The first practice of springtime Nebraska football is in the books and Big Red backers are buzzing about the new staff, especially defensive coordinator Bob Diaco.
More: Nebraska Football Spring 2017: Bob Diaco Boot Camp Seems a Hit
Oh sure, there’s wide receivers coach Keith Williams who’s a wideout wizard and laughs as easily as he doles out nicknames to his beloved corps. Donte Williams is definitely a man on a mission when it comes to making sure his cornerbacks are paying attention.
Diaco is…a notch above.
If Jim Harbaugh thinks he coaches with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind, he hasn't met Bob Diaco. Nebraska's new DC is...full throttle.
— Sam McKewon (@swmckewonOWH) March 4, 2017
He’s hardcore, he teaches with ferocity and attacks every task as if he’s living his final day on this Earth. When he was initially hired, some Husker fans shrugged him off as a guy who couldn’t cut it at UCONN. What could he possibly do here at Nebraska?
Diaco already has his team’s attention and they appear to be all too willing to learn from a man who, as Mr. McKewon described above, could give Jim Harbaugh a run for his money when it comes to enthusiasm. That was a word Mike Riley used multiple times following practice to describe Diaco’s personality.
We’re not going to learn a ton out of just one practice. However, this was not an overly sloppy-looking team. The quarterbacks did look fairly sharp. Offensive linemen were moving side-to-side and not swimming in space. This team has focus.
That in itself should be reason for optimism throughout spring practice and to sell a few more tickets for the Red-White Game.
10 Best Nebraska Football Links of the Week
1. “They said it: Nebraska football pre-spring practice press conference” (Omaha World-Herald)
Nebraska football head coach Mike Riley had plenty to say before spring football began. A few of his players even chimed in on what they expect.
2. “Pierson-El not reliving the past; aims to be “something completely different”‘ (Lincoln Journal Star)
De’Mornay Pierson-El is done answering questions about when he’ll “be back”. As confident as he’s been since his freshman year, DPE appears ready to make his senior season one to remember.
3. “Ex-Husker wingback Anthony Steels leaves behind ‘great legacy,’ Osborne says” (Omaha World-Herald)
A wingback with the voice of an angel, Steels once sang the National Anthem before a Nebraska football home game. That isn’t all he was more than memorable for says former coach Tom Osborne.
4. “Ex-LSU coach Les Miles to be headline speaker at Nebraska Football Coaches Clinic” (Land of 10)
With son Ben heading to Lincoln to play a potential fullback/H-back role, it seems all too appropriate that former Oklahoma State and LSU head coach Les Miles will be heading the speakers at this year’s Coaches Clinic.
5. “Bulked up Stoltenberg ready to be the beef in the middle of NU’s 3-4” (Lincoln Journal Star)
Nebraska fans have been studying up on the 3-4 defense as much as they can since the arrival of its harbinger to Lincoln, Bob Diaco. Mick Stoltenberg will likely be known as the first nose tackle of Diaco’s reign as defensive coordinator.
6. “Spring football: Here’s the one stat Bob Diaco was hired to fix — and proof that he can” (Omaha World-Herald)
Nebraska football fans have expected that big-time plays by the opposition would eventually fade away. Well, they haven’t, but the Huskers’ new defensive coordinator has some ideas (and proof) that he can give the Big Red backers what they want.
7. “Nebraska DT recruit Damion Daniels recalls the moment he knew he loved hitting people” (Land of 10)
There’s a time in every boy’s life when he must put aside childish things and become a man. There’s also a time in every big bad defensive lineman’s life when he realizes just how much he loves to maul others. This is Damion Daniels’ story.
8. “2017 NFL Combine: Why some NFL scouts say Wisconsin has become the new Nebraska” (Land of 10)
As if there weren’t enough similarities between the Nebraska and Wisconsin football programs, now there’s a running joke at the NFL Combine about the two schools.
9. “Winter ends on schedule for Big Red fans” (HuskerMax)
Tad Stryker chimes in on how well the first day of Husker spring ball went and dips into a little Husker history when talking about Nebraska’s current quarterback battle.
10. “Steven M. Sipple: ‘Historic’ may be stretch, but Husker spring feels awfully important” (Lincoln Journal Star)
Steve Sipple looks into why Spring Ball 2017 probably isn’t the Big Red’s Alamo, but there is a true sense of urgency in the air.
Husker Corner Round Up:
Football:
Previewing the Running Backs
Five Nebraska Football Players Who Could Surprise in Spring Camp 2017
Previewing the Wide Receivers
Previewing the Offensive Line
Throwback Thursday – Helu’s Record-Setting Day vs. Missouri
Nebraska Football Spring 2017: Five Players Who Must Step Up
What Practice No. 1 Told Us
Bob Diaco Boot Camp Seems a Hit
Basketball:
Nebraska Basketball: Huskers Get Throttled By Illinois
Huskers Look To Upset Red-Hot Minnesota
Stat of the Week:
The Nebraska baseball team defeated No. 9 Arizona 1-0 at the Frisco Classic this past week. Mojo Hagge was named to the All-Tournament team.