James Dobson said the players are bigger and faster than last year. A side note: The workouts this summer were the hardest they have been through since being at NU according to one player.
The 105 players this year have more talent than a year ago. Some players in fall camp last year were not in the top 105 players this year.
Nebraska has the talent to be a national championship team. They have to get more consistent, trust in the coaches, and improve their academic efforts so that problems in that area are not a distraction for football.
Recruiting is not an exact science. Relationships with high school coaches are essential for recruiting great talent. Relationships are starting to develop in Nebraska and Texas, for example.
Pelini's reaction after the New Mexico game after being told that Lance Thorell had just started his first game with 11 men on a team. "What!!?" Lance played for Loomis who played 8 man ball and is a walk-on.. Coach Sanders is very happy with his progress.
The story of how Colton Koehler from Harvard starting his college career with Division III Nebraska Weslayen and now could be a starter at Nebraska is a tribute to how the walk-on program at Nebraska works.
The coaches and staff just don't give lip service to the walk-on program, they truly believe it sets NU apart from other schools.
With the NCAA limit of 105 players in fall camp, the rule has changed that if a player gets hurt, the coaching staff can call in another player not on the original list. This happened when Ron Kellog Jr. just came into camp to replace injured Kody Spano.
There are 29 practices in fall camp. Last year there was only one week of practice before school started. This year there will be two weeks.
The first day of practice this year included drug testing.
Tommy Frazier said NU coach Kevin Steele drew him to NU. Frazier was actually just ready to commit to Colorado when an assistant coach called him from Colorado and said they would like to switch him to safety. That assistant coach is now the head coach for the Minnesota Vikings, I believe.
Frazier discussed the conversation he had with Warren Sapp in the 1995 Orange Bowl. Frazier told a reporter that he didn't like being called Thomas or Tom. He said Sapp must of read the story. When I came back into the game Warren was yelling, "Hey, Thomas, Hey Tom. Where have you been? Frazier said, It's not where I've been fat boy, it's where I am going."
Frazier said when he ran his first career play at NU, he ran the wrong way.
Pelini can fire up a crowd with his enthusiasm. So can Ron Brown who got a standing ovation with his energy.
Tommie Frazier said his college highlight was graduating. He was the first one in his large family to graduate from college.
His favorite play was getting hit from behind but still got a pass off against Colorado. He loved beating Colorado.
Frazier feels the option can still work today. "Look at Georgia Tech!"
Frazier said the first time he was in Lincoln and it was snowing he said "What the hell am I doing here?"
Pelini said the successful players are set apart because of what they do off the field with academics, working out, and family. They must compete daily, follow a process laid out by coaches and staff and be accountable.
Carl Pelini said that we are establishing the team we want to be. The family atmosphere is a powerful, powerful thing.
Coach John Papuchis said that Baker Steinkuhler will be a force before he leaves Nebraska.
All coaches talked about a "relentless effort" by the team and coaches being key to the team.
Shawn Watson says Zac Lee has as much talent as an QB he has ever been around.
Mike McNiel commented that Rex Burkhead has caught his eye this summer. Prince Amukamara said that Jason Ankrah, a defensive end, is a freshman to look out for.
We'll probably have some more in Football 202 later but that is all for tonight.
