Key Takes from Big Ten Media Days
By: Bobby Schneider
With the Cornhuskers wrapping up Big Ten Media Days this past week, Big Red is now transitioning into fall camp.
Nebraska brought seniors Isaac Gifford, Ben Scott and Ty Robinson to represent the team. Coach Matt Rhule had high praise for these veteran leaders. He mentioned how all three of these players could have gone to the NFL, but instead, they decided to return aiming to bring NU back to prominence.
Ty Robinson was the first of the group who decided to give it one final ride wearing the Red N. “I was in their ear to come back for one more year,” he said during his Big Ten Media press conference. The potential All-American defensive lineman was honored to be chosen to represent the team. “It’s truly an honor, with the team we have, anyone could’ve came today,” Robinson said. It appears the defensive lineman is humble but confident in this football team. He was the focal leader in retaining linebacker John Bullock, Gifford, Scott and offensive tackle Bryce Benhart. The leadership from the Arizona native has spread throughout the team, leading by example and doing what it takes to build Big Red back.
Next, moving on to safety Isaac Gifford, one thing that jumped out to me from Gifford’s press conference was when he said, “I don’t like putting a cap on something. You hear all these people talking 7-0, then they get their last five. Why not all of them? I don’t want to put numbers on things; I just want to focus on winning each game.” The leadership within the core of the Husker roster seems to reflect a consistent winning mentality. Players like Gifford have been in the program for five years and have struggled to win down to the wire. It’s clear that the team is aware of the close-game curse that has affected the football program for seven years.
“If you’re winning the turnover battle, you’re winning games.” This is what center Ben Scott first said when he addressed the media. Husker Nation deeply understands this, not just last year but over the past two decades. Putting this into perspective, Nebraska ranked dead last in the turnover margin at minus 17, the worst among Power 5 programs this past season. They were only better than Temple, which was overall the worst in the country, according to teamrankings.com. The offseason talk of NU was one key point: giving the ball away. Many fans and sports analysts have said that the Cornhuskers would’ve been an eight-to-nine-win team if it weren’t for the astronomical amount of turnovers, and rightfully so. If Big Red can minimize the turnover margin, they could potentially have a ceiling that Husker fans have wanted for years.
When Coach Rhule took the podium, one big question that had to be asked was about the resignation of defensive backs coach Evan Cooper and the hiring of new coach John Butler. “Obviously, it’s not the time to make a change. That being said, I approached John earlier in the spring; we were thinking the analyst role was going to pass and I wanted to bring in another coach for the secondary along with Evan. We brought in Rashaan Melvin who played for me in Carolina who is going to work with the corners,” Rhule said. Even though Cooper’s resignation was a shock, Rhule had a quick turnaround plan similar to last year’s resignation of tight end coach Bob Wager. The new analyst on the field coaching role will benefit the Cornhuskers as well. Rhule’s goal is to have two coaches per position; this will allow the younger guys who are down on the depth chart to continue receiving coaching like the starters and should increase player development. Rhule said coaching against Butler was a challenge as he led one of the best secondaries in the NFL when he was the defensive backs coach for the Buffalo Bills. Lastly, Ron Brown, who has been on the Nebraska football staff on and off for decades, will now be coaching specifically fullbacks and returners. The new rule should bolster Big Red and give them a competitive advantage over smaller schools that can not afford this many staff members.
Coach Rhule mentioned the excitement for this fall. One topic he discussed repeatedly was how improved the wide receiver room is compared to last year. With the additions of transfers Jamahl Banks and Isaiah Neyor, the big-body veterans should be immediate go-to targets for whoever is taking the snap. Several key receivers expected to make a jump will be Jaylen Lloyd, Malachi Coleman, Alex Bullock and tight end Thomas Fidone. With the incoming freshmen, potential impact wideouts such as Jacory Barney Jr., Dae’vonn Hall, Isaiah McMorris and top in-state recruit Carter Nelson; this room should increase production significantly.
It’s hard for Nebraskans not to drink the “Rhule-Aid.” Coach Rhule’s blue-collar work ethic earns him full support from the fans. His gratitude toward the state inspires Huskers to want to run through a brick wall for the team. The beginning of training camp is exciting for fans, players and coaches. The offseason talk is about to be put to the test. Many young athletes have the chance to become stars. Although NU hasn’t reached a bowl game in seven years, expectations for this season are high; the aim is to reach a bowl game as a bare minimum. Coach Rhule has expressed confidence in the roster’s talent, stating that this team is more skilled than those he inherited at Temple and Baylor. Players like fan-favorite quarterback Dylan Raiola or defensive back Tommi Hill exemplify the tools available for success. This squad is poised not just to be bowl-eligible, but to compete fiercely in every game and turn the tides in close matchups. This fall, many outcomes could happen, but I feel that the Cornhuskers are going to be a team that this state can be proud of, just like what Rhule said he wanted when he accepted the job.
