Kevin Cosgrove paused after hearing the question: Coach, what’s the best defense you’ve ever coached?

After a couple of “Hmmms,” the Nebraska defensive coordinator offered this response: “I think this one here can be very good,” Cosgrove said. “I’ve had some great ones, though.”

He then refers to his 1998 and 1999 Wisconsin defenses that helped the Badgers win two Rose Bowls. The 1998 group ranked among the top 10 nationally in all four major defensive categories. In 1999, Wisconsin ranked fifth nationally in points allowed.

The 2006 Nebraska defense? Cosgrove seems cautiously optimistic, saying he’s looking for more consistency, and that the defense needs to continue to develop and improve as a whole.

But — like the word or not — there seems to be potential for something good. Maybe really good.

Did that, in any way, entice Cosgrove to bypass a professional coaching offer and return for his third season with Nebraska?

“I didn’t want to change things, just because there’s been so much change already,” said Cosgrove, who turned down a higher-paying job as linebackers coach with the Minnesota Vikings. 

“You make decisions like that, and there’s a lot of people involved in those decisions. Family, players, coaches. I did what I thought was best.”

Nebraska would seem to benefit. For one, the Huskers will have players who’ve grown under Cosgrove’s system. Then consider the upgrade in talent in just the past year — players like Steve Octavien, Zack Bowman and Barry Turner come to mind — and you’ve got the makings of something good.

“I think it’s obvious that we’ve brought some kids in that can play,” Cosgrove said. “(But) the biggest thing is these kids have been in the system now. This is the third year. They have a really good understanding of our system. I think they have a good understanding of how we coach and how to react to our coaching. That’s the biggest difference.”

The defense certainly had the upper hand Monday, dominating a situational scrimmage in Memorial Stadium. In a 25-play period, the defense collected four sacks, shut down a running game that’s been looking good, and forced — key word being forced — one turnover.

“We bounced back a little bit today,” Cosgrove said.

The turnover came when linebacker Corey McKeon stripped fullback Dane Todd after a reception. Cornerback Bowman picked up the ball and returned it some 40 yards for a touchdown.

“It’s just getting the ball out when the receiver catches it,” Bowman said of creating turnovers, a point of emphasis this spring. “Trying to knock the ball out or strip it. Just get it out of his hands.”

That a linebacker created a turnover Monday should probably come as no surprise. This linebacker corps, when healthy, could be the best, overall, Nebraska’s had in several years.

Certainly among the best Cosgrove has coached.

“This could be as good a group as I’ve ever had — total group,” Cosgrove said of the linebackers. “We’re strong at all the positions. It’s a shame that we didn’t have everybody healthy in the spring, because I didn’t quite get the competition that I would’ve liked to had.

“I think guys competed, but when you’ve got a guy pushing you every snap, I think it makes a little bit of a difference.”

Weakside linebacker Bo Ruud and strongside linebacker Stewart Bradley have been limited in practice this spring while recovering from injuries. But Octavien, a weakside linebacker who missed virtually all of last season with a broken leg, has been quite disruptive.

In a practice last Wednesday, each of Nebraska’s top three running backs was momentarily sidelined after suffering brutal hits from the 6-foot, 240-pound Octavien.

“The one thing about Steve, he’s got a tremendous motor,” Cosgrove said. “But he still has a ways to go as far as his checks and things like that. We’re looking for the exactness in his play, and that’s got to continue to develop.”

Of course, questions remain at safety, although Cosgrove said Tierre Green and Andrew Shanle are “taking steps every day” and have done good things. Along the defensive interior, where Nebraska must replace two starters, Cosgrove said Ola Dagunduro and Barry Cryer have been impressive, and that Ndamukong Suh and Ty Steinkuhler will make the interior strong by providing quality depth.

Reach Brian Rosenthal at 473-7436 or brosenthal@journalstar.com.