Nebraska football practiced for the second time since being back from spring break Thursday. The Huskers had their first full-pad practice today, which allowed coaches to further evaluate players at each position.
Offensive coordinator Danny Langsdorf spoke to the media following Thursday's practice and addressed the quarterback battle, offensive consistency and more.
With eight of the 15 allotted spring practices in the books, the competition between Patrick O'Brien and Tanner Lee is in full force. One of the things Langsdorf said he has been most impressed with thus far from the two is their ability to check the ball down.
"I think checking the ball down has been really good," Langsdorf said. "You saw a third down period today where they've got a lot of people in coverage. It's maybe a three-man rush, and the ball's getting out of their hands to a back, and we're running for a first down or at least getting a completion to be able to have a chance to do it, rather than throwing it into coverage or having an interception. I think they're doing a nice job of utilizing those check-downs. With that, the completion percentage gets higher and the backs catch more balls."
As of now, Langsdorf said the competition between O'Brien and Lee is still neck and neck, but he expects one of them to emerge as the front-runner as practices continue.
"The quarterbacks are really battling. We want somebody to get to separate there, and that'll come with some more live work. I like where we're at with this group. I think it is bunch of good kids that like playing and that shows with the energy at practice."
Langsdorf said at certain positions, it's tough to evaluate talent without being in full pads. With today marking the first full-pads practice, it allowed coaches to better understand where players stand halfway through spring camp.
"The collisions are real. The rush is more real. That's a mandated deal, those shorts," Langsdorf said. "It's probably good they want to take care of the kids and that's good. It's hard to simulate real football in many positions. You can get a lot of fundamental work done on those days and a lot of technique stuff, but then the evaluations have to come with the pads on."
Listen to the full interview with Langsdorf following Thursday's practice here:
Nebraska's scrimmage this Saturday will be open for the media to observe and head coach Mike Riley is expected to speak following practice. Check back in with
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