Nebraska’s weight-room boss lays down the gauntlet: the players police it now

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Nebraska football strength and conditioning coach Corey Campbell believes the team is entering a new phase of its development. Rather than a phase where players follow the standard and merely imitate what they’ve been told, they take charge and enforce the standard.

With just a little over a month before fall camp officially kicks off, the Huskers pivot from coach-led practices to player-led workouts, and with that comes a certain level of accountability that separates good teams from great ones. The Cornhuskers are one of those teams that are trying to become great. Along the way, they’ll need to prove they are even good. However, Campbell believes they’re ready to take the step.

Corey Campbell: Nebraska football shifts to player-led accountability ahead of fall camp

When the Nebraska football team’s strength coach was asked earlier this week on Sports Nightly about how things have changed since head coach Matt Rhule hired him, he drew a bead on the team understanding much better what’s expected of them both from the staff and the fans.

In year one, guys are learning the process,” Campbell said. ”In year two, they’re living it. And, by the time you get to year three, guys start to defend the process.”

“Make sure you guys understand what you’re working towards,” Campbell added. “Be intentional in the work that you do.”

Nebraska fans will get an up-close and personal look to see if Campbell is correct. He is a bit biased. The very end of July will be a return to practices with the coaches in attendance. Then it’s really time to see where the Huskers stand.

If Corey Campbell is correct, 2025 could be an enjoyable year for the Nebraska football team and its supporters.