‘It’s great to be back’: Fall camp underway for Nebraska football
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – With cloudy skies above bringing a few drops of rain, fall camp got underway for the Huskers on Monday.
After a 4-8 season last year, the Huskers are coming into the season with a new staff, several new players and optimism.
And all eyes are on head coach Matt Rhule, who comes to Nebraska after his recent stint with the Carolina Panthers.
With just one month left until the Huskers’ season opener against Minnesota, Rhule said the team is working hard to prepare for Aug. 31.
“It’s great to be back out there,” he said. “Very grateful for all the guys and the hard work they put in the summer to put them in this position.”
During a press conference, Rhule praised the speed of the freshmen in their fall camp debuts.
“I’m really happy with the young group,” he said. “We have the freshman group, like, they are fast. I mean, they are really, really fast.”
Freshmen got a lot of work in on day one, as Rhule noted that most Division I programs only give first-year students five reps per practice.
But the Huskers got about 40 reps, which is something legendary head coach Tom Osborne suggested in conversations with Rhule.
Several players also got to speak with the media, including wide receiver Billy Kemp IV, a transfer from the University of Virgina.
Rhule said Kemp has been a leader in the locker room, helping mentor the younger athletes.
“Our young players are pretty much further along because of the culture of our older players here and, you know, I really appreciate that,” he said.
Kemp said he wants to share his experience with anybody who needs help.
“All of our freshman receivers are hard workers,” he said. “I think that’s what really helps them out. They want to learn, they want to work, and they want to play.”
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