Nebraska freshman Vincent Shavers continues camp rise

Save for quarterback Dylan Raiola and perhaps receiver Jacory Barney, no Husker freshman has generated more buzz in nearly two weeks of practices than the linebacker from Miami. After coach Matt Rhule said Saturday Shavers probably won’t need a redshirt season, more feedback followed Tuesday.

“Vincent, he has that dog in him,” sophomore “Jack” linebacker Princewill Umanmielen said. “… He plays fast. Even though he might not know what he’s doing, he’ll play fast and that’ll make up for it. As long as he does that, he’ll be perfect.”

Linebackers coach Rob Dvoracek said he saw early traits — power, quickness — suggesting Shavers could play right away. The teenager’s love of football that became more evident during the offseason solidified it.

“You’re like, ‘We can find a place for this guy when it’s right,’” Dvoracek said.

Added defensive coordinator Tony White: “He’s young, he’s raw. But I mean, the guy is explosive and he’s aggressive as all heck. We’ve got to tone him down a lot of times in practice.”

Nebraska doesn’t need Shavers to start. Sixth-year linebackers John Bullock and Javin Wright are cemented in those roles with junior Mikai Gbayor at the top of the rotational mix as well. Syracuse transfer and junior Stefon Thompson is also a factor in the group.

Umanmielen, who was one of the few Huskers to play extensively last year as a true freshman, said effort is the separator in getting on the field right away. Shavers has brought that all offseason and into the dog days of training camp.

“You’re a freshman,” Umanmielen said, “so you have to do more work than a regular person if you want to play.”

* Redshirt freshman Maverick Noonan is working his way back into the mix at the “Jack” linebacker/defensive line position, White said. The Elkhorn South grad suffered a knee injury in camp last year that kept him out all season and is still acclimating back to the speed of the game. MJ Sherman and Umanmielen are atop the position thus far.

“He’s a tough, blue-collar type of guy,” White said of Noonan. “He’s a Husker.”

* Dvoracek praised the progress of Thompson, who arrived in the spring having worked previously in White’s 3-3-5 scheme at Syracuse but who didn’t take off right away at Nebraska. The coach said Thompson has since adjusted well to a variety of team standards based around the demands of practice.

“He’s getting better each week,” Dvoracek said. “I’m proud of him for that.”