Nebraska football practice observations, August 9

Pads thudding: The Husker offensive line went through a series of physically demanding drills during the open portion of practice.

The Huskers lined up with a full offense during a simulated 11-on-11 drill where backup offensive linemen served as pass rushers and NU staffers posed as linebackers and defensive backs by holding blocking dummies.

“How hard do I hit you?” tight end Nate Boerkircher asked Nebraska staffer Keith Williams prior to his first rep.

Nebraska’s first-team offensive line was similar to what it displayed on Saturday: Turner Corcoran, Micah Mazzccua, Ben Scott, Justin Evans and Bryce Benhart. Redshirt freshman Gunnar Gottula also received several reps with the first-team line.

Later on, Nebraska split into 3-on-3 drills outside as offensive linemen and tight ends combined to block Husker defensive linemen and linebackers. Linebacker Stefon Thompson burst through untouched on one rep, prompting head coach Matt Rhule and offensive line coach Donovan Raiola to pull aside Mazzccua to display the proper technique. On his next rep, Mazzccua successfully knocked defensive lineman Ty Robinson off the line of scrimmage.

Raiola and offensive assistant Aaron Coeling coached up the offensive side of the ball while NU position coaches Rob Dvoracek and Terrance Knighton looked after the defense. Knighton hollered that Elijah Jeudy was lining up offside on a rep, prompting the lineman to look down at his three-point stance and back up.

After another rep where a linebacker, this time senior John Bullock, evaded NU’s attempted blocks, Raiola had a word of advice for freshman Grant Brix.

“Don’t reach for him! Get tight!” Raiola instructed.

On one rep, offensive lineman Brock Knutson and linebacker Dylan Rogers got their facemasks stuck together.

Passes flying: Quarterbacks coach Glenn Thomas and offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield oversaw a series of drills Nebraska’s quarterbacks went through in quick succession. Heinrich Haarberg, Dylan Raiola, Daniel Kaelin, Jalyn Gramstad and Bode Soukup are the Husker quarterbacks currently participating in fall camp.

The quarterbacks worked on dodging pressure in the pocket, with Thomas simulating a pass rusher as he poked his arm at the quarterbacks forcing them to juke left or right. The quarterbacks also spent several minutes practicing short passes with their running backs, flipping screen passes, swing passes and quick throws outside.

When prompted to rotate stations, Satterfield led the offense to the opposite end of NU’s outdoor practice field by sprinting to beat any players there.

“Let’s go, line up!” shouted Satterfield as the offense lagged behind.

The Husker quarterbacks began practicing deep passes of 30 to 40 yards, working on timing and chemistry with their wideouts. The group later progressed to throwing quick slants with the same goal in mind.

Running backs: The running backs spent a portion of practice working off to the side on the outdoor turf field, working on making cuts. An assistant would swing the tackling dummy toward them and they’d have to cut away from it. And then they’d have to dodge the gold exercise ball that Ron Brown, Nebraska’s director of player support and outreach, would roll at them.

Brown, with the rule change pertaining to on-field coaches, can now participate in coaching at practice, so he’s been working with the returners, running backs and fullbacks.

Kicking: Tristan Alvano, near the end of the option portion of practice, was getting in field goal work on the turf field. Alvano, while wearing the yellow injury jersey, made both of the short field goals he attempted while the media was present. True freshman kicker Nico Ottomanelli was also working on short-to-medium length field goals during the open period.

Punting: Nebraska spent several minutes working on its punt returns and protection as senior Brian Buschini repeatedly launched punts inside the 15-yard line. Wide receivers Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda and Jacory Barney Jr. were joined by running back Emmett Johnson and cornerback Ceyair Wright in returning punts.

Special teams coordinator Ed Foley and wide receivers coach Garret McGuire kept a close eye on how Nebraska’s gunners were approaching the play.

“Gotta be on the 2 (yard line)!” McGuire reminded redshirt freshman Cooper Wilson after the defensive back downed a punt with his heels touching the goal line.

Injury jerseys: Three players were wearing the yellow injury jerseys during practice: Alvano, defensive back Blye Hill and offensive lineman Preston Taumua.

Hydration: During the open portion of practice after the three-on-three drills (at 9:41 a.m.), there was a team-wide hydration break.

Quarterback Dylan Raiola and Boerkircher practiced a handshake routine at midfield as their teammates quickly jogged off the field.

Visitors: Several officials from Nebraska Athletics, like new chief operating officer/football administrator Haven Fields, were in attendance on Friday. Matt Davison, the president of 1890, was also taking in practice, as were several player parents.

Weather: 60 degrees and overcast. Sustained winds of 8 miles per hour out of the north.

Music: None during the open portion.