With fall camp fully in motion, Scott Frost is happy with what he’s seen.
In his first post-practice availability of the fall on Friday, Frost said while the group still has a lot of work to do, he’s been impressed.
“This is a great group of guys,” he said. “I think the best leadership we’ve had, the best overall attitude we’ve had.”
Friday’s practice highlighted those aspects for him. The Huskers will have a scrimmage tomorrow, and Frost said practices before a scrimmage aren’t always the best. That wasn’t the case today, as he said the team is “hungry” and he didn’t have to make sure the team was putting in full effort and intensity.
Frost has also had the opportunity to be more hands-off in other areas. He said that offensive coordinator Mark Whipple has been in control of the offense, and his own contributions aren’t as major. That’s been another enjoyable experience for the head coach.
“I think it was important that the kids become familiar with all the stuff that he wants to do,” Frost said. “There’s elements of it that we’ve done, I think we’ll add wrinkles and things that we’ve done. But trying to get overly involved every day probably wasn’t the right strategy. So I’ll help and I think we’ll end up with a good blend.”
When it comes to player leadership, the “tough, hard-working” Huskers have taken up that mantle. That’s lessened the load not only on Frost, but all of the coaching staff.
“It’s fun to see, when things are happening out there that aren’t up to those guys’ standards, other people hear about it and a lot of stuff is getting handled by the team that coaches used to have to handle,” he said.
On Monday, Mickey Joseph told media that he was still looking for leaders to step up in the wide receiver room. With a few new faces in that group, Frost said it’s difficult for a player to step in and immediately be the leader. That being said, he named Alante Brown as a player who has filled that role.
“He gets along with everybody,” Frost said. “There’s not anybody on the team with a better work ethic than him. And he kind of sets the example for everybody else right now.”
Beyond just the wide receivers, this Nebraska team features a lot of new faces. Frost said they’ve adapted well though, and the team’s leaders have made sure any new arrivals are embraced.
“It doesn’t feel like the old team and the new guys,” he said. “It feels like one team right now. And most of that has to do with the leadership on the team.”
More news and notes:
>> Frost said that the starting quarterback job is Casey Thompson’s to lose at the moment, and he’s been impressed with his play. He said Thompson had an offseason thumb procedure, and his play has “risen” from the spring. That being said, the other quarterbacks aren’t too far behind.
“I don’t know if (Thompson’s) separated himself, he’s just played well,” Frost said. “Other guys have played well, too. He’s obviously the guy with the most experience that we have. I want him to keep getting better. I want all the guys to keep getting better.”
>> Frost praised Ochaun Mathis’ impact on the team as well. Not only has he shined individually, but Frost said the play of fellow edge rushers Garrett Nelson, Caleb Tannor and Jimari Butler have improved since his arrival.
