Friday Nebraska Fall Camp Nuggets: Quarterbacks take center stage
Nebraska’s 2024 camp is now in full swing, and Friday marked the first media appearance for the Husker quarterbacks of the fall.
Here is a full recap of what QB coach Glenn Thomas, offensive line coach Donovan Raiola, and NU’s three scholarship quarterbacks had to say…
*NOTE: Recaps from Nebraska’s quarterbacks will be added once they take the podium shortly.
Nebraska QB coach Glenn Thomas
***Thomas wouldn’t give a timeframe for charting Nebraska’s QB growth, saying only that “every day is an opportunity for growth.” They chart each practice and day their evaluation of the position day by day.
“Execution” and ball security are two of the most important aspects he watches.
***Thomas said the spring was a time for “macro evaluation,” whereas the fall is now “micro.” That means they’re focusing more on the finer details of the position rather than big-picture stuff.
***Thomas said Dylan Raiola continues to develop and has taken good steps from where he left off in the spring. “I think there’s a comfort level that continues to improve.”
***On eliminating turnovers by the QBs, Thomas said “decision-making” was as important of a component as anything. The QBs must be smart with the ball and not take necessary risks. That said, he doesn’t want to “take their stinger away” by not letting them be aggressive as passers.
***Thomas said NU had five quarterbacks on the 120-man fall camp roster. That includes Jalyn Gramstad and Bode Soukup.
***Thomas said Gramstad added experience and proven success to Nebraska’s quarterback room. Gramstad wants to be a coach, and Thomas sees similarities between him and Garret McGuire. As a player, Thomas said Gramstad “brings a nice skill set” to the room with his athleticism.
***Thomas said establishing headset communication with the QBs was “very similar” to what he did in the NFL. There are some simple “coaching points” they’ll use between plays, and he noted that there was a “fine line” between giving info and saying too much.
***Thomas said Haarberg was “everything you’re looking for” as a competitor, leader, and person. He praised Haarberg’s work ethic and athleticism.
***Thomas said allowing the quarterbacks to work with coaches outside of the program was fine as long as the players stuck with what Nebraska was teaching. He’ll never stop a QB from doing other things to get better, but he has to make sure guys are sticking to the principles NU is coaching.
***Thomas said Nebraska’s QBs were very confident in the wide receivers and tight ends. “I don’t think there’s any hesitation to let those guys go make a play.”
***Thomas said he likes “the multiplicity” of Nebraska’s offense. He said “the availblity to get to different schemes and get the ball to different players” had really stood out.
***Thomas praised Raiola’s “confidence” to be a leader despite being a true freshman. Raiola isn’t afraid to say things when needed and call plays with authority in the huddle and at the line.
Offensive line coach Donovan Raiola
***Raiola said Turner Corcoran was “an unbelievable teammate.” He’s competing with Teddy Prochazka at left tackle and those two were “the best of friends.”
“He just attacks everything. His mindset is just unbelievable.”
***Raiola said his unit had “an open dialog” and he loved when guys spoke up.
***Raiola said Dylan Raiola had done a “great job” acclimating at Nebraska. “He’s just one of the guys… What he says is who he is.”
***Raiola said he knew Dylan could be special back when he was two years old when they were watching a Patriots game on TV and Dylan said: “Tom Brady!”
***He said Preston Tuamua had “a humble confidence” and did everything he could to get better every day.
***Raiola said Micah Mazzccua had done a great job of “becoming part of the brotherhood.” He said that wasn’t always easy for new guys to come in and integrate into a new team.
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