Physicality vs. Health Balance a 'Work in Progress': Defensive Coordinator John Butler Meets with the Media

Butler talked about the number of players to keep in rotation for the defense.

"As many good players as you have," Butler said. "We try to rotate as many people as we can. I don't think there's a set number, but I think you'd like to be at least three-deep at corner, and then two-deep at each safety position, kind of have a rotational aspect of your D-line. I don't have a number in my head but you've obviously gotta have backups and then backups to those backups."

Butler said Tuesday's practice featured a lot of reps for younger players to get them "up to speed" and "up to the standard."

Something new for Butler is the amount of time he spends with the players. As a position coach, he was around the guys as much as anybody on the staff. As the defensive coordinator, his priorities each day have shifted.

"I'm not around the players as much as I'd like," Butler said. "There's a heavy burden of organization, of making sure that we're all aligned based on coach (Matt) Rhule's message and coach Rhule's desires, as far as where he wants our defense heading."

Planning and scripting and more management are Butler's main duties now. He said it can be "cumbersome at times", but he works to find time to join the players for meals or meetings, or interacting outside of the football facility.

Butler also discussed the defensive line, discussing "the narrative", the linebackers, developing competitive stamina, and more. His full media appearance, as well as those from defensive backs coach Addison Williams and a few players, will be posted below. Continue scrolling for more coverage from Tuesday.

Coverage

• Nebraska Athletics | Butler Discusses Physicality, Defensive Line
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