Nebraska’s Garret McGuire talks wide receivers’ effort and who has made an impact so far

“The key is we got to improve on our effort,” he said. “At the end of the day, it comes down to effort.”

McGuire said that his room has done a good job, but there’s much to work on.

“Luckily, you can do that after two games,” McGuire said. “As the season goes on, I believe we’re going to grow.”

A major point of emphasis in practice this week has been perimeter blocking for the receivers. McGuire said the effort needed to make those blocks has to be better.

Two guys he pointed to as leading the charge are transfers Jahmal Banks and Isaiah Neyor. The two veteran receivers have both played big-time football and made plays in college. But it was their leadership qualities that stood out to the Husker coaching staff.

Another player who has made an immediate impact for Nebraska is freshman Jacory Barney. McGuire said the coaches try different ways to get him the ball because of his talent as a receiver.

McGuire said the freshman plays with the mindset he will score every time he touches the ball.

“He seriously thinks that,” McGuire said. “He expects to score. “

Barney’s speed and talent are complimented by his high work rate.

“He practices his tail off,” he said. “We got to slow him down in walkthroughs; he’s going 100 miles an hour, he’s going to run out of his shoes.”

McGuire said Barney’s ability to produce yards after the catch has become contagious to the other receivers, who’ve also improved in this area.

Another receiver the Huskers want to get more into the fold is sophomore receiver Jaylen Lloyd. McGuire said he’s excited about what he can do this season and looked good in practice this week.

McGuire believes he can do a similar thing that Barney’s been doing offensively.

Players like Barney and Lloyd let them do different things offensively. He said the team has done a good job mixing up its play calls between running and throwing the ball.

“You’re starting to see coach Satterfield call an offense,” he said. “The way he wants to call it.”

McGuire said that they try to build an offense around the players and their skill sets.

“Get them the ball and let their talent take over,” McGuire said. “There’s a reason why we recruited all these kids.”