Nebraska's Ed Foley talks Alvano, recruiting process in first radio show
Nebraska special teams coordinator Ed Foley made his first appearance on the Huskers Radio Network during Wednesday’s National Signing Day show.
Foley, who has been a part of Matt Rhule’s coaching staff in nine of the last 11 seasons, has assembled four top 25 special teams units in his last five collegiate seasons. He spent the last three seasons with the Carolina Panthers and had previous college stops at Temple, Hofstra and Fordham among others.
Here is a recap of what Foley had to say.
Foley’s recruiting style
***Foley has been incredibly active on the recruiting trail throughout the last few weeks. The Cornhusker state has made a positive first impression.
“I love the energy of Lincoln,” Foley said. “I’ve been to Omaha a few times in the recruiting process and I think Eastern Nebraska is gonna be a great place to recruit and a great place to live.”
***It’s clear Foley appreciates the recruiting versatility that comes with being the special teams coordinator.
“You get to work with everybody on the team,” Foley said.
The Cherry Hill, New Jersey, native said getting out on the road and covering as much ground as possible has been key in the early going. Foley got to see some solid talent as a result of his efforts.
“Getting out locally and getting a feel for what the area was like, I got to see some great players,” Foley said. “I saw lineman, wide receivers, all different positions and it was great.”
***Working on this staff is akin to working with family according to Foley. Not everyone has been together for every step in their coaching journey. Some coaches are former players or pieces of a previous Rhule coaching staff. Yet, Foley said that this group still has a comfortability which makes it easier to operate on the road.
“We get right into having fun with each other, we trust each other’s evaluations, but we count on each other,” Foley said. “We’re not afraid to be like, ‘Hey, I really like this guy. Can you look at it real quick?’.”
Other members of the staff have helped evaluate kickers, and likewise Foley said he’s also had a hand with tight ends, receivers and offensive linemen.
***Foley’s stop at Runza made some social media waves earlier this month. He joked that he finds the players first and then his next objective is to locate the best local food. Foley said he got plenty of recommendations as he went through Nebraska neighborhoods.
“I’m not gonna come here, go recruiting and go to Chili’s,” Foley said. “There’s nothing wrong with Chili’s. It’s good, but I’m trying to get the local flavor. So, great players and great food in that first week.”
Evaluating Alvano, Nebraska’s high school talent
***When Foley looks at a potential scholarship kicker, one question immediately stands at the forefront. What types of kicks can he make? Foley said you assume the kicker has the leg, but can he make kicks under pressure?
Tristan Alvano checks that box. Foley said Alvano’s game-winning kick to claim the state title was a big factor.
“Now I have the comfort level knowing, not only did he make the kick but he made it on our home field, on college uprights, off the ground,” Foley said.
Foley said Alvano has proper size, athleticism and is a good kid to boot. Others who have seen him kick live have plenty of good things to say, too.
“There are some people out there who think that he is definitely one of the top two or three kickers in the country, and he’s right here in our backyard,” Foley said.
***Foley credited the previous staff for offering Alvano. Once he got involved, Foley said his first move was to assure Alvano that he was still going to be offered. Nebraska’s staff got into contact with the Westside product before they had even got out on the road.
“It was a great fit,” Foley said. “I think he’s gonna thrive here and I’m excited to coach him.”
***Retaining in-state talent is key for Foley. He said he didn’t realize Nebraska’s talent level until he got within its borders. Foley said it became evident right away.
“There are players in this state, and we’re getting them,” Foley said. “They’re coming to Nebraska. There’s some other schools that have gotten in here and made headway recruiting Nebraska. That’s over.”
The plan is simply to work harder.
“We’re gonna hit multiple coaches, multiple schools, we’re going to be in the schools more than anybody else,” Foley said.
