Matt Rhule impressed by all three quarterbacks on the field for Nebraska
The expectations are high for Nebraska transfer quarterback Jeff Sims as he takes the reins of the Cornhuskers’ offense in the program’s first season under head coach Matt Rhule. But thus far during fall camp, Rhule has liked what he’s seen from all his quarterbacks, as he shared what’s stood out about that room on Tuesday.
“I think the quarterbacks are playing really well,” Rhule said. “Jeff has done a really good job, he’s understanding situationally what we want from him. Chubba [Purdy] has made huge leaps in my opinion. I thought he had a great summer, I think he’s having a really good camp, I’m really proud of Chubba. We came to him and challenged him in the spring and he’s done nothing but respond. It’s a credit to him and his family that a lot of kids now a days run and hide and Chubba’s took everything head on. And Heinrich [Haarberg] continues to grow and develop, so all three guys we have confidence in.”
Simms is the leader of the clubhouse, representing Nebraska at Big Ten Media Days this year following an impressive three-year stint at Georgia Tech where he threw for 4,464 yards and 30 touchdowns and rushed for 1,166 yards and 11 touchdowns.
But Purdy, who joined the team last offseason from Florida State, has impressed Rhule so far during fall camp with his ability to show growth from spring practices to right now.
“John Wooden used to say be quick but don’t hurry, and sometimes Chubba would play in the spring really quick, and fast, and jumpy, and trying to be perfect. A lot of times quarterbacks every play they’re trying to show how good they are instead of playing the play and to me Chubba’s just slowed down,” Rhule said.
The game slowing down for Purdy is a great sign after he appeared in six games last season with two starts. In those games he completed 22 of his 48 passes for 147 yards, also rushing 24 times for 73 yards and scoring twice on the ground.
This offseason he’s built on that foundation, improving as a player and as a leader by taking command of the team’s second offensive unit during fall camp.
“His feet aren’t antsy, he’s not running around, he’s trying to do too much, he’s taking what they give you and I just like the way he leads his group. They follow him,” Rhule said. “So he has all the physical tools, but just kind of letting it all settle down and come together is not easy. Especially when you’re not behind the first offensive line, but Chubba’s excelled.”
Depth is a coach’s best friend, especially at the quarterback position, and Rhule having confidence in his three top guys is definitely a great sign moving forward for Nebraska.