The First Day In Full Pads

Check out notes and quotes from today's practice as well as video with Offensive Coordinator Shawn Watson talking about the first day in full pads for the Huskers.

Notes from today's practice

• Nebraska went in full pads today, but Offensive Coordinator Shawn Watson said that this was still a day where they would do more teaching fundamentals than actual scrimmaging right now. But he did say that having the pads on really helps the team to be able to be physical during the course of a practice instead of having to always tag off.
• Watson said that for those youngsters who were mostly on the Scout Team last year, this is the time where those kids can finally get acclimated with what Nebraska does.
• About Hardrick Watson said that he has a "hot" motor and great athleticism, but still has a long ways to go before he can work in this offense effectively.
• About Mike Smith working out inside, whether it's guard or center, Watson said that they saw Smith more as an inside player. So, it would seem that whatever happens at that left tackle spot Smith should be inside to stay.
• Jeremiah Sirles and Brent Qvale, both going into their redshirt seasons, are working at tackle and guard, respectively. Qvale was working out at right guard last year before he was put out for the season with a shoulder injury.
• In regard to senior quarterback Zac Lee who is out for the Spring as he continues to rehab from surgery on his throwing arm, Watson said that this time is very important for him from the mental side of things. "He needs to learn the game mentally, number one. And he needs to take advantage of the opportunity studying the game," Watson said. "Secondly, he's getting some footwork stuff done. So, we can do some things with him, physically."
• As far as Green, Watson said that he's a work in progress and with the installation process that is taking place, his job is to study and put the time in over the off season to look at what he's done. To help advance that learning curve, Watson said that they have even gone over film from the 2008 season when Joe Ganz, who is now interning at Nebraska, was at the helm for the Big Red.

Post Practice Video with Shawn Watson

Full Audio Clip - Listen to Audio

Nebraska Football Tickets