On Tuesday, Nebraska sophomore defensive lineman Blaise Gunnerson updated the media on the defensive line progress in Fall camp. Here are some of the highlights of what he said at his press conference after practice.
A Look at What Gunnerson Brings to Defensive Line
Throughout Gunnerson’s career with the Big Red, he has been mostly working as a reserve linebacker for the Huskers with not much production to his name. But, according to Gunnerson, new defensive line coach Terrance Knighton sees his potential at a “couple of different spots” on the defensive line. This is because he has the natural ability to not only “play fast and physical” but to “make plays” as well. On the other hand, he also has the perfect amount of knowledge of Tony White’s new scheme. But for all this optimism, there are still a few lingering questions that the coaches have to answer before the season opener against Minnesota. Will he be one of the starting linebackers to play against the Gophers? And will he play to his strengths on the line? Or will Luke Reimer and Nick Heinrich’s experience win the day? Either way, his progression will be interesting to watch during the rest of Fall camp.
Day 3 ☑️#GBR x #WhatsNExt! pic.twitter.com/HQZDf9fY09
— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFBNation) August 3, 2023
How NU’s Defensive Linemen are Raising the Standard
Since the beginning of Fall camp, Gunnerson and the rest of the defensive linemen have sought to challenge their own standards. But how is this accomplished? According to the sophomore, this is shown by their fast play and the idea that they must treat every single rep “like gold.” As a result of this, Nebraska’s defensive linemen have the necessary “energy and effort” to increase their productivity in practice. But they have one true test remaining. The team still has help with figuring out how to eat productively and in a nourishing manner at the training table. Helping them with this challenge is strength coach Corey Campbell by tracking their progress and eating with them. But he can’t watch them all day. The real challenge starts when they are alone. To help remedy this, Gunnerson is adamant that his fellow lineman “hold themselves to a high standard by eating the right things and eating healthy.”As a result of this, it will allow the players to allow themselves to buy-in to Knighton’s teachings.
Read more about Knighton’s position group here: Nebraska’s Depth At Positions of Need in 2023
Learning Under White
Under White’s 3-3-5 scheme, Syracuse was a dominant defense. The team was ranked 19th in total defense last year as well as seventh in defensive touchdowns. But can Nebraska produce similar results? Right now, it is really hard to say. But there is still hope for White. According to Gunnerson, this is due to the fact that he has done a really good job educating and “teaching (the players) up with great install sessions in the spring.” Now, it falls upon the defensive linemen to carry that knowledge into the Summer and beyond. One of the ways that this is accomplished? It starts with the fact that you have to be attentive to what the coaches tell you to do. It’s pretty common knowledge, but Gunnerson thinks that the players should listen to their advice because they have “seen the greats and how they operate.” And his hope is that these teachings will lead them to be “better football players” down the line.
The Defensive Line and Their Different Approach to Leading
It is said that every football team has a clash of different personalities. Some players like to be quiet and lead by example. And others like to be loud and aggressive. And Nebraska’s roster is no stranger to dealing with this dynamic in the past. But things are completely different about the Nebraska defensive line this year. Not only do they have an experienced head coach in Matt Rhule, but they also have Knighton’s NFL expertise. Because of this, these two coaches have made it more acceptable for them to emulate the example that they set in the room. On several occasions, this happens frequently to Gunnerson when he communicates with the “younger guys to do things a certain way.” But he is also a stickler for what he has to work on himself. He indicated that he is actively working on acting on what he preaches. As it is sometimes difficult to follow his own advise.
Photo courtesy: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports
