Rob Dvoracek breaks down transformed Husker linebacker group, high expectations
Nebraska linebacker coach Rob Dvoracek broke down his position group ahead of the beginning of the Huskers’ fall camp on the Huskers Radio Network.
Dvoracek’s group underwent lots of construction during this off-season. Luke Reimer and Nick Heinrich were a staple in Nebraska’s linebacker room but have both moved on.
In his second season at NU and as a position coach, Dvoracek said he feels more confident and comfortable in his role. He knows his players better and has a solid understanding of their abilities and ceilings.
Senior John Bullock has come into his own at linebacker. He took a huge leap in 2023. Dvoracek watched him grow this off-season as well. Bullock has become more confident at LB and has emerged as a leader.
The 3-2-1: 1890 Nebraska and NU will open up a Fall Camp practice to fans
“When we got here, he was playing safety/DB, and we moved him to the linebacker room,” the coach said. “Last year was really him trying to figure it all out and figure out what it takes to be a great player at that position.
“Now he’s got the experience, he played in games, he started games, so now he’s in the role of trying to help the younger guys. He’s way more confident than he’s ever been. He trusts himself. (Bullock) knows the system. He knows exactly what to do and how to do it.”
Mikai Gbayor will be another top ‘backer for the Huskers. He played his first snaps for NU last season and now has an opportunity to be a big-time contributor. He started four games while playing in all 12. Gbayor recorded 24 tackles, 3.0 for loss and 0.5 sacks.
Head Coach Matt Rhule and Dvoracek moved Javin Wright to linebacker after 353 snaps at safety in 2023. He has played cornerback, safety, nickel, and now linebacker as a Husker. Wright has no experience playing linebacker.
“Javin is an exceptional athlete. He’s big, he’s long, he can run,” Dvoracek said. “I’ve been forcing him to put weight on – good weight, obviously – but it’s going to be a long season. That transformation for him to get his body to what a linebacker needs to be able to do. He’s done a nice job. I have really high expectations for him, too, and he knows it.”
Nebraska added two transfer linebackers to its 2024 roster – Syracuse transfer Stefon Thompson and Montana transfer Vincent Genatone. Thompson participated this spring, while Genatone arrived in the summer.
Both have played in a 3-3-5 defense. Thompson played for Husker DC Tony White from 2020 to 2022. Dvoracek said both are adjusting to Nebraska and its standards. He praised Genatone’s speed and explosiveness.
True freshman Vincent Shavers Jr. made a huge splash this spring. Dvoracek said there is a place for the 6-foot-1, 205-pound backer on the field this fall. He’ll make sure of it.
“He’s an explosive athlete,” the 30-year-old said. “He loves football. You watch the way he plays, he physically runs, he plays sideline to sideline. So I think the guys in the room respect the way that he plays, with how hard he plays and how physical he plays. And obviously, when you have the ability to do that, we’re going to find a role for you. Obviously, you got to execute at a high level. But there’s a place for guys that play that way, and we’ll find a way over time to get him out there.”
Dvoracek has high expectations for his linebackers in 2024. He has a mixture of experience throughout the group but seems to feel hopeful about their progress and talent level.
It’s official: John Butler joins Nebraska staff
Notes:
***Sophomore Gabe Stenger and freshman Roger Gradney each made the move to linebacker this spring. Both moved from defensive back.
Stenger put on 30 pounds and now sits at 220 pounds. Dvoracek said Stenger and Gradney each have big, athletic frames. The elder backer has a good understanding of NU’s system, especially with his experience at DB. However, Stenger is still adjusting to playing in the box.
Gradney was moved to LB last in the spring, so he still needs to learn the position and college football.
***Redshirt freshman Jacob Bower has made “tremendous strides,” his coach said. He has also put on roughly 30 pounds to fit the linebacker mold.
***Dvoracek said he pushed Dylan Rogers hard this spring. After learning the system last season, the redshirt freshman needed reps. So, having three practice teams during the spring was huge for his development.
The post Rob Dvoracek breaks down transformed Husker linebacker group, high expectations appeared first on On3.
