Practices Are Like Game Days for Fired-Up Nebraska Defense

‘It’s that intense, it’s that physical,’ coordinator Tony White says after Tuesday’s spring session

Author:
Joe Hudson
Apr 02, 2024

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Nebraska football

Tony White

Spring Practice

Huskers

Defense was front and center as coaches and players met with the media after Tuesday morning's Nebraska football practice, the Huskers' fourth session of spring ball.

Defensive coordinator Tony White said he's working to raise the defense to a new level after a much-improved 2023 season for the Blackshirts. He's not complaining about the Huskers' effort level thus far.

“Every day, it’s like game day around here. When we’re practicing, it’s that intense, it’s that physical. The standard is not what it was last year. Guys are moving around and we have to watch the tape to give justice to how they’re doing.”

As promising as the 2024 defense might appear, "this group together, we have not done anything yet," White said.

He continued: “It’s like building a building. It starts with the little things and making sure they know what to do, they know how to do it. Then, reinforcing, not only coach to player, but player to player. Giff (Isaac Gifford), Ty (Robinson), Mikai (Gbayor), Javin (Wright), Ques (Marques Buford Jr.), those guys have played a lot of ball. This is their second year here with us. They know what’s up. Now, we’re trying to make them take hold of it, take leadership, and then wherever they go on their fields, really bring that to life. That’s the goal.”

Also speaking were defensive line coach Terrance Knighton and defensive players M.J. Sherman, Cam Lenhardt and Nash Hutmacher. Scroll down for coverage from Tuesday's session. Asterisk indicates item may require a subscription.