Blackshirts not resting on prior success, look to make another jump in 2024
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LINCOLN, NEB. - Nebraska's defense was one of the best pieces in their 2023 campaign, finishing the year as a top 15 total defense in the nation.
However, the Huskers aren't resting on their laurels, but looking to make an even bigger jump this season.
"They want to win," Head Coach Matt Rhule said. "Last year they said they don't want to be the reason why we lose, I want the defense to be the reason why we win. Start scoring touchdowns, change games."
"We're going to be the reason we win games," Defensive lineman Nash Hutmacher said. "No matter what's happening on the other side of the ball or special teams, we're going to be the reason we win games. That's going to help us not be complacent and continue to get better."
In their first year under defensive coordinator Tony White, Nebraska ranked 11th in the nation in total defense and fifth in the Big Ten. Now, with White returning to Nebraska, linebackers John Bullock and Javin Wright say the unit is more comfortable, now knowing the system.
"Last year, we were deer in headlights," Wright said. "Now everyone's calmed down, nerves are down, we know what to expect now and we can go attack."
"Last year was transitioning into it, this year we're much more comfortable with ourselves and understand what the standard is." Bullock said.
One new piece to the defense is a new defensive backs coach, in the form of John Butler. After coaching six years with the Buffalo Bills in the NFL, Tony White says the 30 year coaching veteran is exactly what Nebraska needs.
"When you see him he's an old school Philly guy, you don't really know how he's going to come across," White said. "But then you talk to him, he's like 'Bam, bam, bam, let me go, let me do this' so he's exactly what they need right now."