Observations from Nebraska football’s 7th spring practice

11-on-11 action: With the Nebraska defense wearing red jerseys and its offense in white, the Huskers briefly split into an 11-on-11 scrimmage. 

The first offensive unit, quarterbacked by junior Heinrich Haarberg, included an offensive line of Gunnar Gottula, Micah Mazzccua, Justin Evans, Henry Lutovsky and Jacob Hood. Several skill position players rotated between the units, with running back Emmett Johnson accompanying the first group.

After Haarberg led his unit down the field, freshman Daniel Kaelin took over with running back Dante Dowdell alongside him. Kaelin, with a rainbow pass, connected with freshman wide receiver Jacory Barney Jr. down the sideline for a gain of 30-plus yards, then followed with another completion to Jahmal Banks. Kaelin ended his turn by throwing a touchdown in the corner of the end zone to transfer receiver Isaiah Neyor. 

Freshman Dylan Raiola then entered the action, attempting several deep passes to the sidelines. He also connected with Banks for an impressive gain of at least 20 yards, and the senior wide receiver stood out as a top performer from the action.

The Nebraska defense did its part, with Riley Van Poppel and Vincent Carroll-Jackson combining to pressure Raiola and force an incompletion later in the series.

Big Ten officials were present for the team period, throwing at least one flag. 

Scoop and score: Following the scrimmage portion of practice, Nebraska broke into its positional groups for a series of drills. On the indoor practice field, defensive coordinator Tony White, defensive line coach Terrance Knighton and defensive backs coach Evan Cooper oversaw different stations of loose ball drills.

Group after group of NU defenders worked on scooping a rolling football off the turf, simulating a loose fumble in the game. 

“You don’t have to slow down, just scoop and score,” Cooper instructed. “If you slow down they’ll catch you!”

As the Nebraska defenders rotated between stations, it provided a contrast between position groups when the NU linebackers handled the drill with ease.

“You’re smarter than the D-line!” Cooper shouted.

Positional drills: The Nebraska offensive line continued its one-on-one blocking drills as other position groups swapped stations. 

The Nebraska linebackers, coached by Rob Dvoracek, went into a two-on-one blocking drill where their teammates simulated an opposing offensive tackle and tight end blocking them on the line of scrimmage.

Wide receivers coach Garret McGuire also worked on blocking technique, as NU staffers held blocking dummies for the wideouts to practice their form on.

“Thumbs up, elbows out, that’s how we strike,” instructed McGuire.

Nebraska’s Jack linebackers — Chief Borders, Willis McGahee IV, Princewill Umanmielen, Maverick Noonan and MJ Sherman — worked on their pass-rushing skills, simulating rushing off the line of scrimmage.

Recruits: Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule watched the 11-on-11 action from behind the offense, chatting with several NU staffers throughout. As the Huskers broke into their position groups, Rhule briefly paused to greet a pair of recruits watching the action.

Kearney linebacker Sawyer Schilke and San Francisco St. Ignatius Prep offensive lineman John Mills, a pair of uncommitted 2025 recruits, were in attendance. Mills — who stands at 6-foot-6 and is listed at 330 pounds — is a three-star prospect who is expected to return for an official visit during the Spring Game weekend.

Alumni: Philadelphia Eagles center and former Husker center Cam Jurgens was at practice. 

Music: Nebraska played five songs during the first portion of practice open to the media. Those songs were: “Pump It Up” by Endor, “I’m Gonna Get You” by Bizarre Inc, the clean version of “I’m Good (Blue)” by David Guetta and Bebe Rexha, “Strike It Up” by Black Box, and “Zumma” by Jasy Jack. The individual drills portion of practice did not feature music.

Weather: Sunny and 44 degrees. Light winds out of the west, sustained at 7 miles per hour. Gusts of up to 14 miles per hour. Wind chill of 40 degrees.