Three guys go to Big Ten Media Days for Nebraska each year. But there are more than three guys on the football team. (Sorry, should have put the “Breaking News” tag in front there.) So one of the most popular questions every year for the three team reps is to talk about guys back home who have impressed, either in spring or summer workouts.
Here are the guys that Mo Barry, Khalil Davis and Adrian Martinez mentioned.
>> Barry’s Young Cats: The senior inside linebacker talked a lot about setting up his room for future success by doing the right things and being an example for his teammates. He called the new inside backers “young cats” and said that freshmen Jackson Hannah and Garrett Snodgrass in particular are taking to coaching really well.
>> The Monster: Barry mentioned senior outside backer Alex Davis a handful of times. The defensive lineman-turned-linebacker has settled into his role at the second level and had a standout spring. Davis pushed Tyrin Ferguson, the starter at that spot last year, into a rotation role with his play. Barry said Davis turned “into a complete monster this spring,” and really wanted to be in Chicago to represent the team.
>> Darrion Daniels: Everyone is impressed with Darrion Daniels, the grad transfer defensive tackle from Oklahoma State. Khalil Davis called him the fastest defensive lineman. When Daniels first got to campus in the winter months, he impressed guys by staying after metabolic training to run laps around the Hawks Championship Center.
>> A Loaded Tight End Room: Nebraska is still trying to figure out if it is going to get a waiver for Travis Vokolek, the transfer tight end from Rutgers, to become immediately eligible in 2019. Frost said the Huskers weren’t searching for a transfer at the spot, but he’s been close with Vokolek’s dad for a long time and knew the family.
Also, Frost says, the kid is really talented. So that helps.
“He’s got a ton of talent, I look forward to watching him,” he said. “All you have to do is watch him walk down the hall to realize he’s got some special things about him. We’re excited to have him in the program.”
Barry also said junior Jack Stoll has been “going off” in 7-on-7 work.
>> Noa: According to Frost, the Huskers also weren’t looking for a transfer to add to the wide receiver room until they landed Kanawai Noa from Cal. A graduate transfer, the 6-foot, 200-pound wideout had16 starts and 96 receptions for 1,267 yards and six touchdowns in four seasons with the Golden Bears.
“I think he fits us from a character standpoint and an attitude standpoint, as well as being a guy who can help us on the field,” Frost said. “Hearing really good things about him. I don’t get to watch them when they have a ball out there but the quarterbacks are telling me he already knows three receiver spots and is very reliable and understands how to run routes and get open. He’s a good addition to that room.”
>> Reloading the Run: Barry said Dedrick Mills, the JUCO transfer running back, has been hitting the weight room hard.
“Man, when I tell you he’s in the weight room working… he’s working. He reminds me of Devine (Ozigbo) a lot,” Barry said.”
Frost has heard similar things about the back.
“I’ve gotten really good feedback about Dedrick Mills since he’s been in the program, I think he’ll be able to give us a lot,” he said.
Derek is a newbie on the Hail Varsity staff covering Husker athletics. In college, he was best known as ‘that guy from Twitter.’ He has covered a Sugar Bowl, a tennis national championship and almost everything in between (except an NCAA men’s basketball tournament game… *tears*). In his spare time, he can be found arguing with literally anyone about sports.
