Lincoln, Neb. – The Nebraska football team practiced in full pads for just over two hours on Tuesday in the Hawks Championship Center and the Ed and Joyanne Gass Practice Fields.

Defensive Coordinator Mark Banker spoke with the media following practice regarding how the defense continued making strides in practice today.

“We worked on a couple of things coverage-wise with our nickel package…We just continued to grind away.” Banker said.

Coach Banker also addressed the situation in the secondary and how the depth is looking for the defensive backfield.

“First we need to get all of our guys healthy.” Banker said. “We expect out of the five new guys that are coming in that we will be able to at least get two, maybe three guys prepped in some specific positions.”

Coach Banker continued to sing the praises of sophomore Freedom Akinmoladun and how he sees him playing a bigger role on the defensive line this fall.

“I think he has a better feel for that position as a defensive end. Every experience he had last season was new.” Banker said. “We think a ton of the guy and think he’s got a ton of ability and can really be an exceptional player for us.”

Nebraska’s annual Red-White Spring Game is set for Saturday, April 16 at Memorial Stadium, with kickoff at 1 p.m. Tickets are available at Huskers.com, or by calling the Nebraska Athletics Ticket Office at 1-800-8 BIG RED.