NU NOTEBOOK: Defensive line draws praise from coach

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Callahan praises defense, especially the line

Nebraska wrapped up a solid first week of spring drills on Saturday, said new Husker head coach Bill Callahan.

Callahan has been particularly impressed with the play of the defensive line.

"Those guys up front really generate some push against our pass protection," he said. "Overall, they're more complete as a position than I've seen."

Nebraska's first-string defensive line features tackles Le Kevin Smith and Titus Adams and ends Benard Thomas and Adam Carriker.

The entire defense has played well so far, Callahan said.

"We have linebackers who can come down hill and run and hit, and of course our secondary is very well versed and very athletic," he said.

The Huskers have practiced two days in sweat clothes and two in full pads. The Friday and Saturday workouts were conducted in Cook Pavilion.

"We're pleased with the effort and work we're getting," Callahan said. "We're still working on our execution. We're trying to get on track in terms of the throwing game."

Callahan said Nebraska struggled in a red zone drill geared for quarterbacks and wideouts.

"We didn't have the execution we needed," Callahan said. "So we'll go back to the drawing board next week."

Nebraska is scheduled to practice Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Callahan said the coaches will cut back on the amount of new things being installed.

"We'll really focus on the execution of the system,"Callahan said.

Nebraska will next week concentrate on only two new areas of emphasis - short-yardage and goal-line situations.

n SPECIALASSIGNMENTS:Husker outside linebackers coach Bill Busch has been assigned the lead role in coaching special teams, Callahan said. Busch, though, will have ample help. Tight ends coach Scott Downing, a holdover from the 2003 coaching staff, retains his role of working with the punters and kickers, while running backs coach Randy Jordan will coach the return men. Defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove, secondary coach Phil Elmassian and defensive line coach John Blake will assist with kickoff coverage and punt returns. "Essentially, the defensive unit will work punt return and kickoff cover, and the offense (staff) will work punt, PAT, field goals and kickoff return," Callahan said.

n INCOGNITOINJURY: Richie Incognito, Nebraska's All-Big 12 offensive lineman, sustained a sprained shoulder Saturday. Callahan said he was unsure of the severity of the injury. Overall, Callahan said, the Huskers emerged from week one without any major injuries. "I was pleased with the way guys practiced,"Callahan said. "They stayed on their feet and prevented a lot of unnecessary collisions and really respected each other."

n JUNIORORIENTATION:About 70 of the top high school juniors from around the nation were on hand for Saturday's practice as the Husker staff conducted "Junior Orientation Day." The coaches visited with the players and their families, helping provide exposure to the program and the university, Callahan said.

n QUOTABLE:Blake, on NU's defensive line:"I know I'm going to do the best I can to make these guys the best defensive line in college football. I don't know whether we'll get there this year or not. But I know what the future can hold, and this could be a dominant defensive line."

- Steven M. Sipple