving guys’ positions for the better. He’s doing a great job with it. He’s a smart guy so he’ll pick up on it quick. Just trying to get him a lot of reps so he can see himself and so he can improve.”

Other quick hits from Nebraska’s sixth practice:

* Secondary coach Evan Cooper said defensive backs are still being worked at safety and corner alike. Malcolm Hartzog — a multi-game starter at corner last season — is spending time at safety this month.

* Sherman is working at the “Jack” linebacker spot — a more versatile role in the middle of the defense — along with Butler, Wright and others. The Georgia transfer spoke at length about the “high anxiety” he felt deciding to leave his old school but has found a coaching staff that pushes him like the Bulldogs did. He said he learned lots from “million-dollar friends” — that is, former Georgia teammates now in the NFL.

* Omar Brown is working as a “rover” an addition to a traditional defensive back. The position includes more linebacker-like responsibilities, he said. This is also his first spring working at safety.