Matt Rhule provides takeaways from spring scrimmage

Matt Rhule was eager to talk about Nebraska’s offense and performance in its latest scrimmage during spring practice.

The Huskers’ offense was humming compared to the defense, but that’s to be expected earlier on. Generally, the defense has to play catch up to make adjustments.

Rhule mentioned how the quarterbacks really opened up on their dual threat capabilities.

“The offense really moved the ball well today,” Rhule said of his initial takeaways in the scrimmage. “You know, the offense looked ahead of the defense. I think a lot of it was the quarterbacks running. You get to practice and the quarterback drops back and we blow it dead. Well today, you know, today (they were trying to hit the quarterbacks and) you know, those guys bounced off and ran for big long plays. So that added a dynamic that we haven’t really exposed to the defense. 

“But I thought it was, you know, not a lot of penalties and we had Big Ten officials so it was good to get all that. It was my first time coaching in the stadium. So pretty cool.”

This is where Rhule can really implement his style of offense. If his college coaching career is any indication, Nebraska could be successful.

Since Rhule likes the abilities of dual threat quarterbacks, Georgia Tech transfer Jeff Sims is an enticing prospect. But, he’ll have to earn the job over returning starter Casey Thompson.

“Yeah, you know, I think he’s probably like everyone else,” Rhule said. “He’s trying to learn the system, learn the footwork, everything’s new for him. You know, I think Jeff brings a dynamic element into the game and that he can throw and run and he’s really smart and he’s a great teammate. And I think the guys really like him. I think he has natural leadership capabilities. So I’m excited to see what he does.”

Sims played 25 games at Georgia Tech and finished with 4,464 yards, 30 touchdowns, 23 interceptions, a 57.5% completion percentage, 1,152 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns.

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As a member of the Class of 2020, Sims was a four-star recruit out of Jacksonville (Fla.) Sandalwood, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 41 overall prospect in Florida, the No. 18 quarterback in the class and the No. 261 overall prospect in the class.