Nebraska finished its Saturday practice just before 1 p.m. starting the day with situational drills before progressing to a 90-play scrimmage.
Coach Mike Riley liked some of the work done by his offense, particularly the offensive line, which Riley said took a step up Saturday. The offense was efficient, Riley said, in its play-action passes and on third down.
Quick notes from scrimmage:
>> Running back Tre Bryant returned to camp after missing practice the last two days. Riley said if Nebraska doesn't have a clear-cut leader at running back by the end of next week, NU will go with a rotation. Riley said he has an "idea" of what he wants to do, but it's not clear yet. So next week.
>> Wide receiver JD Spielman didn't practice Saturday, Riley said, but had been consistently making jumps before then and was an example of a young player exuding more confidence on the field. Other players in that category: Linebacker Mohamed Barry, linebacker Dedrick Young, and defensive line twins Carlos and Khalil Davis.
>> Freshman receiver Tyjon Lindsey made a jump Saturday, Riley said, and needs to keep developing. The key for Lindsey, Riley said, is to know his assignments so he doesn't play "tentative."
>> Quarterback Tristan Gebbia gets his own category, because Riley loves the work the true freshman is doing. Riley said he thinks Gebbia would be game-ready this fall if he's needed — he won't be so long as
starter Tanner Lee stays healthy — because Gebbia has picked the game up quickly and works as hard at the job as coaches do.
Gebbia also has rare vision for a freshman, Riley said, and makes throws that cause the coach to say "oh-mi-gosh."
Asked if Gebbia had shown him anything in camp that moves Riley off of his preference to redshirt him, Riley said, "Yes."
>> Patrick O'Brien, ostensibly the backup quarterback, had a strong day, leading "two great drives" during the scrimmage. Riley continues to be bullish on his quarterback room.
>> Riley also said he thinks the Husker tight ends can be more than just serviceable this season, but major factors. He praised senior Tyler Hoppes — who has stepped into his role, Riley said, "like a man" — and younger tight ends Jack Stoll, Matt Snyder and walk-on Brandon Hohenstein.
>> Riley continued to praise his team's "no drama" attitude and chemistry in camp.