Rhule Explains How Single-Digit Jersey Numbers Will Be Earned
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A portion of Nebraska football's fifth practice of spring was open to the media Tuesday morning, and head coach Matt Rhule explained afterward what he hopes will become a new Husker tradition: awarding single-digit jersey numbers to the team's toughest players.
In his previous jobs, he said, "I got really tired of having a guy in my program who had spent three years as like number 47 and then was getting ready to play and wanted to wear No. 1 or No. 3 and he had earned it, and we would give it to a recruit.
"So, what we decided was, you know what, 1 through 9 and now 0 through 9 would go to the nine or now 10 toughest guys on the team. And when I say 'toughest,' we define that for the guys, but really, the guys who best exemplify what it means to be a Cornhusker, to be accountable, to be dependable, to be tough, hardworking, competitive every single day. And so, as we get into training camp ... the players will vote on it, and we hope it kind of becomes our tradition."
One-third of the way into spring ball, Rhule said a depth chart is still months away: "I can't even begin to think about a depth chart until the fall. In fact, I tell the staff all the time, please do not evaluate their technical skills and drills, like 'This guy can do this, he can't do this' yet. Try to improve it. ... In our system, you come in, we're teaching the offense and defense right now, and then over summer we'll try to improve it. Then in training camp, fall camp, we'll try to perfect it. And then in the season, we'll try to execute it."
Also commenting after Tuesday's practice were players Jeff Sims, Rahmir Johnson and Turner Corcoran. Asterisk indicates item may require a subscription. Refresh this page for the latest additions. Go here for the HuskerMax discussion.
Presser coverage
Non-paywall
- Husker247 | Rhule quick hits: Keeping guys relaxed, spring recruiting and single-digit jerseys for toughest guys
- Husker247 | Rhule hopes to make earning single-digit numbers new Husker tradition
- Husker247 | Sims taking on challenge of adjusting to Nebraska
- Husker247 | Rahmir Johnson not dwelling on what's past with opportunity to make noise with new staff
- Husker247 | With a depth chart still far in the distance, Rhule says worst thing you can do is write off a player
- Husker247 | Thompson working hard while recovering: 'Casey's definitely a very helpful guy'
- On3 | Matt Rhule reveals new tradition he's introducing this season at Nebraska
- On3 | Matt Rhule raves about Nebraska's strength in running back room
- On3 | Matt Rhule evaluates Casey Thompson's progress while working his way back to the field
- 247Sports | Jeff Sims talks QB competition, Marcus Satterfield's offense, approach to spring practice
- 247Sports | Matt Rhule updates spring progress of Nebraska QB room, says Huskers football not being 'built on hype'
- Saturday Tradition | Matt Rhule wants Nebraska to rotate 20 players on defense
- Nebraska Athletics | Rhule Talks New Tradition, Spring Practice Progress
More sources
- Hail Varsity* | Huskers Step up to Matt Rhule's Challenge as Nebraska Starts Second Week of Spring Practice
- Hail Varsity* | After a Quiet 2022 Season, Rahmir Johnson's Play has Been Loud this Spring
- HuskerOnline* | Practice cliffs: Sims says transition to Nebraska has been "smooth"
- HuskerOnline* | Tuesday nuggets: Rhule gives the latest as Nebraska hits Week 2 of spring ball
- Omaha World-Herald* | Why AJ Rollins' gray jersey is good news for Nebraska's defense
- Omaha World-Herald* | Husker notes: Lincoln Southeast grad Gunnar Gottula impressing coaches
- Omaha World-Herald* | Quarterback Jeff Sims is settling in this spring — even if he's still warming up
- Lincoln Journal Star* | Red Report: Nebraska is nowhere near forming a depth chart yet
- Lincoln Journal Star* | Jeff Sims isn't used to the Nebraska cold yet. But he's getting there
Presser video
Practice observations
- Hail Varsity* | Position Shuffling, Return Candidates and Other Observations from Husker Practice
- Lincoln Journal Star* | Quick hits: The competition, coaching and technique on display at Nebraska football’s open practice
- Omaha World-Herald* | Sights and sounds from Nebraska's practice
- HuskerOnline* | Spring practice observations
- Photos | OWH,* Husker247, HV, HOL
